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Cocoa Beach is a sunny Southern Florida town that has it all: a beautiful beach, fun shops and restaurants, great views and plenty of family-friendly activities. Known as the home city on the famous 1960s show I Dream of Jeannie, Cocoa Beach has evolved to be a hotspot for vacationers that want a peaceful Florida getaway paired with affordable beach deals.
Just six miles from the Atlantic Coast and 60 miles from the Orlando area, Cocoa Beach is a great place to stay whether you’re looking to visit theme parks, relax in nature or take in ocean views.
Check these top 21 things to do in Cocoa Beach, Florida!
Explore an exciting world as we share the top 21 attractions you must see in Cocoa Beach, Florida. This list includes famous spots and hidden treasures. It'll help you plan out the best Cocoa Beach vacation! Cocoa Beach has something for everyone, whether you want adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both.
Outdoor Activities
As you've probably guessed, there's a plethora of outdoor activities either near or on the beach. If you're catching a day full of beautiful bright weather, grab sunscreen and be sure to visit the following attractions and local things to do.
#1. Cocoa Beach
Whether you’re craving a suntan, want to build a sandcastle with the kids or take a dip in the ocean, you’ll love the six miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline you have when you visit Cocoa Beach. There are three oceanfront parks to visit with spectacular views and clean, sandy beaches to bask on. Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort offers guests direct beach access!
#2. Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier
No trip to Cocoa Beach is complete without seeing the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier. This famous place stretches 800 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and offers the best Cocoa Beach experience. You can grab food at one of the pier's restaurants, where they serve fresh seafood, tasty burgers, and cold drinks. You might catch some live music while you're here!
#3. Canaveral National Seashore
The famous Canaveral National Seashore in Cocoa Beach offers iconic heights like Turtle Mound, the country’s largest pile of seashells, and the popular Manatee Observation Deck. You can swim, surf, fish, hike or even go camping or horseback riding along the longest stretch of undeveloped Atlantic coastline in the state of Florida.
#4. Cocoa Beach Country Club
Grab your gear, it’s time to go golfing! Florida is well-known for its stunning golf courses, and Cocoa Beach is no exception. The city’s country club is a 27-hole course featuring 23 lakes and views of the Banana River.
#5. Brevard County Zoo
This beautiful zoo lets you meet giraffes, zebras, lions and other amazing animals in the heart of Florida. You can go on a self-guided walk through the zoo, or book one of their activities, like kayaking, bird-feeding or taking on their adventure course.
#6. Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures
Suit up at this adventure park to climb rope courses and zipline through treetops. This USA Today 10Best park is a thrilling activity for families.
#7. Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour
Florida Bioluminescence Tours offers clear kayak adventures into the glowing waters of Cocoa Beach’s shores. As the sunsets, you’ll witness manatees and dolphins coasting through the waters before it all lights up in a magical blue glow.
#8. Manatee Sanctuary Park
Marvel at the beauty of Florida’s sea cows when you visit this gorgeous park in Cape Canaveral. A beautiful boardwalk, playground, walking trails and over 10 acres of Banana River land await.
#9. Lori Wilson Park
This 20-acre park has beautiful ocean views, a boardwalk, dog park, volleyball nets, surfing, fishing, and more. It’s the perfect place to spend a weekend enjoying the natural beauty of Florida and having plenty of fun in the sun.
#10. Ron Jon Surf School
Get ready to catch some waves with the pros. You’ll be hanging ten in no time after a chill surf lesson from the experienced instructors at this Cocoa Beach surf school.
#11. Thousand Islands Conservation Area
The Thousand Islands Conservation Area is a great place for kayaking, jet skiing or watching wildlife. Set across 338 acres, this site is home to seven unique islands nestled along Banana River and the Indian River Lagoon.
#12. Shepard Park
This small 5-acre park is an ideal spot to watch the sunrise or go for an evening walk. There are picnic tables, a boardwalk, showers, and everything you need to have a fun family beach day.
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Indoor Activities
Taking a break from the sun in Florida is a sure necessity. It's best to have a few indoor activities in mind for this reason, and in case it rains or storms. You won't have to think twice on your vacation if you plan ahead!
#13. Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort
The Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort is special for several reasons. First, this luxury resort sits close to the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier - fully renovated with restaurants and shops. The resort offers luxury two-bedroom suites, its own water experience, lazy river, and pools with beach views. It’s the best place to stay in Cocoa Beach and an easy drive to Orlando if you want to spend a day at one of Florida’s many famous theme parks!
#14. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Embrace the wonders of the universe when you visit the nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Watch documentaries, see real rockets up close, and tour the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. You might even meet a real astronaut while you’re there!
#15. The Dinosaur Store
Get ready to get Jurassic! You’ll get up close to ancient cultures, exploring everything from a forest of dino fossils to an Egyptian tomb! Wrap up your outing with a trip to the Adventure Zone.
Museums & Art
There's always a creative within the family who can appreciate the craft of art and history! Paying respect to the treasures of Cocoa Beach is one great way to give back to the area's community. This is an excellent way to connect with locals, and a great opportunity to inquire about more hidden gems and nearby things to do!
#16. Florida Surf Museum
Cocoa Beach’s Florida Surf Museum introduces you to the colorful history of the water sport. You’ll see vintage boards from legendary Florida surfers and learn about the role surfing has played shaping the state’s beach culture.
#17. Breakers Art Gallery
For a peaceful afternoon in Cocoa Beach, tour this small, charming art gallery filled with inspiring coastal art on canvas, pottery, wood, and jewelry. You can also buy pieces that catch your eye to take home and cherish.
#18. Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science
Explore replicas of animals, dioramas and exciting displays at this family-friendly museum filled with enriching exhibits.
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Food
There's a fair choice of food options in the Cocoa Beach area, but we consolidated and listed the best places to eat. If you're saving by cooking meals in your resort room, be sure to take a break and try at least one of the following.
#19. PizzaVola
Rated one of the best pizza restaurants in Cocoa Beach, PizzaVola serves up large pies, subs, and other Italian-American dishes like pasta, calzone, and stromboli. Eat inside or grab yours to-go for a picnic by the beach.
#20. Rikki Tiki Tavern
Located on the Cocoa Beach Pier, the Riki Tiki Tavern is a fun and inviting cocktail bar that serves beachy bites and signature drinks.
#21. The Florida Key Lime Pie Company
It’s hard to resist the irresistible tang of Florida key lime, and you won’t find it made better anywhere but here! The famous Florida Key Lime Pie Company sells their pie by the slice — or covered in chocolate on a stick. You can also grab some authentic salt water taffy, homemade ice cream, handcrafted beers, and tropical wines to take home.
Explore the Cocoa Beach Area with Westgate!
The charm of Cocoa Beach is hard to miss. Between gorgeous nature parks and quaint local shops and boutiques, it’s a fun surf town in Florida that gives you all the perks of staying in a small village with easy access to Orlando. When you’re ready to kickstart your vacation, book a stay at the Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort to embrace the good life!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can unwind at Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort before heading to the beach and having dinner on the pier. There are many fun shops to explore in town, plus six miles of Atlantic coastline to surf, swim, or sunbathe.
Cocoa Beach has a walkability score of 65, meaning it's somewhat walkable. There are plenty of attractions, shops, and dining options in the main town area, but you will need a car to reach some of the beaches and nature preserves.
Cocoa Beach is the perfect place to visit near Orlando that’s a lot less crowded than other parts of Florida. It’s busiest during the spring, so consider visiting in the fall if you’d like to have as few crowds as possible.
The waters of Cocoa Beach turn blue due to bioluminescence, which is caused by glowing algae that lights up due to the water’s high salt content.
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