Welcome to
Cocoa Beach
Legendary Cocoa Beach – Your Gateway to the Ultimate Florida Escape!
Cocoa Beach Hit Songwriter Fest this October!
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…
Legendary Cocoa Beach in the Community
Hospitality Horizon Scholarship Awards Announcement
We are honored to announce that three exceptional students have been selected as recipients of the Hospitality Horizon Scholarship, an initiative created to support and
14th Annual Gala: Supporting Brevard’s Homeless Children & Families
On Friday, September 12, 2025, the community will gather at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront for the 14th Annual Gala, a signature event benefiting Brevard’s
Cocoa Beach Hotel Association Supports Local Talent at CTE Recruitment Fair
Members of the Cocoa Beach Area Hotel & Motel Association recently participated in Brevard County’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Recruitment Fair, an event designed
Newly Added Articles
Hospitality Horizon Scholarship Awards Announcement
We are honored to announce that three exceptional students have been selected as recipients of the Hospitality Horizon Scholarship, an initiative created to support and encourage the next generation of
Bars in Cocoa Beach & Cape Canaveral
When the sun goes down, Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral offer plenty of places to relax with drinks and late-night food. Whether you’re wrapping up a beach day, coming back
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Cocoa Beach & Cape Canaveral
Dining out with kids doesn’t have to be stressful, and the Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral area offers plenty of family-friendly restaurants designed to make meals easy and enjoyable for
Casual vs. Upscale Dining in Cocoa Beach & Cape Canaveral
Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral offer a wide range of dining options that fit every mood, budget, and occasion. From laid-back beachside cafés to elegant waterfront dining rooms, the local
Inside the Local Dining Scene in Cocoa Beach & Cape Canaveral
Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral are known for more than just their shoreline and space launches — the local dining scene is a major part of what gives this area
Altitude 360 Sky Bar & Observation Deck
If you’re in the Cocoa Beach / Cape Canaveral area and looking for a spot that captures the vibe of coastal Florida, with atmosphere, views, and a hint of adventure