A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Cocoa Beach for Resorts, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Cocoa Beach?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Puerto Vallarta and Cocoa Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a coastal, colorful, and laid-back town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a adventurous, fun-filled, and relaxing beach town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Puerto Vallarta and Cocoa Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Cocoa Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations, Puerto Vallarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Cocoa Beach attracts visitors for its museums. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Cocoa Beach is famous for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Cocoa Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Cocoa Beach specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Puerto Vallarta is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Puerto Vallarta and Cocoa Beach.

Dining out in Puerto Vallarta is an experience not to be missed. The charming character combined with the authentic local cuisine makes for a wonderful culinary experience. There's everything from taco stands to romantic restaurants that you can try.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cocoa Beach. 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 Puerto Vallarta or Cocoa Beach Better for Nightlife?

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

Puerto Vallarta has a large number of nightlife venues. You'll find a mix of active clubs, cozy bars, and cosmopolitan cafes. Head to the Romantic Zone or Los Muertos Beach for some of the best places.

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 Puerto Vallarta or Cocoa Beach Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Puerto Vallarta for its luxury resorts. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

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 Puerto Vallarta or Cocoa Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cocoa Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Puerto Vallarta. Divers in the area may get to experience once in a lifetime opportunities like diving with manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, hammerheads, or schools of jacks.

Cocoa Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cocoa Beach Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta and Cocoa Beach are high quality choices for a beach vacation.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many beaches spread out around town that have soft sand and blue water. Most have all of the amenities you could need. Popular beaches include Playa de los Muertos, Playa Mismaloya, and Playa Conchas Chinas.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Cocoa Beach?

Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

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 Puerto Vallarta or Cocoa Beach Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-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.

Puerto Vallarta is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the water parks and thrilling activities, such as Aquaventuras Water Park or Los Veranos Canopy Tour. There's rock climbing and ropes courses at Las Animas Aventura Park. You'll also find horseback riding and even pirate boat tours in the area.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cocoa Beach Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Cocoa Beach are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will enjoy sunset boat trips, horseback riding, and adventure sports. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner or a refreshing drink.

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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cocoa Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Both Puerto Vallarta and Cocoa Beach offer nice public transit options.

Puerto Vallarta has a few public transit options. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

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).

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cocoa Beach a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta 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.

Puerto Vallarta is a very walkable destination. There are several walkable neighborhoods in town such as 5 de Diciembre, el Centro, and Zona Romantica.

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 Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting? and Is Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cocoa Beach or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Cocoa Beach?

In either Puerto Vallarta or Cocoa Beach, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Puerto Vallarta has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Cocoa Beach. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cocoa Beach.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta.

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Cocoa Beach?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the cultural town of Puerto Vallarta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

The fun-filled destination of Cocoa Beach offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Cocoa Beach?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid-back destination of Puerto Vallarta. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This 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.

The beach town of Cocoa Beach offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Cocoa Beach?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the laid-back town of Puerto Vallarta. 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.

Cocoa Beach is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This beach town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Cocoa Beach?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Puerto Vallarta. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cocoa Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Puerto Vallarta and Cocoa Beach, we can see that Cocoa Beach is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Vallarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Puerto Vallarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Vallarta 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 Cocoa Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cocoa Beach than you might in Puerto Vallarta.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive? and Is Cocoa Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Cocoa Beach?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Cocoa 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.