Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is all about the beach, known as small wave capital of the world it is perfect for beginning and experienced surfers alike. You can show off your moves in the water at the Cocoa Beach Pier, or see and be seen in the latest surf attire from Ron Jon Surf Shop or the Cocoa Beach Surf Company. Within a short walk of these two shops you'll find plenty of restaurants and places full of clothing and seashells. You can rent and buy beach gear, and even get a tattoo! There are so many things to do in Cocoa Beach and because there are so many great hotels, you can stay on the beach at the end of your day of fun in the sun.

Things to do in Cocoa Beach

The beach is just the beginning in Cocoa Beach, there are many other things to see nearby such as Cape Canaveral, Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center where you can also watch a Space Shuttle or Rocket Launch. Another great place to visit is Jetty Park where you can fish, go camping, watch the cruise ships or just hang at the beach.

Cocoa Beach Pier

The Cocoa Beach Pier is located right on the beach, there is so much to do here it could take you all day and well into the night if you choose. You can surf, go fishing, swimming, play volleyball, shop, go to a restaurant or a bar or you can choose to do nothing but hang out and catch some rays.
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Ron Jon Surf Shop

If you're going to hit the beaches in Florida you want to look good. Luckily Cocoa Beach has Ron Jon Surf Shop, there's a huge selection of surfboards, bikinis and surfing clothes not to mention all the souvenirs, beach & surf gear, resort wear and of course a world famous T-shirt. Ron Jon Surf Shop is open 24 hours every day - like the beach, so there's no excuse not to stop by this one of a kind surf shop known around the world.
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Water Sports in Cocoa Beach

In Cocoa Beach it's all about the water and not just the beach. There are many places to go kayaking, surf or off shore fishing take or airboat ride and get up close and personal with Florida's diverse wildlife. If you like to surf this is a great place to do that too, whether you're a pro or just starting out. Here are a list of just a few local outfitters and professionals.



Big Toho Parasailing - Parasailing is a safe and popular sport in which you are securely harnessed to a parachute-like canopy, known as a Parasail, and set aloft in the air. The Parasail is attached to a towrope, which is then pulled along by a boat. Big Toho Parasailing offers Parasailing rides and adventures out of Port Canaveral.

Goin Off Sport Fishing - Head offshore on Capt. John's fast 28' Bluewater sportfishing boat. Choose between trips to the Gulfstream and beyond for Tuna, Mahi-Mahi and Wahoo or inshore trips for Kingfish, Cobia, Snapper, Grouper and more.



Surf Lessons Florida - Cocoa Beach is known as the small wave capital, it is a great place to surf or learn to surf. Surf Lessons Florida instructors have over eighteen years experience in both teaching and surfing. They area all trained in first aid and offer both group and private lessons.

Airboat Rides at Midway - Glide by marshes, into a Cypress forest and by an Indian Burial Mound as you see the Everglades in a safe, exciting way. Airboat Rides at Midway is also a great way to see alligator, shore birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Restaurants and Nightlife

If you're looking for a place to eat, drink and have fun, Cocoa Beach is chock full of choices! Enjoy fine dining at Bernard's Surf, known for its outstanding seafood and steaks. At the Heidelberg German Restaurant, you can satisfy a taste for authentic German and European dishes. Just down the road in Cocoa, the Black Tulip delivers an upscale dining experience in a quiet, intimate atmosphere.

Cocoa Beach offers many options to eat and drink right on the beach. One favorite for local flavors and music is Coconuts on the Beach, where you can also catch bikini contests during spring break and summer. Next door to Coconuts, The Beach Shack is popular with natives for classic rock, blues and good food. For informal dining, Cocoa Beach has your table waiting for at many cafes, coffee shops and health food restaurants.


If you love live jazz, you'll want to spend at least one evening at Heidi's Jazz Club, located just steps from the beach. Heidi's is known all over the Space Coast as the place to hear cool jazz; live bands play nightly on a stage that also features an intimate dance floor. While visiting the Space Coast, be sure to tune into The Groove Smooth Jazz, The Groove also host many Jazz related events on the Space Coast of Florida.



For an evening with an Irish twist, put on your clogs and bring your thirst to Paddy Cassidy's Irish Pub. At Paddy Cassidy's you can choose from a large selection of imported and domestic beers while listening to a wide range of live music from traditional Irish to rock. No matter what your mood or budget, no matter whether you feel like putting on your flip flops or dancing shoes, Cocoa Beach has a place for you.

Places to Stay in Cocoa Beach

If you're looking for a great place to stay in Cocoa Beach try the beachfront Wakulla or one of the newer hotels, the ritzy Four Points by Sheraton at Cocoa Beach Surf Company, which is right next to the world renowned Jon Ron's Surf Shop. The Best Western Ocean Beach Hotel is right near the Cocoa Beach Pier as is the Days Inn, The Hilton and Doubletree are oceanfront too. Many of the hotels are right on the strip and within walking distance of all the shopping and dining attractions of Cocoa Beach.
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Cocoa Beach Overview

"I Dream of Jeannie" made Cocoa Beach famous in the 1960's as the fictitious home of Jeannie and her 'master': astronaut Major Anthony Nelson. The real Cocoa Beach came to life at the same time as NASA's space program geared up for the first manned space flights.



Cocoa Beach's 12,500 residents live just south of Cape Canaveral and southeast of Merritt Island. Before 'Silicon Valley' in California, the best and the brightest technical minds could be found right here in Cocoa Beach. Many Space Center workers and even some astronauts call Cocoa Beach home; The John F. Kennedy Space Center is only about 15 miles away. During the early years of the space program, it was not unusual for one or both members of a Cocoa Beach household to be working at Kennedy Space Center.

Orlando's Closest Beach

If you're ready for some fun and a break from Cocoa Beach's fabulous beaches, the Orlando attractions and the airport are less than an hour to the west and Daytona Beach is just over an hour's drive north. Melbourne and the Melbourne International Airport are only about a 30-minute drive south from Cocoa Beach.

By Beverly Martinez-Collins – PlacesAroundFlorida.com