A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cocoa Beach vs. San Francisco for Attractions, Food, Families, and Beaches

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco. 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a outdoorsy, quirky, and eccentric coastal city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. San Francisco is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and beaches. See San Francisco travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or San Francisco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Francisco. Although Cocoa Beach and San Francisco are popular destinations, San Francisco has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Francisco is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, music, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cocoa Beach attracts visitors for its resorts. San Francisco is more touristy than Cocoa Beach and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also well known for The Golden Gate Bridge. Cocoa Beach is famous for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.

How is Cocoa Beach different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, San Francisco has many famous sights for visitors. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

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.

Is Cocoa Beach or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a good destination for its shows and theatre. However, Cocoa Beach is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Cocoa Beach is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through San Francisco, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cocoa Beach makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Cocoa Beach or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

San Francisco has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Cocoa Beach or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a good destination for its music scene. However, Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or San Francisco Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach and San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is considered a top beach destination. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Is Cocoa Beach or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

San Francisco is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or San Francisco?

San Francisco is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to San Francisco specifically to go shopping. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

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 San Francisco More Beautiful?

San Francisco is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

San Francisco is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. With its dramatic Golden Gate Bridge, and the many beautiful hills with striking views of the city and bay, San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or San Francisco Better for Families?

Both Cocoa Beach and San Francisco are world-class family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cocoa Beach is very family-friendly. 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, San Francisco is a very family-friendly destination. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Is Cocoa Beach or San Francisco Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach and San Francisco 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 San Francisco frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Cocoa Beach or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco 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 San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco Better for Students?

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

Many students visit San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

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

San Francisco is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

San Francisco has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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).

Is Cocoa Beach or San Francisco a more walkable city?

San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is a very walkable destination. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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 San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or San Francisco?

Both Cocoa Beach and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in Cocoa Beach or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adventurous destination of Cocoa Beach. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

San Francisco is a quirky coastal city where you can fill many days. 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 San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cocoa Beach. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco is a quirky big city where you can fill many days. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This coastal 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 San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of Cocoa Beach. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco is a outdoorsy coastal city where you can fill many days. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 San Francisco?

You'll find food and shopping around the beach town of Cocoa Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cocoa Beach and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 San Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and San Francisco. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than San Francisco in the summer. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or San Francisco in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as San Francisco. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 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 San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

In January, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or San Francisco in the Spring?

Both San Francisco and Cocoa Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than San Francisco in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 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 San Francisco and Cocoa Beach