Things To Do
in Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is a popular beach destination located on Florida's Space Coast. It is known for its beautiful sandy shores and excellent surfing conditions. The area is home to the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier, lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Visitors can also enjoy nearby attractions such as the Kennedy Space Center and the Ron Jon Surf Shop.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with breakfast at a beachfront café, enjoying fresh coffee and delicious pastries. Afterward, stroll along the shore and soak in the beauty of the sunrise.
Spend the afternoon lounging on the sandy beach or trying out some water sports like paddleboarding or surfing. Don't forget to grab a light lunch at one of the beachside eateries.
As the sun sets, head to a local seafood restaurant to savor fresh fish tacos or shrimp. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach under the stars.
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out on a deep-sea fishing trip. Enjoy the ocean breeze and the thrill of reeling in your catch.
Have a picnic on the beach with your fresh catch, then spend some time boogie boarding in the waves. Explore the boardwalk shops for souvenirs.
Return to your accommodation to freshen up, then enjoy a casual dinner at a local burger joint. Wrap up the night with a beach bonfire, making s'mores with friends.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
- Great surfing conditions, attracting surfers from around the region.
- Close proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and other attractions.
- Numerous dining options, including fresh seafood restaurants.
- Family-friendly atmosphere with activities for all ages.
- Tourism can lead to crowded beaches and traffic during peak seasons.
- High humidity and temperatures can be uncomfortable in summer.
- Limited public transportation options for getting around.
- Expensive accommodation during peak travel times.
- Potential for hurricanes and tropical storms during hurricane season.
Best Activities in Cocoa Beach
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Cocoa Beach offers numerous sand courts where both locals and visitors can enjoy competitive or casual beach volleyball games.
With its consistent waves, Cocoa Beach is a popular destination for surfers of all skill levels, making it an excellent spot to ride the waves.
Explore the beautiful waters of the Banana River and the Atlantic Ocean through kayaking or paddleboarding, perfect for enjoying the coastal scenery.
Cocoa Beach provides various fishing opportunities, whether from the shore, a pier, or chartering a boat for deep-sea fishing.
Enjoy a leisurely ride along the Cocoa Beach coastal trail, which offers beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding area.
Take a guided tour or visit the nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge to observe diverse wildlife, including manatees and various bird species.
Spend time strolling along the beach searching for seashells and unique finds along the shore.
Relax on the sandy shores of Cocoa Beach or take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
Tours
Uncover the best of Cocoa Beach with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Cocoa Beach
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic pier offering stunning ocean views, perfect for sunrise and sunset photography. The pier is lined with shops and restaurants, adding to the scenic backdrop.
The main beach area is ideal for capturing the vibrant colors of the coastline, beachgoers, and waves. Great for candid shots and landscape photography.
As one of the largest surf shops in the world, it's a colorful and iconic location for unique and fun photographs, especially for surf and beach culture enthusiasts.
A less crowded beach park that offers pristine views of the Atlantic Ocean and the opportunity to capture the natural beauty of the coastline, along with wildlife.
A local favorite, this area provides breathtaking views of the coastline and is perfect for quiet sunset photography, away from the busy crowds.
Located nearby, this area offers magnificent views of untouched beaches, dunes, and wildlife, creating picturesque landscapes for photography.
A colorful restaurant and bar with a lively ambiance that creates an enjoyable setting for fun photos capturing the local culture and lifestyle.
This park features scenic views of the waterway and offers a quieter spot to take photos of wildlife and nature in a more tranquil setting.
The iconic lifeguard towers along Cocoa Beach are great backdrops for beach photography, symbolizing the beach culture and lifestyle of the area.
Food in Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try dessert made with tangy key lime juice, graham cracker crust, and topped with whipped cream. Head to the Florida Key Lime Company for an authentic experience.
Must-Try!
These crispy fritters feature chopped conch meat mixed with vegetables and spices, a local delicacy found at many seafood restaurants along the coast.
A delicious combination of ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami, pressed in Cuban bread. Find this satisfying sandwich at Cuban cafes like Roberto's Little Havana.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Cocoa Beach better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This weekly market showcases fresh produce, local treats, and artisanal products. Enjoy food trucks offering a variety of street food, from gourmet tacos to fusion cuisine.
Visit this food truck for delectable Caribbean-inspired street food such as jerk chicken, plantains, and flavorful rice dishes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When visiting Cocoa Beach, it's important to respect personal space and keep noise levels down, especially in crowded areas. Avoid invading others' beach areas and always clean up after yourself.
While beach attire is common, it's advisable to dress modestly when visiting restaurants or shops. Bikinis and swim trunks are great for the beach, but consider changing into casual wear when going out in town.
Cocoa Beach is home to various wildlife, including sea turtles and birds. Be mindful of designated nesting areas and follow guidelines to avoid disturbing natural habitats; this includes not feeding or approaching wildlife.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Cocoa Beach with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Cocoa Beach
Ensure a smooth experience
In Cocoa Beach, as in most of the United States, tipping is customary in service industries. It is typical to tip restaurant servers 15-20% of the total bill, depending on the level of service provided. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also common, usually around 15-20%. The practice reflects appreciation for good service and is considered an important aspect of the culture in the hospitality industry.
Payment methods in Cocoa Beach are quite varied and convenient. Most establishments accept credit and debit cards, and electronic payments via apps are becoming increasingly popular. Cash is also accepted, though many businesses prefer card transactions. It is advisable for visitors to check individual establishments for their preferred payment methods or any additional fees for using certain payment types.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Cocoa Beach.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is one of the best times to visit Cocoa Beach. The weather is warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s °F (around 24-29 °C). The crowds are moderate, and various events, including surf contests and festivals, take place.
Summer (June to August) is hot and humid in Cocoa Beach, with temperatures often exceeding 90 °F (32 °C). This season attracts the largest crowds, making it the peak tourist season. Expect frequent afternoon thunderstorms, but plenty of sunshine and beach activities are available.
Fall (September to November) features warm temperatures, ranging from the mid-70s to upper 80s °F (around 24-31 °C). This is a great time to visit as the crowds begin to thin out after the summer. Early fall may still have occasional storms, but by late October, the weather typically becomes more stable and pleasant.
Winter (December to February) offers cooler temperatures, typically in the 60s to low 70s °F (around 15-22 °C). This is considered the off-peak season, with fewer tourists and lower accommodation rates. While it may be too cool for swimming, it’s a great time for enjoying the beach and outdoor activities.
Cocoa Beach at Night
Hiking in Cocoa Beach
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A unique historical site that offers hiking trails with scenic views of the Indian River Lagoon and rich archaeological significance.
A coastal park that provides access to beautiful beach trails and outdoor activities perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.
This park features miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats including dunes, mangroves, and wetlands, along with stunning views of the inlet.
An outdoor adventure spot offering hiking trails that connect to the Zoo, with opportunities to see wildlife and nature.
A vast refuge with several hiking trails that provide access to diverse ecosystems, wildlife viewing, and scenic vistas.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Cocoa Beach through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Cocoa Beach by plane.
The busiest airport in Florida, located approximately 45 miles west of Cocoa Beach.
A smaller international airport located about 30 miles south of Cocoa Beach, serving primarily domestic flights.
Located around 55 miles north of Cocoa Beach, this airport offers both domestic and limited international flights.
Located approximately 90 miles southwest of Cocoa Beach, this is a major international gateway in the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Caucasian population, making up a significant portion of Cocoa Beach's residents.
Includes individuals of various Hispanic backgrounds, constituting a notable demographic in Cocoa Beach.
Represents a smaller percentage of the population, contributing to the cultural diversity of the area.
Includes residents of Asian descent, making up a minority group in Cocoa Beach.
Encompasses various other racial and ethnic groups, including Native American and Pacific Islander.
The Soul of Cocoa Beach
Discover the essence of Cocoa Beach through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cocoa Beach is known for its excellent surfing conditions, attracting surfers from all over.
With its sandy shores, Cocoa Beach is a popular location for beach volleyball, featuring many courts and tournaments.
The area offers great opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, making it a favorite pastime.
The calm waters around Cocoa Beach provide perfect conditions for paddleboarding, which has become increasingly popular.
Biking along the scenic routes and beach paths is a popular activity for visitors and locals alike.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cocoa Beach.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants and cafes in Cocoa Beach offer vegetarian options, ranging from fresh salads to veggie wraps and creative plant-based dishes.
While vegan-specific eateries are limited, many restaurants in Cocoa Beach are accommodating and can offer customized vegan meals upon request.
Several dining establishments in Cocoa Beach provide gluten-free menu items, from gluten-free pizza at local pizzerias to gluten-free pasta at Italian eateries.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Cocoa Beach with these cultural adventures.
