Cocoa Beach, Florida, is a paradise for beach lovers, adventure seekers, and space enthusiasts alike. Located on Florida’s Space Coast, this charming beach town is famous for its beautiful sandy shores, world-class surfing, and proximity to Kennedy Space Center.
This guide covers the best things to do in Cocoa Beach, including top attractions, outdoor adventures, local dining, and unique experiences.
Things to Do in Cocoa Beach
1. Relax on Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is known for its soft sand, warm waters, and beautiful sunrises. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or play beach volleyball, this iconic stretch of coastline offers the perfect setting.
Things to Do at Cocoa Beach:
- Swimming and sunbathing
- Beachcombing for seashells and sand dollars
- Picnicking with an ocean view
- Surfing and paddleboarding
Tip: Arrive early to grab a good spot, especially on weekends and holidays.
2. Try Surfing at the “East Coast Surfing Capital”
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Cocoa Beach is one of the best places to surf in Florida. With gentle waves and consistent swells, it’s the perfect spot for beginners and pros alike.
Where to Learn Surfing:
- Ron Jon Surf School
- Cocoa Beach Surf School
- Nex Generation Surf School
Even if you’re not surfing, it’s fun to watch the locals ride the waves.
3. Visit Kennedy Space Center
Distance from Cocoa Beach: 20-30 minutes
No trip to Cocoa Beach is complete without visiting Kennedy Space Center, where NASA launched the Apollo moon missions and continues to send rockets into space today.
Things to See at Kennedy Space Center:
- Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit
- Rocket Garden
- Astronaut Encounter
- Apollo/Saturn V Center
- SpaceX and Artemis Launches
Tip: Arrive early and plan to spend a full day here.
4. Walk Along Cocoa Beach Pier
The Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier is an iconic 800-foot pier stretching over the Atlantic Ocean.
Things to Do at Cocoa Beach Pier:
- Fishing (rod rentals available)
- Dining at oceanfront restaurants like Rikki Tiki Tavern
- Enjoying live music and entertainment
- Watching stunning sunsets and sunrises
Tip: Happy Hour deals make this a great place to grab a drink with a view.
5. Take a Kayaking or Paddleboarding Tour
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Explore Cocoa Beach’s mangrove forests and lagoons by kayak or paddleboard. You might even see dolphins, manatees, and bioluminescent waters at night.
Best Kayaking & Paddleboarding Spots:
- Banana River Lagoon for dolphin and manatee sightings
- Thousand Islands Conservation Area for lush mangrove tunnels
- Bioluminescent Night Kayaking (best in summer)
Tour Companies:
- Fin Expeditions
- Cocoa Kayaking
- A Day Away Kayak Tours
Tip: Go early morning for wildlife sightings or take a night tour for glowing bioluminescence.
6. Visit the Brevard Zoo
Distance from Cocoa Beach: 30 minutes
The Brevard Zoo is one of the best zoos in Florida and offers unique hands-on experiences.
Things to Do at Brevard Zoo:
- Feed giraffes
- Kayak through animal habitats
- Walk through free-flight aviaries
- See alligators, jaguars, and other wildlife
Tip: Arrive early for giraffe feeding, as it’s a popular activity.
7. Explore Historic Cocoa Village
Cocoa Village is a charming downtown area filled with boutiques, restaurants, and live entertainment.
Things to Do in Cocoa Village:
- Shop for unique gifts, local art, and handmade crafts
- Dine at waterfront restaurants like Ryan’s Pizza or The Tulip
- Catch a live performance at the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse
- Explore art galleries featuring local paintings and sculptures
Tip: Visit on weekends for farmers’ markets and live music.
8. Discover Manatee Sanctuary Park
Manatee Sanctuary Park is a peaceful spot where manatees often gather.
Things to Do at Manatee Sanctuary Park:
- Enjoy a picnic in shaded areas
- Watch for manatees, especially in winter (November–March)
- Walk along scenic trails
Tip: Visit early in the morning for the best chance of spotting manatees.
9. Take an Airboat Ride in the Everglades
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For a true Florida adventure, take an airboat tour through the St. Johns River or Everglades.
Best Airboat Tour Companies:
- Twister Airboat Rides
- Airboat Rides at Midway
- Grasshopper Airboat Tours
Tip: Bring sunglasses and a hat—it gets windy on the boat.
10. Enjoy Local Seafood & Beachfront Dining
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Cocoa Beach has some excellent waterfront restaurants and bars.
Best Restaurants in Cocoa Beach:
- Coconuts on the Beach – Oceanfront dining with fresh seafood
- Sandbar Sports Grill – Fun beach bar with great tacos
- Fat Kahuna’s Beachside Grill – Fresh seafood with a Hawaiian twist
- Florida’s Fresh Grill – One of the best seafood spots in town
- The Tiny Turtle – Known for Caribbean-inspired dishes
Tip: Try fresh Florida shrimp, mahi-mahi, or blackened grouper.
Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in Cocoa Beach
1. What is the Beach best known for?
Cocoa Beach is best known for:
- Its beautiful sandy beaches and warm waters
- Being the surfing capital of the East Coast
- Its proximity to Kennedy Space Center
- The Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, a popular spot for fishing, dining, and entertainment
- Ron Jon Surf Shop, the largest surf shop in the world
2. What are the best beaches in Cocoa Beach?
- Cocoa Beach – The main beach, great for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing
- Alan Shepard Park – A family-friendly beach with picnic areas and facilities
- Lori Wilson Park – A quieter beach with nature trails and free parking
- Cherie Down Park – A great spot for a peaceful beach day with fewer crowds
- Playalinda Beach – Located within Canaveral National Seashore, ideal for nature lovers
3. What are the best things to do in the Beach for families?
- Spend a day at the beach – Build sandcastles, swim, and enjoy the ocean
- Visit Kennedy Space Center – A must-see attraction for kids and adults alike
- Explore the Brevard Zoo – Feed giraffes and kayak through the animal exhibits
- Go on a dolphin and manatee tour – A great way to see Florida’s wildlife up close
- Walk along the Beach Pier – Enjoy family-friendly restaurants, live music, and fishing
4. Is the Beach a good place for surfing?
Yes! Cocoa Beach is one of the best places to surf on the East Coast. The waves are generally gentle, making it perfect for beginners, but there are also good swells for more experienced surfers. Some of the best surfing spots include:
- Cocoa Pier – A popular spot for catching waves
- Second Light Beach – A great place for longboarding
- Sebastian Inlet – Known for bigger and more challenging waves
If you’re new to surfing, you can take lessons at Ron Jon Surf School or Cocoa Beach Surf School.
5. Can you see rocket launches from the Beach?
Yes! The Beach is a great place to watch rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Some of the best viewing spots include:
- Cocoa Pier
- Lori Wilson Park
- Alan Shepard Park
- Playalinda Beach (closer to the launch site)
Check the NASA or SpaceX launch schedule before your visit to catch a live launch.
6. What are some outdoor activities in the Beach?
- Surfing and paddleboarding
- Kayaking through the Thousand Islands Conservation Area
- Bioluminescent kayaking at night
- Fishing at Cocoa Pier or on a deep-sea fishing charter
- Hiking and wildlife spotting at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Airboat rides through the Florida Everglades
Final Thoughts
The Beach is the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and space exploration. If you’re surfing, kayaking, watching a rocket launch, or enjoying fresh seafood by the beach, this Florida gem offers something for every traveler.
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