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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Roanoke?

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 Roanoke. 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. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Cocoa Beach and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Roanoke?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Roanoke are popular destinations, Cocoa Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cocoa Beach is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, and beaches, while Roanoke attracts visitors for its hiking. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Roanoke and is known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. It is also well known for the Kennedy Space Center. Roanoke is famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Roanoke 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 Roanoke?

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for its historical sights. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cocoa Beach has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Cocoa Beach or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Roanoke has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Cocoa Beach or Roanoke Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Roanoke Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for the beach. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Roanoke 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 Roanoke. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Roanoke?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Cocoa Beach and Roanoke.

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.

Roanoke is a great destination for shopping. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Cocoa Beach or Roanoke Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Cocoa Beach or Roanoke Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach and Roanoke both superb 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 Roanoke frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Is Cocoa Beach or Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cocoa Beach is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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 Roanoke Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

While Cocoa Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 generally limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Cocoa Beach or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not 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.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Roanoke?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cocoa Beach and Roanoke. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cocoa Beach than in Roanoke. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Roanoke.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Roanoke. 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 Roanoke. 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 Roanoke?

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 shopping when visiting the scenic town of Roanoke. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Roanoke?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Roanoke. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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 Roanoke?

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 laid back town of Roanoke offers museums and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Roanoke?

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 shopping when visiting Roanoke. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 comparing the travel costs between Cocoa Beach and Roanoke, we can see that Roanoke is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Roanoke Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Roanoke?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Roanoke in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Roanoke. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Roanoke receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Roanoke in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Roanoke. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Roanoke in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Roanoke averages at about 60°F (16°C).

Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Roanoke. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Roanoke in the Winter?

Both Roanoke and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Roanoke for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Roanoke can be very cold during winter. In January, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 38°F (3°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Roanoke in the Spring?

Both Roanoke and Cocoa Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months.

Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Roanoke in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in April than Roanoke. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Cocoa Beach