Travels with Darley Come to Cocoa Beach
Host Darley Newman explores Florida’s Space Coast with locals and travelers, sharing the best pre- and post-cruise experiences near Port Canaveral.
From rocket launches and tiki bars to eco-art and mermaid sightings, Darley highlights unique spots like 4th Street Fillin Station, artist Cory Redwine’s recycled ocean art, and family-friendly stays like the Radisson Resort at the Port and Beachside Hotel & Suites.
Whether you’re watching a launch at Jetty Park or cruising the lazy river with a drink in hand, this episode is full of tips to enjoy Cocoa Beach without breaking the bank.
Listen to the 3rd Full Episode
Podcast Episode: Cocoa Beach & Port Canaveral – Pre-Cruise Tips from Real Travelers
Planning a cruise out of Port Canaveral? This Travels with Darley episode is your go-to guide for enjoying Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral before or after your sailing. Whether you’re catching the Carnival Mardi Gras or Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, Darley Newman shares firsthand stories and advice from cruisers and locals to help you make the most of your trip.
Darley starts by hopping on the Cocoa Beach Express shuttle from Orlando International Airport to Radisson Resort at the Port, meeting cruise veterans like Lisa and Michael Carso (who’ve taken 35 cruises!) and first-timers Denise and Terry Cochran from Knoxville. She explores hotel shuttle packages, cruise parking options, and accessibility services that can make your trip smoother.
She also gets insider tips from Jonathan Bloomfield, a top-rated bellman who breaks down how to handle luggage, parking, and local hotel perks. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear real recommendations from solo travelers and families alike—like grabbing seafood at Grills Tiki Bar, catching a rocket launch, or kicking back with a sunset drink at Fishlips.
Whether you’re packing for your first cruise or your fifteenth, this episode is packed with practical info, local highlights, and genuine traveler stories. Expect beach time, shuttle advice, breakfast buffets, and ways to unwind before you set sail.
Listen to the 2nd Full Episode
A Truly Unique Florida Vacation!
Cocoa Beach is where surf culture meets space exploration, offering a truly unique Florida vacation. Known for its wide sandy beaches and proximity to Kennedy Space Center, this barrier island sits between the Atlantic Ocean and Banana River Lagoon. It’s often described as “Mayberry by the Sea” for its small-town charm and laid-back vibe. Whether you’re here for a rocket launch, cruise departure, or just a beach escape, Cocoa Beach delivers on both adventure and relaxation.
In Travels with Darley, host Darley Newman explores the area with longtime local Jack Kirshenbaum and the women behind Cocoa Beach Surf Company. From downtown Cocoa Beach’s colorful North Orlando Avenue—lined with wine bars, art galleries, and local spots like Café Surfinista and Rebellion Beachside Bar—to the family-friendly Cocoa Beach Pier, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Darley highlights local dining, live music at Coconuts on the Beach, and the perfect surf lesson at Ron Jon’s Surf School.
Cocoa Beach has a rich history tied to both surfing and space. The surf boom of the 1960s paralleled the growth of the space program, turning the town into a hub for wave riders and rocket launches alike. With frequent launch events visible from the beach and the world’s busiest cruise port just minutes away in Port Canaveral, it’s no wonder Cocoa Beach is known as the “Space Coast.”
One of the standout stops is the Cocoa Beach Surf Company, a women-run surf complex that includes a hotel, retail shop, gear rentals, and even a Starbucks. It’s the perfect place to shop for beachwear year-round, grab a bite, or watch a launch from the rooftop garage. Darley’s visit ends with local insights, great food, and a sunset walk on the beach—capturing the spirit of Cocoa Beach through the eyes of its passionate residents.
With consistent surf breaks, legendary locals like Kelly Slater, and events like Thunder on Cocoa Beach and the East Coast Surfing Championships, Cocoa Beach offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re cruising A1A, kayaking through glowing waters, or just enjoying a peach margarita by the ocean, Cocoa Beach proves that some of Florida’s best moments happen where the sand meets the stars.
Listen to the 1st Full Episode
What do rocket launches, beach bars, art made from ocean plastic, and lazy rivers have in common? According to Emmy-nominated host Darley Newman, they’re all part of the Cocoa Beach experience. In her latest Travels with Darley podcast series, she kicks things off with a family-friendly guide to Florida’s Space Coast, perfect for pre- and post-cruise travelers sailing from Port Canaveral.
Darley begins her journey with a ride on the Cocoa Beach Express Shuttle, heading straight from Orlando International Airport to the Radisson Resort at the Port. After checking in, she heads downtown for food and beach vibes—and Cocoa Beach doesn’t disappoint.
One of her first stops is 4th Street Fillin Station, a creative gastropub housed in a former gas station. With over 100 craft beers, plant-based options, and comfort food like mahi tacos and chicken & waffles, it’s a favorite for families and foodies alike. Owner Daniel Todd shares how the restaurant was built with reclaimed tools and car parts, creating a laid-back but inspired space under a 100-year-old oak tree.
Art meets sustainability at Cory Redwine’s Merritt Island home studio, where Darley learns how Cory turns trash collected from local beaches into stunning wall art. Her colorful creations can be found in spots around town including Grills, Rising Tide, and 4th Street Fillin Station.
Back in Cocoa Beach, Darley visits Jetty Park, a top spot for watching rocket launches and powerboats, with beachside campsites and an ADA-accessible pier. Just across the water, she catches a glimpse of a launch pad and recommends Jetty Park as a prime location for pairing space sights with surf.
She also tours Beachside Hotel & Suites, known for its retro design, mermaid shows, lazy river, and family-friendly activities. Located right across from Ron Jon Surf Shop, it’s a colorful throwback with modern perks, and a strong favorite for cruise travelers looking to stay nearby.
Throughout the episode, Darley shares practical tips for exploring Cocoa Beach without overspending, from dining on the sand to spotting rocket launches. Whether you’re planning a cruise or a quick coastal escape, this episode captures the charm, character, and creativity that makes Cocoa Beach legendary.