Welcome to
Cocoa Beach
Legendary Cocoa Beach – Your Gateway to the Ultimate Florida Escape!
Visiting Legendary Cocoa Beach?
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Cocoa Beach stands out as one of Florida’s top family-friendly destinations. With a variety of activities for all ages, it’s easy to fill your days and nights with fun, whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers. While this small east coast beach town is known for its connection to space exploration, visitors quickly discover there’s so much more to experience along the Space Coast.
Where to stay in the
Cocoa Beach area
How far is Cocoa Beach from Orlando?
Visit the Beach!
Cocoa Beach’s shoreline offers an enticing mix of natural beauty, exciting activities, and accessible amenities. With golden sands and clear Atlantic waters, it’s a perfect retreat for relaxation and adventure. The area is renowned as the “Surfing Capital of the East Coast” for its consistent waves and thriving surf culture.
Popular Beaches:
- Cocoa Beach Pier: A historic landmark offering beach access, fishing, shopping, and oceanfront dining.
- Lori Wilson Park: A family-friendly beach with free parking, picnic areas, playgrounds, and barbecue grills.
- Alan Shepard Park: Named after the astronaut, this beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing, with nearby restaurants and shops.
- Sidney Fischer Park: Known for its picnic areas, restrooms, and family-friendly atmosphere.
- Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park: A quieter beach option for those seeking a peaceful escape.
- Cherie Down Park: Located nearby in Cape Canaveral, it’s great for families with calm waters and flat sandy stretches.
Each beach offers something unique, from active surf spots to serene family areas, ensuring a memorable experience for all visitors.
Discover Legendary Cocoa Beach
Learn About Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach emerged as a popular destination in the early 20th century when entrepreneur Gus Edwards developed it into a beachside retreat. Its Atlantic coastline and improved accessibility via new railways and roads made it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
The mid-20th century space age brought further recognition, with the nearby Kennedy Space Center becoming a hub for NASA. Historic moments like Alan Shepard’s 1961 space flight and the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969 drew global attention, solidifying Cocoa Beach’s connection to space exploration.
Today, Cocoa Beach combines its rich history with modern attractions and a relaxed beach atmosphere, making it a vibrant destination for visitors.
Best Restaurants in Cocoa Beach
Local Cuisine in Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach’s culinary scene reflects its coastal charm, offering everything from fresh seafood to international flavors.
Highlights:
- Seafood: Enjoy freshly caught shrimp, fish, and lobster at local favorites like Coconuts on the Beach or Fat Snook.
- Surf and Turf: Indulge in classic combinations at upscale eateries like Florida’s Fresh Grill.
- Global Flavors: From Italian and Mexican to Asian cuisine, Cocoa Beach’s dining scene caters to all palates.
- Tropical Drinks: Sip fruity cocktails or locally brewed beers at beachside bars for the perfect oceanfront vibe.
For a full list of dining options, check out our guide to Restaurants and Bars in Cocoa Beach.
Don't Miss a Launch!
Rocket Launches
Come to the Cocoa Beach area and witness history in the making as legendary minds work to make space exploration a reality for everyone. Companies like NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and more launch their rockets into space from Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center launch sites. Enjoy the marvel of space as you watch a rocket launch from almost anywhere in the Cocoa Beach area!
Let's Go On a Cruise!
Cruises from Port Canaveral
Thinking about taking a cruise? Port Canaveral has many of the top names in cruise lines like:
- Disney Cruise Line
- Victory Cruise Casino
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- and more…
Most Recent Stories
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Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
Located at 628 Glen Cheek Drive in Cape Canaveral, Florida, Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar has been a staple in the local dining scene since its establishment in 1992. Founded
Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill
Located at 610 Glen Cheek Drive in Port Canaveral, Florida, Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill offers a dynamic dining experience that combines fresh seafood, lively entertainment, and scenic waterfront views.
The Fat Donkey Ice Cream & Fine Desserts
When it comes to cooling off in Cocoa Beach, The Fat Donkey Ice Cream & Fine Desserts is the ultimate destination. Nestled at 247 Minutemen Causeway, this iconic dessert spot
Rocco’s Italian Market and Deli
Located at 1 S Orlando Avenue in Cocoa Beach, Florida, Rocco’s Italian Market and Deli brings a taste of Italy to the heart of the city. Established by Rita Moran,
Endless Summer Tattoo in Cocoa Beach
Located at 69 N Orlando Avenue, Endless Summer Tattoo in Cocoa Beach stands as a beacon for tattoo enthusiasts seeking quality artistry in a laid-back, surf-inspired setting. Established in 2004
Flavour Kitchen And Wine Bar
Located at 15 N Orlando Avenue, Flavour Kitchen & Wine Bar brings a refined yet approachable dining experience to Cocoa Beach. Known for its thoughtfully crafted dishes and exceptional wine