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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.
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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.
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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…
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Most Recent Stories
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Cosmic Adventure at Kennedy Under the Stars 2025
Get ready for an unforgettable night at Kennedy Under the Stars, returning to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on February 7, 2025, at 6:30 PM. This after-hours event transforms
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Rev Up for Daytona Bike Week 2025
The Daytona Bike Week is back for 2025, bringing with it ten days of roaring engines, scenic rides, and an unbeatable biker culture. This legendary event is one of the
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Get Ready for the 2025 Daytona 500!
The Daytona 500, one of the most electrifying events in motorsports, is set to return to Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2025. Known as “The Great American Race,” this
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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Surfing Santas Dec 24th, 2024 in Cocoa Beach
Get ready for an unforgettable Christmas Eve tradition as the 2024 Surfing Santas event returns to Cocoa Beach on December 24th! This beloved annual event combines festive cheer, surfing fun,
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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