Both beaches are stunning in their own ways and offer unique coastal experiences. However, the major difference that stands out is that Melbourne beaches are all about the rawness of coastal lifestyle, while Cocoa Beaches have the vibes of surfing celebration embedded everywhere.
Those seeking a peaceful escape may prefer Melbourne Beach, while those seeking a rich, more lively, and fancy coastal experience may prefer Cocoa Beach.
To learn which beach experience you should be having, this 4-minute read- Melbourne Beach vs Cocoa Beach is for you.
Melbourne Beach vs Cocoa Beach: Quick Comparison
These are some comparative factors to consider and help you decide which coastal paradise suits your preferences and interests best.
| Factors | Melbourne Beach | Cocoa Beach |
| Location | South of Indiatlantic | An Hour East of Orlando |
| Accessibility | Near to Melbourne International Airport | Close to Melbourne International Airport |
| Climate | Temperate oceanic | Humid subtropical |
| Vibe & Atmosphere | Quiet & tranquil, sparse suburban feel | Bustling, Urban & well-equipped |
| Things to do | Boat rental
Paddle boat Kayaking Dolphin tours Turtle Watches |
Surfing
Paddling Kitesurfing Cruising Beach Golfing |
| Top Rated Restaurants |
|
175 restaurants within 3 miles including-
|
| Attractions |
|
34 Attractions within 6 miles including-
|
| Nightlife | Dull & Lowkey | Vibrant & Bustling |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring season(Between March and May)
Between September and November |
spring season(March-May)
Winter Season(If you don’t want crowds) |
| Family-friendly | Moderately | Yes |
| Price(Hotels) | Depends on the season
-Starts from $60 per night |
Depends on the season
-starts from $70 per night |
Melbourne Beach vs Cocoa Beach: A Detailed Comparison
To understand the unique features and attractions that set these two coastal destinations apart, a detailed comparison is given.
Location & Accessibility
Both beaches are located around the same radius- within Florida’s Space Coast.
Melbourne Beach is located in Brevard County, on Florida’s Space Coast. The town is easily accessible via Melbourne International Airport, making it a convenient choice for travelers.
However, there are other ways of making it there. The cheapest way to get from Melbourne Airport to Melbourne Beach is by driving, which takes 12 min.
If you are flying from Orlando (MCO) and wish to drive to the beach, it takes 1 hour and 15 minutes on average.
Cocoa Beach is situated just south of Cape Canaveral, an hour east of Orlando, and is easily accessible via the Orlando International Airport, making it a popular choice for tourists visiting central Florida.
The beach is just a 45-minute drive away from Melbourne International Airport. Brevard County has some transit systems that offer public transport, including fixed bus routes, services for disabled individuals, vanpools, and commuter aid.
Vibes & Atmosphere
Cocoa for the crowd and buzz lovers; Melbourne for serenity seekers.
Melbourne Beach offers a calm and peaceful getaway with its serene ambiance and fewer crowds. The ocean is a bit chilly in winter, but reaches nice warmth and clarity by April, courtesy of the Gulf Stream.
Source: Youtube
On the contrary, Cocoa Beach is famous for its vibrant and bustling atmosphere. The beach is lined with vibrant shops, restaurants, and beach bars, offering a lively atmosphere day and night.
It is known as the “Surfing Capital of the East Coast” and is crowded with surfers and beach enthusiasts year-round.
Florida has the world’s best beaches in the world, and Daytona is another beautiful paradise like Cocoa Beach. For experiencing more cool and fanciness, Daytona might be a better option.
Source:Youtube
Outdoor Activities
Both beaches are a great hub for outdoor activities. However, Melbourne Beach is a better idea if you want a serene atmosphere and soft sand. But if surfing is your topmost priority, Cocoa Beach is the way to go.
Outdoor Activities in Melbourne Beach: The natural sandy shores of the beach make it great for walks and jogging by the water. The waves are perfect for surfing and snorkeling.
It’s not just about the beach; there’s lots of outdoor fun, including golfing, fishing, boating, rock climbing, and camping nearby.
If you are in Melbourne during June or July, you can explore the nearby Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, which is known for its sea turtle nesting grounds.
Barrier Island Center Barrier Island Center in Melbourne Beach offers a 34-acre sanctuary with diverse ecosystems, a boardwalk, hiking trails, aquariums, interactive exhibits, and guided sea turtle walks.
The Indian River Lagoo comes with abundant opportunities for surf fishing or chartering a boat for deep-sea fishing excursions. To hit the high seas and enjoy a fun-filled day on the water. there are cruises you can take from Port Canaveral.
Outdoor Activities in Cocoa Beach: Cocoa’s lively surf culture is unmatchable. You can catch professional surfers riding the waves or even take a surfing lesson yourself.
The waves here are more consistent and challenging, attracting surfers from all skill levels.
What else? You can rent a beach cruiser and explore the area’s scenic bike paths, go deep-sea fishing, or take a leisurely stroll along the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier.
Best Attractions to Visit
Both Melbourne Beach and Cocoa Beach share proximity to attractions, but Cocoa Beach offers a more diverse range of activities and sites.
If you want to have the ultimate surfing experience of your lifetime, Ron Jon Surf has everything to give you- a wide range of products, catering to surfers of all skill levels.
Although both beaches have some great parks, Cocoa has some world-class design parks, and one of them is Cocoa Beach Skate Park.
If you’re looking for an unparalleled skateboarding experience, with smooth concrete surfaces to perfectly sculpted transitions, this park will have your whole heart.
Who said outdoor activities have to be wrapped up the daylight ends?
Experiencing bioluminescence display is on a lot of your bucket list, and so it should be good news that this phenomenon occurs at both of the beaches.
To watch the beauty of nature in all its glory, simply go kayaking in Mosquito Lagoon in Melbourne. Or there is Meritt island, Space Coast that you can witness it from.
There is more uniqueness that lies in the entertainment zone of Cocoa Beach, than in Melbourne. The Wizard of Oz museum showcases a vast collection of memorabilia from the iconic film, including costumes, props, and original work.
Some Must-Visits When You are in Around Melbourne or Cocoa Beach
Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit, situated adjacent to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. It is not only a site of historic space exploration, but also an exhibition of missions, and space pioneers with realistic attractions.
Canova Beach Park, south of Cocoa Beach, is the premier dog-friendly beach you need for a day out with your furry friend. There are bathrooms and hoses for getting you and your dog clean after a day in the sun.
Bonus: If you are wondering if dogs are allowed in Cocoa Beach, this is a must-read for you.
Coconut Point Park, located south of Melbourne Beach, offers a serene, uncrowded beach experience away from Cocoa Beach.
Jetty Park in Cape Canaveral is a scenic, well-equipped picnic area ideal for watching rocket launches and cruise ships.
Which Beach Getaway Should I Choose?
Melbourne is ideal for families seeking tranquility, as it provides a quiet retreat away from the bustling tourist spots. Cocoa Beach is very lively with all the activities, entertainment, and amenities it has to offer.
There is no one reason to choose Melbourne or Cocoa. Both beaches have unique sets of opportunities and serenades to offer. You just have to pick one according to your needs by analyzing your interest and budget.
However, if opinions are insisted, Cocoa Beach is a better option for families with children or couples who want to do fun activities. And Melbourne is fine for solo trippers or couples seeking a tranquil getaway.
Final Remarks
Hope this article provides you with a straight decision. If this article- Melbourne Beach Vs Cocoa Beach was helpful to you share it with your friends and family.
