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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Vail?

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 Vail. 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Vail

Vail is a resort-filled, charming, and picturesque ski town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Cocoa Beach and Vail: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Vail?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vail. Although Cocoa Beach and Vail are both popular with visitors, Vail has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Vail is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cocoa Beach is known for its museums, food, and beaches. Vail is more touristy than Cocoa Beach and is known for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. It is also home to The Vail Ski Resort. Cocoa Beach is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Vail?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vail and Cocoa Beach. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Cocoa Beach or Vail Better for Skiing?

Vail is very popular for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cocoa Beach is not a skiing destination.

Vail is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. This ski town has produced its share of Olympians. Vail is the third largest ski resort in the US and it has 31 lifts and 195 runs. There are five different bowls that offer beautiful views.

Cocoa Beach is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cocoa Beach or Vail?

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for its historical sights. However, Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Vail is not as popular, but is still a nice ski town 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 Vail area. The town has a diverse sampling of restaurants that include different ethnic options as well as taverns with comfort food. It's easy to find mountain-friendly restaurants where you can refuel during your ski vacation.

Is Cocoa Beach or Vail Better for Nightlife?

Vail is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Vail has a large number of nightlife venues. Happy Hours start early, and then the partying can go late into the night. There are bars, lounges, breweries and live music that keep the atmosphere light and offer entertainment after your long day on the slopes. Do keep in mind that many places close or dramatically reduce their hours during the off-peak fall and spring months.

Cocoa Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

Is Cocoa Beach or Vail Better for Music?

Vail 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 Vail. You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.

Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Vail Better for Resorts?

Vail is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Vail to choose from. Designed as a resort town, Vail offers great accommodation. Nice resorts include Four Seasons Resort and Residences, the Ritz Carlton Club, and the Grand Hyatt.

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.

Is Cocoa Beach or Vail Better for Beaches?

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

Vail is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Vail Better for Hiking?

Vail 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 Vail. During the warmer months, this resort town is surrounded by world-class hiking trails. You can enjoy the wildflowers, search for wildlife, or take in the sweeping mountain views. Popular hikes near Vail include Booth Falls, Davos Trail, and Shrine Ridge.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Vail?

Vail 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 Vail. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and ski shops that sell everything from evening dresses to outdoor gear. It's easy to pop into the many shops around downtown Vail and find anything you might need.

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 Vail Better for Christmas?

Vail is very popular for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Cocoa Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Vail offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. The town is a winter wonderland during the holidays. Check out the iconic Christmas tree lighting and wander through the fairytale streets.

Cocoa Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cocoa Beach or Vail Better for Christmas Markets?

Vail is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Cocoa Beach does not offer Christmas markets.

Vail is a popular destination to visit Christmas markets. The town's Christmas Market is picturesque, and the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts.

Cocoa Beach does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cocoa Beach or Vail Better for Families?

Both Cocoa Beach and Vail are amazing 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, Vail is a very family-friendly destination. With its world class skiing, rock climbing, ice skating, and ice cream, kids love this ski resort. The resort town has two terrain parks - Golden Peak and Avanti. Avanti is perfect for kids. It has small jumps, wide rails, and kid-friendly amenities. Golden Peak is designed for more advanced athletes. Vail also has nice beginner slopes that are great for kids.

Is Cocoa Beach or Vail Better for Couples?

Vail is very popular for couples. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Vail is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy skiing and outdoor adventure will appreciate everything that this ski town has to offer. There are nice restaurants, beautiful gardens, and plenty of romantic activities to choose from.

Couples visit Cocoa Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

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

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Vail. This ski town isn't completely closed off to budget travelers as there are a couple of hostels around town.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cocoa Beach and Vail.

Cocoa Beach has some public transit options. 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).

You'll find some public transit in Vail, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a free bus service through the area.

Is Cocoa Beach or Vail a more walkable city?

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Vail. The main downtown is pedestrian-only and perfect for popping in shops and restaurants.

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 Vail Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vail or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Vail?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vail 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 Vail.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Vail?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Cocoa Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Vail is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the skiing. 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 Vail?

Cocoa Beach is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Vail might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This ski town 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 Vail?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the relaxing destination of Cocoa Beach. This beach town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Even though Vail is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Vail?

The fun-filled beach town of Cocoa Beach offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Vail is a small town where visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the skiing. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this ski town.

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 Vail, we can see that Vail 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 Vail would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vail 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 Vail Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Vail?

Cocoa Beach has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vail. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Vail, 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.