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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches.

Cocoa Beach and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Virginia Beach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Virginia Beach are both popular with visitors, Cocoa Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cocoa Beach is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, and shopping, while Virginia Beach is known for its impressive beauty. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. It is also home to the Kennedy Space Center. Virginia Beach is popular for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach is great for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cocoa Beach can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cocoa Beach is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Cocoa Beach or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Virginia Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Is Cocoa Beach or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Virginia Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Is Cocoa Beach or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cocoa Beach. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Virginia Beach. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Virginia Beach?

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cocoa Beach. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

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

Virginia Beach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

Is Cocoa Beach or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

Virginia Beach is a good beach town for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Cocoa Beach or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

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

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach 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 limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Cocoa Beach or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Virginia Beach?

Both Cocoa Beach and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Cocoa Beach. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia 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 Cocoa Beach.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Virginia Beach?

In Cocoa Beach, you'll find museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled coastal city of Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach?

Cocoa Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the bustling destination of Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cocoa Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the bustling coastal city of Virginia 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 Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beach town of Cocoa Beach. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Virginia Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

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 Virginia Beach, we can see that Cocoa Beach 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 Virginia Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Virginia Beach. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

Virginia Beach 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 more rain than Virginia Beach. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Virginia Beach. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the natural beauty of the area.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Virginia Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 77°F (25°C) in October, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Virginia Beach. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

Both Virginia Beach 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 cuisine are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

It's quite cold in Virginia Beach in the winter. In the winter, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cocoa Beach in January average around 63°F (17°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 39°F (4°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

Both Virginia Beach and Cocoa Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 73°F (23°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Virginia Beach. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Cocoa Beach