Cocoa Beach Travel Guide: Best Things To Do, Where To Stay & Eat (Updated 2026)

Looking for the perfect Cocoa Beach Travel Guide? This guide to Cocoa Beach has all of the need to know tips & tricks for the perfect trip to the beautiful Florida beach town.

Cocoa Beach is the quintessential Florida beach town located only one hour east of Orlando. With that old Florida vibe, miles of golden sand beach, and a few characters scattered throughout, Cocoa Beach is defiantly cool spot for your next Florida beach vacation. In this guide we will go over the very best things to do, coolest hotels, where to dine, and more in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Read on to discover your Cocoa Beach Travel Guide.

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Map Of Cocoa Beach, Florida

About Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach was basically a swampland before families began buying property and slowly building a beach community in the 1800s. Although it wasn't until 1925 until Cocoa Beach was established as a town.

When Cocoa Beach and the surrounding area really boomed in the 1950s + 60s when NASA made Cape Canaveral their home base.

Cocoa Beach is also known as one of the best towns to surf in Florida (they call themselves the surfing capital of the world - but I don't buy it). However, there is definitely an undeniable surf culture in Cocoa Beach.

Best Hotels In Cocoa Beach, Florida

Honestly the hotels are kind-of boring on Cocoa Beach, but here are a few that are clean and comfortable.

The Drift - Budget Cocoa Beach Hotel

The Drift is the perfect budget hotel in Cocoa Beach. This aparthotel is located steps from the beach and the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier. The Drift is also great for long term stays in Cocoa Beach as my units come with a kitchen and living room. What I loved most about The Drift is the natural light + space you get in each room/unit.

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The Inn At Cocoa Beach - Middle Range Cocoa Beach Hotel

The Inn At Cocoa Beach is a cool and eclectic hotel that has that old Florida vibe. Located a few minutes walk from the beach and the iconic Ron Jon's Surf Shop, The Inn At Cocoa Beach is perfect for any kind of traveler!

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Things To Do In Cocoa Beach, Florida

Walk Down The Iconic Cocoa Beach Pier

The Cocoa Beach Pier is easily one of the most popular sights to see in town. You can't miss the huge, obnoxious sign. On the pier itself you will find shops, a couple of restaurants, a bar, and spots to fish. Right next to the pier there are beach volleyball nets and a surf school!

Lori Wilson Park

Located about ten minutes down the road from Cocoa Beach Pier is the stunning, Lori Wilson Park (another beach). Lori Wilson Park is the perfect place to go to escape the crowds and the commercialism at the pier. There are not as many amenities at Lori Wilson Park, but you will find fresh water showers and a bathroom - just be sure to pack food + drinks.

Visit Ron Jons Surf Shop

It is a wonder to me how this place stays open. Cleaning money is what I can up with. Anyway, from the outside this place looks like a mall and from the inside a theme park. The 52,000 square foot store is a must visit in Cocoa Beach, and trust me you will find some interesting characters along the way. I saw a lady walking an alligator on a leash!

Explore The Thousand Islands

The Thousand Islands is a 338 acre conservation area located in Cocoa Beach. If you are looking to get out into nature - this is for you. You can kayak or paddle board through the mangroves. If you don't know much about kayaking or Florida's mangroves, do a tour to learn more from a guide.

Do a Sunset Cruise

This sunset cruise was my favorite thing I did in Cocoa Beach. It's super affordable and was a lot of fun! We sailed along the Indian River and even saw a few dolphins and manatees along the way. This short cruise is perfect for a relaxing evening in Cocoa Beach.

Visit Kennedy Space Center

I have never been one to care much about rockets and space science - mainly because it is just too confusing. But, I could see why so many people love it and travel far and wide to visit the Kennedy Space Center located just 30 minutes north of Cocoa Beach. This place is definitely worth a visit if you are interested in space travel in anyway.

Where To Dine In Cocoa Beach

Best Coffee Shops In Cocoa Beach

Foxtail Coffee Co. - Foxtail is easily one of the best coffee shops in Cocoa Beach. It is a small cafe, but probably has the best coffee in the area.

Cafe Surfinista - Cafe Surfinista is a casual eatery located just steps from the beach. They serve coffee + brunch type food.

Best Restaurants In Cocoa Beach

La Catrina Mexican Restaurant - This mexican restaurant is perfect for travelers looking for affordable food in a fun environment!

Florida's Fresh Grill - Florida's Fresh Grill is ideal for travelers looking for a fine dining option in Cocoa Beach.

How To Get To Cocoa Beach

The only way to get to Cocoa Beach is by car or shuttle. Most people visit Cocoa from Orlando (1 hour by car), so there is a shuttle you can take from there. Otherwise you will have to drive. I would rent a car, unless you plan on staying at your hotel the whole time, as Cocoa Beach is not walkable.

Best Time To Visit Cocoa Beach

The best time to visit Cocoa Beach, or anywhere in Florida, is during the spring. You will most likely have good weather and no rain from March - May in Florida.

Aviod visiting Cocoa Beach & Florida in general during the summer and fall (rain, hot, hurricanes).

Cocoa Beach Travel Guide FAQs:

What is the best month to visit Cocoa Beach?

Spring is the best time of year to visit Florida. But I would say that that best month to visit Cocoa Beach is March or April (perfect weather + great ocean conditions).

Is Cocoa Beach, FL worth visiting?

Yes! Cocoa Beach is definitely worth a visit. If you want to experience that old Florida vibe or just have the quintessential beach vacation - Cocoa Beach is a must visit.

What is the prettiest beach in Cocoa Beach?

The prettiest beach in Cocoa Beach is Lori Wilson Park (in my opinion) due to the light crowds, golden sand, and clear water.

Cocoa Beach Travel Guide Wrap Up

Cocoa Beach is the perfect Florida beach town. If you are looking to experience the real Florida, Cocoa Beach is for you! We hope that this Cocoa Beach Travel Guide helps you plan the perfect beach vacation. If you liked this post we think you will love our guide to Orlando, New Smyrna Beach, or Daytona Beach.