A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cocoa Beach vs. Pocono Mountains for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cocoa Beach and Pocono Mountains. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a relaxing, adventurous, and fun-filled beach town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a beautiful, magnificent, and relaxing region. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Cocoa Beach and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although Cocoa Beach and Pocono Mountains are both popular with visitors, Pocono Mountains has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pocono Mountains is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cocoa Beach is known for its museums, food, nightlife, and beaches. Cocoa Beach is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Pocono Mountains is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also home to Bushkill Falls.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pocono Mountains and Cocoa Beach. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cocoa Beach is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Cocoa Beach is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains?

Cocoa Beach is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cocoa Beach. The town's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center is a big appeal for space enthusiasts. It's easy to take advantage of the great beaches and then spend a day exploring the space center. Also in town is the Florida Surf Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pocono Mountains. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

Is the Food Better in Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cocoa Beach is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Cocoa Beach. Seafood is the obvious choice in this beach town. Head to Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier for some great restaurants. In addition to seafood options, you'll find steakhouses, bistros, and pizza shops.

Pocono Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Is Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach is a beach town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cocoa Beach. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

Is Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

There are good resorts to choose from in both Cocoa Beach and Pocono Mountains.

Cocoa Beach has a few great resort options. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Pocono Mountains has a handful of resorts to choose from. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Is Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is notable for the beache. However, Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Cocoa Beach attract visitors from all over. There are long stretches of sand that are great for swimming, surfing, water sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The most popular area is around Cocoa Beach Pier. For family-friendly, head to James H. Nance Park which also has a playground. If you have a dog, Canova Beach Park is your best option.

Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Pocono Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Cocoa Beach and Pocono Mountains.

Cocoa Beach has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Pocono Mountains is a great destination for shopping. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Is Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Cocoa Beach is an extremely popular beach town to visit for families. It's right by the Kennedy Space Center, which is a great excursion for kids and adults alike. There's also the Brevard Zoo, amazing beaches, and great parks where the kids can run around.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pocono Mountains. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

Is Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach and Pocono Mountains both very good destinations for a couple.

Cocoa Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

Couples visit Pocono Mountains frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

Is Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cocoa Beach is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

Cocoa Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there aren't any hostels in the area, there are some affordable hotels away from the beach.

Is Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cocoa Beach is a beach town with good options for its public transit. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

Cocoa Beach has a few public transit options. You can hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley to access many sights in the area. It's a service provided by the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT).

Public transit is mostly limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Is Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach is a beach town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

Cocoa Beach is a somewhat walkable place. For the most walkable areas stay near the town center. In general, you'll want to have a car to access most of what the area has to offer though.

Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable beach town. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains?

Both Cocoa Beach and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than in Cocoa Beach. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pocono Mountains.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Pocono Mountains. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cocoa Beach, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Pocono Mountains. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cocoa Beach that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find food and shopping around the adventurous destination of Cocoa Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the scenic region of Pocono Mountains. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find shopping and museums around the adventurous beach town of Cocoa Beach. If you have a weekend, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Pocono Mountains. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This region offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains?

Cocoa Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing region of Pocono Mountains. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains?

Cocoa Beach is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the destination of Pocono Mountains. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this region.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cocoa Beach and Pocono Mountains, we can see that Pocono Mountains is more expensive. And not only is Cocoa Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cocoa Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cocoa Beach and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Pocono Mountains would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pocono Mountains than you might in Cocoa Beach.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cocoa Beach Expensive? and Is Pocono Mountains Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains?

Cocoa Beach has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Pocono Mountains, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Pocono Mountains. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cocoa Beach is generally a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Pocono Mountains. Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Pocono Mountains. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Pocono Mountains and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Pocono Mountains in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 77°F (25°C) in October, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Pocono Mountains. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

Both Pocono Mountains and Cocoa Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Pocono Mountains. In the winter, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cocoa Beach in January average around 63°F (17°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in January than Pocono Mountains. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Pocono Mountains. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 73°F (23°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Cocoa Beach