Top 10 Things To Do In Cocoa Beach, USA

Cocoa Beach came to life in the 1960s during America’s space race and the town even held astronaut parades after manned space flights. It´s also known as the East Coast Surfing Capital, as it had many of the greatest surfers in the world. This town has a small-town feel, but there are tons of things to do in Cocoa Beach. With its prime location on the Atlantic Ocean, beautiful beaches, great restaurants, friendly people, and rich space history, Cocoa Beach truly is one of a kind. Cocoa Beach offers perfect Florida getaways for couples or family vacations. Whether you are going on a family beach vacation, leisure travel, weekend trip, or just a day at the beach, you’ll find exactly what you’ve been looking for to make your stay one you’ll never forget.

Cocoa Beach is the place for the most affordable beach vacations in Florida, and it is the closest ocean beach to all the Orlando amusements. There is never a lack of things to do in Cocoa Beach or see in and around Cocoa Beach, so keep reading to see the top 10 things to see when in Cocoa Beach.

1. The Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier 

It was formerly called the Canaveral Pier because it was a popular hangout for astronauts during their free days. These days it is a local spot for surfers because of its length of 800ft,  and offers beach rentals, freshwater showers, and beach volleyball courts. You will notice that the Pier is always buzzing with tourists. 

2. Cocoa Beach kayaking

This is among the most fun things to do in Cocoa Beach for the whole family, and on these guided tours you do not need any prior experience. Take a kayak trip around Cocoa Beach’s Islands where hundreds of dolphins live and explore the mangrove trails and tunnels.  At “Kayak Cocoa Beach” they offer different tours starting from different locations, so make sure to reserve your kayak tour on time.

3. Lori Wilson Park 

Lori Wilson Park is a beautiful beachside park with multiple beach dunes, maritime hammocks for public use, a boardwalk, vendors, a dog park, restrooms, outdoor showers, drinking fountains, and parking lots conveniently located on both the north and south sides of the hammock. The park has a dog area that is completely fenced, and the parking around is free.

4. Cocoa Beach Skate Park 

Cocoa Beach Skate Park is one of the best and most well-organized skate parks on the East Coast. This is a safe, fun thing to do in Cocoa Beach for kids. You can also rent equipment onsite and even take private lessons if you are a beginner, but have in mind that they work only during working hours.

5. Brevard ZOO

You should also visit the nearby Brevard Zoo (a 25 min drive from Cocoa Beach) which houses more than 500 animals, including white rhinos, red kangaroos, cheetahs, giraffes, alligators, gibbons, and much more. Don´t miss “Treetop Trek” Brevard Zoo’s newest attraction where you can fly through the sky and climb through the trees, it´s fun not only for kids but adults as well. Brevard Zoo's working hours are Sunday to Saturday from 09:30 am – 5:00 pm. 

6. The Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center

The Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center is a great pool complex that is open to the general public. It has an Olympic size pool, lap swimming, a large children’s area, an area with swimming recreation, and a slide for kids. The temperature during the summertime is always refreshing and it is a great one-day family activity, with much fun content for children.

7. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

This is the core of human spaceflight in the United States, with almost 2 million visitors every year. This massive place features IMAX theaters, multiple exhibits, and memorabilia, and it is one of the top Cocoa Beach attractions. The Kennedy Complex is partially indoors and partially outdoors. The space center is a must-stop spot for people interested in famous space missions like the Apollo moon landings, or different space shuttle excursions. If you have kids, it is best to spend the entire day here to soak up the whole experience.

8.  Ron Jon Surf Shop

Ron Jon Surf Shop is the world's largest surf shop and a must-visit for surf enthusiasts, even for surf beginners. The store embodies the surfing culture and legacy that is built through the years. Beyond its impressive range of surfboards and accessories, Ron Jon Surf Shop has a vibrant energy dedicated to those passionate about surfing. Maybe the best thing here is the staff, who are ready to assist you with gear selection perfect for your body and needs, and almost always share their own surf stories in between.

9. Manatee Sanctuary Park

Manatee Sanctuary Park sits on the banks of the Banana River. It is a protected manatee living area. These beautiful creatures enjoy warm water and during the winter they gather inland. Although there is no guarantee you will see them, the wide park gives you a great opportunity, and it is a very famous family attraction here.

10. Golf`N`Gator

Where else can you play mini golf and take your picture with an alligator after rounds? Golf N Gator has two 18-hole mini-golf courses to test your skill. Each course has very unique obstacles that are challenging to navigate. When you finish your round, you can feed and take your picture with an alligator at Brevard County's only outdoor alligator habitat. If you are looking for fun things to do with friends and family, this is the right place for you.

‍