Welcome to
Cocoa Beach
Legendary Cocoa Beach – Your Gateway to the Ultimate Florida Escape!
Visiting Legendary Cocoa Beach?
We're Cocoa Beach's Online Resource!
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…



Newly Added Events

Space Coast Book Lovers Event 2025 – June 18-21
Celebrate all things literary at the 9th Annual Space Coast Book Lovers Event in Cape Canaveral. Meet your favorite authors, discover new ones, and enjoy exclusive goodies, book signings, and

Sip & Thrift Festival at 4th Street Fillin Station – April 26, 2025
Join the Sip & Thrift Festival for a fun-filled day of shopping, drinks, and community vibes at 4th Street Fillin Station in Cocoa Beach. Whether you’re a dedicated thrifter or

Billy D & Friends Live at Heidi’s Jazz Club – April 23, 2025
Experience an evening of smooth jazz with Billy D & Friends at Heidi’s Jazz Club in Cocoa Beach. Enjoy the sounds of a seasoned saxophonist with a rich musical background,

Surfet Saturdays Spring Season – March to May 2025
Join the Surfet community every Saturday for surf sessions designed to build skills, confidence, and friendships in a fun, supportive environment. Open to all ages and skill levels, these sessions

Cocoa Beach Centennial Celebration – July 5-6, 2025
Join the community in downtown Cocoa Beach for a special weekend celebrating 100 years of history. The Cocoa Beach Centennial Celebration will feature special events, entertainment, and activities throughout the

Bioluminescent Spring Break Event Near Cocoa Beach – March 21-22, 2025
Looking for an unforgettable Spring Break adventure in Florida? Grab your friends and head to Kiwanis Island Park for a bioluminescent kayaking event like no other. Hosted by BK Adventure,
Newly Added Pages

Taco City in Cocoa Beach
If you’re seeking authentic Tex-Mex cuisine then Taco City in Cocoa Beach stands out as a must-visit destination. Established in 1980, this beloved eatery has been delighting both locals and

Port Canaveral Named Nation’s Top Home Port
We are beyond grateful to celebrate the recognition of Port Canaveral as the nation’s top cruise home port. Once again, the readers of Cruise Hive have crowned our beloved port

Hang Ten Poolside Bar
Hang Ten Poolside Bar is the perfect spot to soak up the Florida sunshine while enjoying a laid-back, beachy vibe. Nestled within the Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral, this poolside

Cocoa Beach History: From Humble Beginnings to Space-Age Boom
Cocoa Beach, a charming city on Florida’s east coast, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant surf culture, and proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. To truly appreciate its allure,

Cocoa Beach’s First Motel – Starlite Motel
Cocoa Beach, now a bustling spot on Florida’s Space Coast, wasn’t always filled with towering hotels and vacation rentals. Its story as a tourist destination began with a modest but

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