A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cocoa Beach vs. Saint Augustine for Families, Attractions, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Saint Augustine?

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 Saint Augustine. 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 fun-filled, relaxing, and adventurous beach town. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Cocoa Beach and Saint Augustine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Saint Augustine?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Cocoa Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cocoa Beach is more popular for its resorts. Cocoa Beach is well known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Saint Augustine is well known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Saint Augustine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Saint Augustine and Cocoa Beach.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

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

Both Cocoa Beach and Saint Augustine offer great 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Is Cocoa Beach or Saint Augustine Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cocoa Beach and Saint Augustine.

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.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Cocoa Beach or Saint Augustine Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Cocoa Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Saint Augustine Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach and Saint Augustine both offer great beaches.

Many people visit Cocoa Beach for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Saint Augustine is considered a top beach destination. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Is Cocoa Beach or Saint Augustine Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Cocoa Beach does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine has a world-famous historical area. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Cocoa Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Saint Augustine?

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for shopping. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Is Cocoa Beach or Saint Augustine Better for Families?

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

Cocoa Beach is an amazing family-friendly beach town to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Augustine is very family-friendly. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Is Cocoa Beach or Saint Augustine Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach and Saint Augustine both great 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 Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options 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 mostly limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Is Cocoa Beach or Saint Augustine a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

Cocoa Beach is somewhat walkable. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Augustine or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Saint Augustine?

It's fun to spend time in either Cocoa Beach or Saint Augustine. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cocoa Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 3-4 days is enough time in Saint Augustine.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Saint Augustine. 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 Saint Augustine than Cocoa Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint Augustine that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Cocoa Beach 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Saint Augustine?

The adventurous destination of Cocoa Beach offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 colonial city of Saint Augustine. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Saint Augustine?

The beach town of Cocoa Beach offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Saint Augustine. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city 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 Saint Augustine?

Cocoa Beach is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This beach town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

The historic city of Saint Augustine offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Saint Augustine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cocoa Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Augustine. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Saint Augustine, we can see that Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Saint Augustine?

Cocoa Beach has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Saint Augustine, 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 Saint Augustine?

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 Saint Augustine in the Summer?

Both Saint Augustine and Cocoa Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Saint Augustine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cocoa Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Saint Augustine averages at about 82°F (28°C).

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Saint Augustine in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Saint Augustine. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cocoa Beach is generally a little warmer than Saint Augustine. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Saint Augustine. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Saint Augustine in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Saint Augustine. The winter months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year.

Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Saint Augustine in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in January than Saint Augustine. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Saint Augustine in the Spring?

Both Saint Augustine and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Saint Augustine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Saint Augustine averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Augustine. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Saint Augustine and Cocoa Beach