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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Saint Petersburg?

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 Petersburg. 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. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Cocoa Beach and Saint Petersburg: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Cocoa Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cocoa Beach is well known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Saint Petersburg is well known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Saint Petersburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

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

Both Cocoa Beach and Saint Petersburg offer high quality 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 Petersburg makes for a great culinary experience. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Is Cocoa Beach or Saint Petersburg Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Petersburg has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Cocoa Beach or Saint Petersburg Better for Resorts?

There are notable resorts to choose from in both Cocoa Beach and Saint Petersburg.

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.

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Is Cocoa Beach or Saint Petersburg Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is very popular for the beach. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Saint Petersburg offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Saint Petersburg?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Cocoa Beach and Saint Petersburg.

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.

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for shopping. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Is Cocoa Beach or Saint Petersburg Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

Cocoa Beach is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Saint Petersburg is a very kid-friendly beach town. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Is Cocoa Beach or Saint Petersburg Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach and Saint Petersburg both high quality 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 Petersburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

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

Cocoa Beach is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination 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 Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Is Cocoa Beach or Saint Petersburg a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach is very good for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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

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

How long in Cocoa Beach or Saint Petersburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Cocoa Beach or Saint Petersburg. 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 2-4 days is enough time in Saint Petersburg.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the underrated coastal city of Saint Petersburg. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 Petersburg?

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 underrated destination of Saint Petersburg. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal 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 Saint Petersburg?

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.

The underrated coastal city of Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg?

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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Petersburg. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cocoa Beach and Saint Petersburg, we can see that Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Saint Petersburg?

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

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 Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Saint Petersburg. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Saint Petersburg 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 around the same amount of rain as Saint Petersburg. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Saint Petersburg. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Saint Petersburg. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

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

Both Saint Petersburg and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Saint Petersburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Petersburg. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Saint Petersburg and Cocoa Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year.

In the spring, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in April than Saint Petersburg. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Cocoa Beach