Looking for a laid-back beach getaway packed with sun, surf, and space history? Head to Cocoa Beach! This iconic Space Coast town blends sandy beaches, family attractions, and a surf-town vibe. Whether you're catching a rocket launch, hitting the waves, or just soaking up Florida sunshine, Cocoa Beach delivers relaxed adventure year-round.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Cocoa Beach is from March through May or September through November. These months offer warm weather, fewer crowds, and great beach conditions. Summer is lively but hot, while winter draws snowbirds and higher hotel rates.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Cocoa Beach is right off A1A and SR 528 (the Beachline Expressway), about 1 hour east of Orlando.
- By Air: Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest major airport, with direct access via rental cars or shuttles.
- By Cruise: Port Canaveral, one of the world's busiest cruise ports, is just minutes away for cruisers planning a pre- or post-trip stay.
Where to Stay
- Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort – Spacious family-friendly suites, a lazy river pool, and easy beach access.
- Beachside Hotel and Suites – Relaxed hotel with a fun lazy river pool and a short walk to the beach.
- Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront – Upscale beachfront hotel perfect for sunrise views and cocktails on the deck.
Best Things to Do
1. Visit the pelican rookery at Banana River Aquatic Preserve
Banana River Aquatic Preserve is nestled between Merritt Island on one side and a beach barrier island on the other. The 30,000-acre preserve has a number of parks and boat ramps that provide direct, easy access to visitors with their own or rented boats and kayaks. These include Banana River Park, Kiwanis Island Park, Cocoa Beach Recreational Complex, and Kelly Park, among others. The north end of Banana River is home to a large manatee population year-round, but visitors will also see a large pelican rookery and significant numbers of diamondback terrapin turtles and alligators. Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary in the preserve is a bird watcher’s paradise.
Address: US Highway A1A, Merritt Island, FL, Phone: 772-429-2995
2. Go fishing at the famous Cocoa Beach Pier
The world-famous Cocoa Beach Pier draws over a million annual visitors. The iconic Central Florida landmark stretches 800 feet out above the Atlantic Ocean and has numerous gift shops, restaurants, and bars for visitors to enjoy. This family-friendly attraction is also known for its great fishing opportunities. Anglers are likely to catch red fish, whiting, snapper, wahoo, and many other types of fish. There is a fishing fee for those who bring their own equipment, and there is also an option to rent equipment at the pier. Some of the most famous surfers in the world surf here, and visitors can watch the action at Mai Tiki Bar at the pier’s end.
Address: 401 Meade Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL, Phone: 321-783-7549
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
3. See local history exhibits at Exploration Tower
Exploration Tower is a must-do activity at Port Canaveral Jetty Park. The architecturally gorgeous seven-story tower is a recreational offering by the Canaveral Port Authority. Visitors enter the tower via a promenade that skims across a lake.
The first floor houses the information desk, gift shop, and a café. The tower’s second floor is a 2,750-square-foot discovery center with interactive exhibits about local history. On the third floor, there is a 72 seat state-of-the-art theater to watch a one-of-a-kind historical movie. The Tower’s fourth floor hosts meetings and events. Floor five offers a simulated harbor boat pilot navigation experience, and floors six and seven are indoor and outdoor observation decks for Cape Canaveral launches.
Address: 670 Dave Nisbet Drive, Cape Canaveral, FL, Phone: 321-394-3408
4. Learn about East Coast surfing at Florida Surf Museum
Florida Surf Museum is dedicated to preserving the unique history of East Coast surfing. Visitors can expect to see exhibitions about the history and culture of Florida surfing, the evolution of surfing, great local surfers, five iconic local surf spots, and a fascinating array of boards. Besides the permanent collection of photos, videos, boards, and stories about surf legends and big Kahunas, there are always new temporary exhibits. Past exhibits have included Shortboard Evolution Revolution, Sidewalk Surfing, Locals Only, Florida Women of the Waves, Paipo: Prone to Ride, and Gary Propper – Surf/Art/Entertainment. Visitors can also purchase T-shirts and other souvenirs from the museum.
Address: 4275 North Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL, Phone: 321-720-8033
5. Walk the mile-long nature trail at the Helen & Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary
The Helen & Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary is part of Florida’s Environmentally Endangered Lands program, which was established to acquire land that is environmentally sensitive and bring it back to life for environmental education and passive recreation. Once a turpentine mine and farm, this 140-acre sanctuary is an example of conservation in action. The pine flatwoods habitat is now home to raptors that circle above the pines or perch majestically at their tops. The restored land also includes oak trees and sand pine scrub, along with freshwater marshes. Visitors here can walk the mile-long nature trail that loops the sanctuary and observe native wildlife.
Address: 326 Barnes Boulevard, Rockledge, FL, Phone: 321-255-4466
If you like kayaking, you have to try Bioluminescence Kayaking in Cocoa Beach.
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
6. Go shopping at Historic Cocoa Village
Historic Cocoa Village is a must-do on any vacation to Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Village is the in-demand entertainment and shopping district of Cocoa, Florida. Visitors meander tree-lined streets perusing a plethora of unique shops and casual dining establishments in a village atmosphere. Depending on the time of year, travelers to Cocoa Village may catch one of four annual art fairs, two car shows, or four annual Sip and Strolls. The Village, founded in 1860, has numerous historic attractions to see, like Porcher House and Cocoa Village Playhouse, both of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Address: 600 Florida Avenue #104, Cocoa, FL, Phone: 321-255-4466
7. Take a guided tour with an astronaut at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Cocoa Beach has long been considered the gateway to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is 40 minutes outside Cocoa Beach. Visitors to the center will see historic spacecraft and memorabilia, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, astronaut training simulators, a space shuttle launch experience, a close-up view of the space shuttle Atlantis, Space Mirror Memorial honoring fallen astronauts, and so much more. There are a number of add-on attractions at the Visitor Complex for an additional price. Some of these include photo opportunities with icons of NASA spaceflight operations, a guided tour with an astronaut, live action gaming featuring real NASA missions, and lunch with an astronaut.
Address: 405 Kennedy Space Center, FL, Phone: 855-433-4210
8. Have a picnic in Lori Wilson Park
South of Cocoa Beach Pier, visitors will find picturesque, regional beachside Lori Wilson Park. To get to the semi-secluded beach, travelers take one of the short trails past the boardwalk, through the woods, and over the dunes to the beach. Park facilities include picnic tables, two pavilions, restrooms and changing areas with vending machines, a lifeguard stand, and an elevated boardwalk nature trail through an adjacent tropical maritime hammock (forest). Other park amenities for public use are a volleyball court, playground, barbecue grills, and a dog park. The park opens at dawn and closes at dusk. There is no park fee for any of the facilities or the beach.
Address: 1500 North Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL, Phone: 321-455-1380
9. Enjoy exhilarating birds-eye view with Cocoa Beach and Thousand Islands Helicopter Tour
The family-friendly Cocoa Beach and Thousand Islands Helicopter Tour provides an exhilarating birds-eye view of Cocoa Beach, Port Canaveral, and Thousand Islands in Banana River. The 30-mile, 15-minute flight leaves from a private helipad in Port Canaveral. Guests can expect to see miles of Cocoa Beach and Cocoa Beach Pier with tons of surfers and beach goers along the way. The inter-coastal Banana River has a labyrinth of natural and manmade islands, some freshwater manatees, and even a few river dolphins. Tours regularly accommodate two guests, who will each have headsets allowing them to clearly hear the guide’s live commentary.
Address: 673 Dave Nisbet Drive, Port Canaveral, FL, Phone: 321-392-4125
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Catch waves or take a surf lesson – Cocoa Beach is known as the East Coast surfing capital, and surf lessons are a must!
- Shop at Ron Jon Surf Shop – Visit the world’s largest surf shop, open 24/7 and packed with beach gear and souvenirs.
Where to Eat
- Coconuts on the Beach – Lively beachfront bar and grill with fresh seafood, tropical drinks, and live music.
- Fat Kahuna's Beach Side Grille – Casual surf-themed restaurant famous for fish tacos and island-inspired dishes.
- The Tiny Turtle – Caribbean-fusion café with laid-back vibes, fresh bowls, burritos, and craft beers.
If you are interested in local events:
- Surfing Santas (December) – Watch hundreds of Santas surf the waves in this festive, uniquely Cocoa Beach event.
- Space Coast Art Festival (Spring) – Enjoy fine arts, crafts, and food vendors by the oceanfront.
- Ron Jon Beach ‘N Boards Fest (March) – Celebrate surf, skate, paddle, and beach life at Florida’s largest board sports and music event.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Cocoa Beach, Florida:
- Cape Canaveral (10–15 min) – Explore rocket launch sites, cruise terminals, and waterfront dining spots.
- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (30 min) – Hike, birdwatch, or spot manatees in this pristine coastal habitat.
- Cocoa Village (20–25 min) – Wander historic streets filled with boutiques, cafés, galleries, and a riverside park.
- Jetty Park (15 min) – Enjoy beach picnics, fishing off the pier, or watching cruise ships glide by.
- Banana River Aquatic Preserve (20 min) – Kayak through mangroves, spot dolphins, or take a bioluminescent tour at night in summer months.
- Exploration Tower (15 min) – Learn about the Space Coast’s history and enjoy sweeping views from the observation decks.
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Q: What is Cocoa Beach best known for?
- A: Cocoa Beach is best known for its beautiful beach, famous surf breaks, and proximity to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
- Q: Why is Cocoa Beach a great vacation destination?
- A: It is the perfect destination for a family vacation to remember.
- Q: What is unique about the Cocoa Beach Pier?
- A: The historic Cocoa Beach Pier stretches 800 feet over the Atlantic and features an array of gift shops, bars, restaurants, and live music.
At a Glance:
Map:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Warm temperatures and fewer crowds.
Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront – A beachfront stay with great amenities.
Visit Lori Wilson Park – Enjoy scenic beach views, nature trails, and picnic areas.
Summer (June-August) – Peak season with hot temperatures and lots of activities.
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort – A family-friendly resort with a lazy river.
Take a surf lesson – Cocoa Beach is known as the "East Coast Surfing Capital."
Fall (September-November) – Warm weather with fewer tourists.
Beach Place Guesthouses – A cozy, relaxed retreat with oceanfront views.
Visit the Kennedy Space Center – Learn about space exploration and watch rocket launches.
Winter (December-February) – Mild and perfect for a quiet beach getaway.
Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach – A comfortable stay close to the beach.
Stroll through Cocoa Beach Pier – Enjoy oceanfront dining, live music, and stunning sunsets.
Plan Your Trip