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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Sarasota?

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 Sarasota. 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 relaxing, adventurous, and fun-filled beach town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a entertaining, underrated, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Cocoa Beach and Sarasota: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Sarasota?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Sarasota are both popular with visitors, Cocoa Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cocoa Beach is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. It is also home to the Kennedy Space Center. Sarasota is popular for its sandy beaches and its fun activities.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Sarasota?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Sarasota 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.

Sarasota offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

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

Cocoa Beach is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cocoa Beach has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sarasota area. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

Is Cocoa Beach or Sarasota Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cocoa Beach and Sarasota.

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.

Sarasota has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

Is Cocoa Beach or Sarasota Better for Resorts?

There are good resorts to choose from in both Cocoa Beach and Sarasota.

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.

Sarasota has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Is Cocoa Beach or Sarasota Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is great for the beache. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

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.

Sarasota is a good option for a beach vacation. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Sarasota?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Cocoa Beach and Sarasota.

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.

Sarasota is a great destination for shopping. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

Is Cocoa Beach or Sarasota Better for Families?

Both Cocoa Beach and Sarasota are terrific 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, Sarasota is a very family-friendly destination. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

Is Cocoa Beach or Sarasota Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is great for its romantic activities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

Sarasota is a good beach town for couples to visit. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

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

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Sarasota 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 Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

Is Cocoa Beach or Sarasota a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Cocoa Beach is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Sarasota is generally not very walkable. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarasota or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Sarasota?

In either Cocoa Beach or Sarasota, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Cocoa Beach has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Sarasota. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

The beach town of Cocoa Beach offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the entertaining city of Sarasota. 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 Sarasota?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this beach town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cocoa Beach, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the underrated destination of Sarasota. 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 Sarasota?

Cocoa Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cocoa Beach, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing city of Sarasota. 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 Sarasota?

Cocoa Beach is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This beach town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sarasota. 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 Sarasota, we can see that Sarasota 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota 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 Sarasota Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Sarasota?

Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Sarasota, 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 Sarasota?

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 Sarasota in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Sarasota. The summer months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year.

In July, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Sarasota fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Sarasota 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 Sarasota. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Sarasota in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Sarasota. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene.

Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Sarasota in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 77°F (25°C) in October, and Sarasota 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 Sarasota. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Sarasota in the Winter?

Both Sarasota and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Sarasota in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Sarasota. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cocoa Beach in January average around 63°F (17°C), and Sarasota averages at about 59°F (15°C).

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

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Sarasota in the Spring?

Both Sarasota and Cocoa Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches during these months.

In April, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 73°F (23°C), and Sarasota fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

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

Typical Weather for Sarasota and Cocoa Beach