Cocoa Beach, Florida and why it is worth visiting

Florida’s Cocoa Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a relaxing beach vacation. The town is known for its miles of pristine, white-sand beaches, excellent surfing conditions, and vibrant beach culture. The area is also rich in wildlife, with sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees frequently spotted off the coast. Visitors can also take part in a range of activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing.

But Cocoa Beach is not just about the beach. The town is also home to the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier, a historic landmark that offers a range of shops, restaurants, and live entertainment. Cocoa Beach has a unique beach culture, with a variety of local restaurants, bars, and shops. Visitors can sample fresh seafood, try local craft beers, and browse the shops for beachwear and souvenirs. It is worth mentioning that the beach is easily accessible, with Orlando International Airport just a short drive away. This makes it an ideal destination for anyone who wants to combine a beach vacation with other activities, like visiting theme parks or exploring other parts of Florida.

Florida, in general, is a state that offers something for everyone. From the theme parks of Orlando to the beautiful beaches of Miami, there's always something to do in Florida. The state is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with cities like St. Augustine offering a glimpse into Florida's colonial history. Whether you're looking for sun, sand, and surf or cultural experiences, Florida is definitely worth a visit.

What to do in Cocoa Beach?

Cocoa Beach offers a range of activities to suit all interests, making it an ideal vacation spot for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Here are some of the top things to do in Cocoa Beach:

1. Enjoy the Beach: Cocoa Beach boasts miles of pristine, white-sand beaches, making it a popular destination for beach lovers. Visitors can relax on the beach, sunbathe, swim in the ocean, or try their hand at surfing. There are also beach volleyball courts and picnic areas available for those who want to spend a full day at the beach.
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2. Try surfing: Cocoa Beach is known as the surfing capital of the East Coast, with consistent waves that attract surfers from around the world. Visitors can take lessons or rent surfboards and hit the waves themselves.
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3. Explore the Kennedy Space Center: The Kennedy Space Center, located just a short drive from Cocoa Beach, is a must-visit attraction for space enthusiasts. Visitors can take a tour of the facility, learn about the history of space exploration, and see real spacecraft and rockets up close.
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4. Take a Paddleboarding or Kayaking Tour: The calm waters around Cocoa Beach are perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. Visitors can take a guided tour of the area's waterways, spotting wildlife like dolphins and manatees along the way.
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5. Visit the Brevard Zoo: Located just a short drive from Cocoa Beach, the Brevard Zoo is an excellent opportunity for families to get up close with animals and experience a range of interactive exhibits. Visitors can also take part in animal encounters and zip-line over the zoo's exhibits.
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6. Take an Eco Tour: Eco-Tours: There are a variety of eco-tour options in the area, including airboat tours, nature walks, and bird-watching tours. Visitors can learn about the diverse ecosystem of the area and get up close with the local wildlife.

With its miles of pristine beaches, beautiful natural scenery, and unique local culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with your family, Cocoa Beach is definitely worth a visit.

Places to go in Cocoa Beach

We have already mentioned some of the highly recommended places one should visit while in Cocoa Beach such as The Kennedy Center and The Brevard Zoo. Nevertheless, there are several other places worth checking out in during your trip to Cocoa Beach. Here are some of the top places to go:

Cocoa Beach Pier

One of the main attractions of the pier is its stunning views of the ocean and the beach. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the pier and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze while taking in the beautiful scenery.

The pier also offers several dining options, including several restaurants and bars that offer a range of cuisine, from fresh seafood to classic American fare. Visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the stunning views of the ocean.

In addition to dining, the Cocoa Beach Pier also features several shops and boutiques, where visitors can browse a variety of beachwear, souvenirs, and gifts. The pier also offers live music and entertainment, with regular performances by local musicians and other performers.

For those looking for more active pursuits, the Cocoa Beach Pier also offers fishing opportunities. Visitors can rent fishing equipment and try their luck at catching a variety of fish, including redfish, snook, and trout.

Lori Wilson Park

Lori Wilson Park is a beautiful, tranquil park that offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities and amenities. The park is situated along the beach and features over 30 acres of natural beauty, making it a great spot for a day trip or a family outing.

One of the main attractions of the park is its beautiful beach, which is known for its clear blue waters and soft sand. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

In addition to the beach, Lori Wilson Park also features a playground, picnic areas, and nature trails. The playground is a popular spot for families with young children, offering a range of equipment for kids to climb, swing, and play on. The picnic areas are situated under shaded pavilions and offer a great spot for visitors to enjoy a meal or snack.

The nature trails at Lori Wilson Park offer visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area and observe local wildlife. The trails wind through the park's natural areas and offer stunning views of the beach and ocean.

Ron Jon Surf Shop

The Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach is a famous landmark and a must-visit destination for surfers and beach lovers alike. Founded in 1959, Ron Jon is one of the largest and most iconic surf shops in the world, with over 52,000 square feet of retail space.

The store offers an impressive selection of surfboards, swimwear, apparel, and accessories for men, women, and children. Visitors can browse a wide variety of brands, including the popular Ron Jon brand, and find everything they need for a day at the beach.

In addition to the impressive selection of merchandise, the Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach also features several unique attractions. The store has a giant surfboard that visitors can climb on and take photos with, as well as a surf museum that showcases the history of surfing and the Ron Jon brand.

The store also features a large surfboard shaping room where visitors can watch expert shapers create custom surfboards. There is also a surf school on site where visitors can take lessons and learn how to ride the waves like a pro.

Manatee Sanctuary Park

Manatee Sanctuary Park is a beautiful park located in Cocoa Beach, Florida, that offers visitors the opportunity to see manatees up close in their natural habitat. The park is situated along the Banana River and features a variety of amenities, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

One of the main attractions of the park is the manatee viewing platform, which offers visitors the chance to see these gentle creatures up close. Manatees are known to frequent the area, particularly during the cooler months when they seek refuge in the warmer waters of the river.

In addition to the manatee viewing platform, the park also features a playground, picnic areas, and fishing spots. The playground is a popular spot for families with young children, offering a range of equipment for kids to climb, swing, and play on.

Food and nightlife at Florida’s Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach offers a variety of dining and nightlife options to suit all tastes. For food, there are several restaurants that offer fresh seafood, which is a staple of the area. One of the most popular seafood restaurants in Cocoa Beach is Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar, which offers a variety of seafood dishes, including fresh fish, crab, and shrimp. Another popular seafood restaurant is Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill, which is located at the Port Canaveral and offers a range of seafood and American cuisine.

Apart from seafood, there are also plenty of other dining options available in Cocoa Beach, ranging from casual to fine dining. For example, the Fat Kahuna's Beachside Grille is a popular casual spot known for its burgers, sandwiches, and salads, while the Heidelberg Restaurant is a fine dining spot that serves German cuisine.

In terms of nightlife, there are several bars and clubs that offer a variety of entertainment options. One of the most popular bars is Coconuts on the Beach, which offers live music, DJs, and beach volleyball. Another popular spot is the Sandbar Sports Grill, which offers a range of drinks and entertainment, including live music and sports events on big screens.

Overall, Cocoa Beach offers a variety of dining and nightlife options that cater to all tastes, making it a great destination for those looking to enjoy good food and entertainment. Whether you're looking for fresh seafood, casual dining, or lively nightlife, Cocoa Beach has something to offer.