Cocoa Beach is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, thanks to its beautiful beaches, diverse attractions, and laid-back vibe. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the sand, an adventurous outing on the water, or a cultural experience in the nearby Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach has something for everyone. Read on to discover 15 fun things to do in Cocoa Beach that you don’t want to miss!
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Things To Do in Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach Pier
401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
The historic pier is a popular attraction that extends 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean. It features restaurants, bars, gift shops, and live musical entertainment. It is also a great location for surfing and fishing, as well as watching rocket launches from Cape Canaveral. Visitors can rent surfboards, fishing equipment, and beach chairs from the pier.
Lori Wilson Park
1500 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
This seaside park offers a natural setting with dunes and coastal hammocks. The park has three pavilions, a playground, barbecue grills, and six dune crossovers. You can also enjoy the nature boardwalk that winds through the maritime hammock. Lori Wilson Park offers free public parking, restrooms, and outdoor showers.
Ron Jon Surf Shop
4151 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
This is the largest surf shop in the world and a must-visit for any surfer or beach lover. You can find everything you need for surfing, bodyboarding, skimboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and more. Additionally, there are statues, beach-themed vehicles, and other outdoor decor for you to take photos with located outside the shop.
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Kennedy Space Center
Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Experience the thrill of space exploration at the Kennedy Space Center. With its rich history and cutting-edge innovations, it offers a unique insight into the world of astronauts and space missions.
The Dinosaur Store
250 W Cocoa Beach Causeway
This store and museum features a large collection of authentic fossils, minerals, meteorites, and more. You can see dinosaur teeth and claws, Egyptian artifacts, Chinese terracotta soldiers, and more. You can also enjoy the Adventure Zone, which is a family-friendly area with live reptiles, arcade games, science stations, and a movie cave.
Florida Surf Museum
4275 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Dedicated to preserving Florida’s rich surfing heritage, the Florida Surf Museum features exhibits and interactive displays that tell the story of surfing in the state. Plus, it is located right next to Ron Jon Surf Shop.
Adventure Kayak
Multiple Tour Locations
This company offers guided kayak tours in Cocoa Beach and the surrounding areas. You can explore the Banana River Lagoon, the Thousand Islands, and more, and see wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, birds, and turtles.
Coconuts on the Beach
2 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
This beachfront restaurant and bar is the place to be during the day or at night. You can enjoy delicious food and drinks, live music, and a stunning view of the ocean.
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Shephard Park
299 E Cocoa Beach Causeway
Located at the east end of State Road 520, this oceanfront park is named after astronaut Alan Shepard. It offers picnic areas, shower facilities, and restrooms. The park is an excellent spot to view space launches, and parking is available for $25 per day. Alternatively, you can pay $5 for the first hour and $3.50 for each additional hour.
Exploration Tower
670 Dave Nisbet Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 – Temporarily Closed
This is a seven-story observation tower and museum that offers panoramic views of Port Canaveral, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Kennedy Space Center. You can also learn about the history and culture of the area. The tower also has a gift shop, a cafe, and a rooftop deck.
Cocoa Beach Skate Park
1450 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
This is a public skate park that features ramps, rails, bowls, and a street course for skateboarders of all levels. You can bring your skateboard or roller skates. The park is free to use and is open every day with varying hours.
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Rikki Tikki Tavern
401 Meade Ave.
This is a tiki-themed bar and restaurant that is located at the end of the Cocoa Beach Pier. You can enjoy tropical drinks, island-inspired food, and a spectacular view of the ocean and the sunset.
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Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park
198-100 S 16th St, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
This seaside park features a quiet beach with a wooden dune crossover and a picnic pavilion. The park is dedicated to Robert P. Murkshe, the Mayor from 1963 to 1972 who helped expand Cocoa Beach to what it is today. This park offers free public parking, an outdoor shower, and restrooms.
Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours
500 W Cocoa Beach Causeway
Get up close with dolphins on a Dolphin Tour. These tours offer a unique opportunity to see these playful creatures in their natural habitat. In addition to dolphins, you may see manatees, birds, and other marine life. Take in this awesome tour and the beautiful scenery that comes with it!
Golf-N-Gator
6355 N Atlantic Ave, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
This is a mini-golf course and alligator park that combines fun and education. You can choose to play either of their 18-hole courses or both! These two courses feature waterfalls, caves, and wildlife. You can also feed and hold live alligators, as well as see other animals such as turtles, snakes, and birds. In addition, Golf-N-Gator has go-karting and an arcade as well.
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Map of Things To Do in Cocoa Beach, FL.
Final Thoughts
Cocoa Beach is not just a place to enjoy the sand and the waves. It is also a lively city with a colorful past, a vibrant surfing scene, and a variety of attractions that make it a great place to visit in Central Florida. We hope you enjoy your next visit!
