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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Raleigh?

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 Raleigh. 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 adventurous, fun-filled, and relaxing beach town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Raleigh

Raleigh is a friendly, southern, and student-friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cocoa Beach and Raleigh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Raleigh?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Raleigh are popular destinations, Cocoa Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cocoa Beach is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Raleigh attracts visitors for its big city activities. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Raleigh and is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. It is also well known for the Kennedy Space Center. Raleigh is famous for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Raleigh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cocoa Beach is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Cocoa Beach offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Raleigh is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids Museum.

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

Cocoa Beach is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Cocoa Beach is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Raleigh. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.

Is Cocoa Beach or Raleigh Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cocoa Beach and Raleigh.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Raleigh has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.

Is Cocoa Beach or Raleigh Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its resorts. However, Raleigh is not a resort destination.

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.

Raleigh is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Raleigh Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is well known for the beach. However, Raleigh is not a beach destination.

Cocoa Beach is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Raleigh is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Raleigh?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Cocoa Beach to go shopping. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Raleigh Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Cocoa Beach is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Raleigh offers lots of family activities. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.

Is Cocoa Beach or Raleigh Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is well known for couples. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for romance.

Couples visit Cocoa Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

Raleigh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.

Is Cocoa Beach or Raleigh Better for Students?

Raleigh is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

Many students visit Raleigh. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

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

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its public transit. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Cocoa Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 quite limited in Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.

Is Cocoa Beach or Raleigh a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for its walkability.

Cocoa Beach is a somewhat walkable beach town. 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.

Raleigh is generally not a very walkable beach town. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Raleigh or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Raleigh?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cocoa Beach and Raleigh. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cocoa Beach than in Raleigh. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Raleigh.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Raleigh. 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 Raleigh. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Raleigh if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Cocoa Beach.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Raleigh?

In Cocoa Beach, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This beach town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the suburban-style city of Raleigh. 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 Raleigh?

In Cocoa Beach, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cocoa Beach has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the suburban-style destination of Raleigh. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cocoa Beach or Raleigh?

Cocoa Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cocoa Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The friendly city of Raleigh offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Cocoa Beach or Raleigh?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cocoa Beach. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cocoa Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Raleigh. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Raleigh, we can see that Raleigh 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 Raleigh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Raleigh 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 Raleigh Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Raleigh?

Raleigh has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Raleigh, 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 Raleigh?

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 Raleigh in the Summer?

Both Raleigh and Cocoa Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Raleigh for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Raleigh in the summer. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Raleigh fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

Raleigh gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Raleigh. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Raleigh in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Raleigh. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Raleigh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Raleigh. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Raleigh averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Raleigh. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Raleigh in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Raleigh. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Raleigh for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Raleigh can be very cold during winter. In January, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Raleigh. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Raleigh fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in January than Raleigh. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Raleigh in the Spring?

Both Raleigh and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the activities around the city.

Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Raleigh in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Raleigh fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Raleigh. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Raleigh and Cocoa Beach