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 important milestone—the opening of its very first motel. That motel, the Starlite Motel, laid the groundwork for the area’s transformation into a favorite getaway spot.
The Beginning of Cocoa Beach Tourism
In the early 1950s, Cocoa Beach was little more than a sleepy coastal town. Florida’s warm weather was attracting more travelers, and with the rise of the nearby space industry, the area began to see a new wave of visitors. Seeing this opportunity, James H. Whitley opened the Starlite Motel in 1952, making it the first of its kind in Cocoa Beach.
The Starlite was a classic example of mid-century design, with its flat roof, neon-lit signage, and inviting atmosphere. It was affordable, convenient, and located right by the beach—everything a family or road-tripper could want.
A Connection to the Space Age
Cocoa Beach’s proximity to Cape Canaveral brought engineers, astronauts, and their families to the area during the 1950s and 60s. The Starlite Motel became a gathering place for travelers and locals alike. Its guests often included people connected to the early space program, making it a part of the broader story of the Space Coast’s development.
The motel wasn’t flashy, but it had a reputation for being welcoming and practical—a reflection of the times. Families on vacation, curious space enthusiasts, and even some space industry workers called it home during their stays.
What Remains Today
The Starlite Motel is long gone, replaced by modern development. However, its role in shaping Cocoa Beach’s identity isn’t forgotten. It was one of the first businesses to see the town’s potential as a destination and helped establish the hospitality culture that thrives here today.
For those interested in local history, Cocoa Beach still offers glimpses of its past through museums, historical markers, and local businesses. One such homage is the Starlite Restaurant, named to honor the town’s first motel. This restaurant carries forward the name and spirit of the Starlite Motel, celebrating the history and charm of Cocoa Beach’s early days while offering a modern dining experience.
While the original building may no longer stand, the Starlite Motel’s legacy lives on in these tributes and the laid-back charm and welcoming feel that define the area.
Cocoa Beach’s growth into a vibrant tourist destination started with small steps like the opening of its first motel. The Starlite Motel represents more than just a place to stay—it’s a reminder of the town’s humble beginnings, its evolution over time, and its continued connection to its history.
