10 Best Things to Do in Cocoa Beach
What is Cocoa Beach Most Famous For?
There’s no shortage of things to do in Cocoa Beach. Known for its long stretches of spectacular golden sands with dazzling ocean views, the area isn’t just a paradise for sun worshippers. You can also explore a dinosaur museum, admire wildlife, and take a kayak tour. Or why not shop until you drop in the quaint boutiques before taking in a show at the theatre?
Located on Florida’s Space Coast, it’s also home to a huge centre where you can discover fascinating insights into the life of an astronaut. Whether you’re looking for good surfing, a great picnic spot, or an interesting museum, you’ll find plenty of choices for things to do in Cocoa Beach in the guide below.
1. Cocoa Beach Pier
Sunbathing, surfing and seafood
Ideal para: Alimentação, Vida noturna, Econômico
Cocoa Beach Pier is a dynamic mix of eateries, activities, and live music for all the family. This historic landmark extends over miles of golden sands and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, and it’s always lively. During the day, locals and tourists come here to surf on the amazing waves or enjoy an energetic game of beach volleyball, whilst others soak up the Florida sunshine and cool off with a dip in the ocean.
As the sun goes down, people stroll along the 800-ft pier to take in the spectacular sunset views, before heading to one of the nearby restaurants. The exotic cocktails, fresh seafood, and live music make this an unforgettable experience.
Localização: 401 Meade Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA
Abre: Sunday–Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm
Telefone: +1 321-783-7549
Cocoa Beach Pier
2. NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre
Exciting and educational space adventures
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Aventura
NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre will delight budding astronauts of all ages. Children and adults alike will love the astronaut training simulator and there’s also an immersive experience featuring Peanuts characters where kids can learn about space launches in a fun and educational way.
Embrace your inner scientist with live shows and demonstrations where you can participate in experiments and discover how things work. You can also take a guided tour of the rocket garden or watch a film in the IMAX theatre, and for the ultimate space experience, why not try the Shuttle Launch Experience? You’ll get to strap yourself inside a shuttle and experience the same take-off thrills as astronauts during a rocket launch.
Localização: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, USA
Abre: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +1 855-433-4210
NASA's Kennedy Space Centre
3. Ron John Surf Shop and Surf Museum
For beach lovers
Ideal para: Famílias, Compras, História
Ron Jon Surf Shop and Surf Museum is an unmissable destination for anyone passionate about surfing, local history, fashion, and beach life. The multi-level shop is a psychedelic bonanza of clothes, surfboards, and other accessories, and it’s also home to a fascinating surf museum.
You’ll love strolling through the colourful exhibits displaying the people and places that have had an impact on Florida surfing. The museum is also known for its special events, especially the Surfing Santas of Cocoa Beach held every December. Hundreds of Santas take to the water for this amazing surfing extravaganza. The beach comes alive with live music, food, and entertainment, and it’s all for charity.
Localização: 4275 North Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA
Abre: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +1 321-720-8033
Ron John Surf Shop and Surf Museum
4. Historic Cocoa Village
Artisanal shopping in a beautiful district
Ideal para: Famílias, Compras, Alimentação
Historic Cocoa Village is just 10 miles from Cocoa Beach and it’s easy to access, with lots of free parking. If you love turning back time and strolling along quaint, cobblestone streets in a charming village, then this is a great choice for a day out. You’ll find fantastic artisanal boutiques dotted along the pristine streets with a good mix of around 20 eateries too.
Shop for hand-blown glass, exquisite jewellery, and luxury olive oils before stopping off to snack on burgers, tacos, or pub food, whilst enjoying a fantastic view over the historic streets. Be sure to check the website before visiting, as there are often children’s activities scheduled, such as Hallowe’en games or magic shows.
Localização: 434 Delannoy Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922
Historic Cocoa Village
5. Banana River Aquatic Preserve
Stunning photo opportunities on the water
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto
Banana River Aquatic Preserve sprawls over 30,000 acres of water, lying between Cocoa Beach to the east and Merritt Island to the west. It’s an immense sanctuary of marshland with spectacular mangroves lining the coastal trails. You won’t find a visitor centre here, but you can choose from several boat tour companies to visit this aquatic paradise.
If you love seeing wildlife at close quarters and taking exceptional photos of birds and animals, then this is an amazing trip. The nature reserve is home to a significant population of manatees and alligators, and you can also discover an impressive pelican rookery, ospreys, and diamondback terrapin turtles. Try to spot the dolphins riding the waves alongside your boat too!
Localização: 401 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA
Telefone: +1 772-429-2995
Banana River Aquatic Preserve
6. Lori Wilson Park
Family time by the ocean
Ideal para: Famílias, Econômico
Lori Wilson Park is located at the northern end of Cocoa Beach. This beautiful, coastline park is a great choice for a family day out on a budget. Kids will love the playground area, volleyball court, and biking trails which wind through more than 32 acres of greenery and golden dunes.
The pavilions and grill areas are a big hit with both locals and tourists who come to enjoy a lazy picnic with spectacular views over the beach and ocean. After lunch, you can stroll down the boardwalk and there’s beach access too, if you fancy a dip in the ocean. The parking here is free, so be sure to arrive early as the spaces can fill up quickly.
Localização: 1500 North Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA
Abre: Daily from 7 am to 7 pm
Telefone: +1 321-455-1380
Lori Wilson Park
7. Cocoa Village Playhouse
Entertainment for all the family in a historic location
Ideal para: Casais, Alimentação, Vida noturna
Cocoa Village Playhouse is a dynamic community theatre featuring local performers of all ages. Since 1924, this historic building has hosted hundreds of performances. It’s known as “Broadway on Brevard” due to the annual musicals staged here, but you can also watch comedies, dramas, and a wide variety of children’s shows, including Mary Poppins and 101 Dalmatians.
The theatre lies in city centre Cocoa Village and you’ll find a great choice of restaurants nearby, where you can indulge in Thai food, burgers, or traditional pub food. Why not stroll around the beautiful boutiques in this charming district and grab a bite to eat before heading to the theatre for an evening show?
Localização: 300 Brevard Avenue, Cocoa, FL 32922, USA
Telefone: +1 321-636-5050
Cocoa Village Playhouse
8. The Dinosaur Store and Museum
Shopping, wildlife and history under one roof
Ideal para: Famílias, Compras, História
The Dinosaur Store and Museum lies at the entrance to the barrier island, on the main causeway, so it’s easy to access and park here. It’s a huge store where you’ll find a great choice of gifts for the little archaeologists and palaeontologists in the family. For an amazing display of impressive skeletons, be sure to visit the Hall of Dinosaurs too.
The Adventure Zone has been designed to keep kids entertained for hours and they’ll love its arcade, film cave, and various science stations. The Reptile Run area is also hugely popular. You can see over 20 slithering snakes and snapping baby alligators, and perhaps even get to hold one!
Localização: 250 West Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA
Abre: Wednesday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from noon to 5 pm, Monday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Telefone: +1 321-783-7300
The Dinosaur Store and Museum
9. Cocoa Beach Kayaking
A tranquil tour of nature
Ideal para: Casais, Foto, Aventura
Cocoa Beach Kayaking offers a unique experience to head out on the water and experience nature and wildlife at close quarters. The popular Day Tour leads you through mangrove-lined waterways and open spaces where you can hope to see manatees, herons, osprey, and dolphins. You can also choose from an Evening Tour and a seasonal Bioluminescence Tour.
You’ll love gliding through the water, gently taking in the astounding views, and snapping some incredible photos. The kayak tours are a great opportunity to relax in the peaceful surroundings and learn about the diverse ecosystem in this part of Florida from experienced guides. Don’t forget your cooler with drinks and snacks, as you’ll be out on the water for several hours.
Localização: 4800 Tom Warriner Boulevard, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 8 pm
Telefone: +1 321-784-4545
Cocoa Beach Kayaking
10. Cocoa Beach Skate Park
Energetic fun in a concrete jungle
Ideal para: Famílias, Vida noturna, Econômico
Cocoa Beach Skatepark is tucked behind the Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School at the northern end of the barrier island. Skateboarders of all ages will have fun on the concrete here, with the small park boasting plenty of stairs, a halfpipe, and a bowl. It’s a well-lit facility in the evenings and locals come here for its safe and friendly atmosphere.
If you want to tire the kids out, this is a great choice as it’s free to access and there’s lots of seating for you to watch as they perform their tricks and flips. Be sure to arrive with helmets as under-18s have to wear them in this park.
Localização: 1450 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA
Abre: Monday–Thursday from 3.30 pm to 9 pm, Friday from 2.30 pm to 10.30 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm
Telefone: +1 321-868-3252
Cocoa Beach Skate Park
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