Florida is known for its perfect beaches – perfectly white sand, clear waters, and pristine weather conditions. The beach offers endless outdoor recreation and watersports opportunities. Cocoa Beach on Florida’s Space Coast is no exception. Six miles of the Atlantic Ocean span from one end of the city to the other, and there are three oceanfront parks with restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
There is also a public golf course with 27 holes, a 50-meter outdoor swimming pool that is heated and cooled, a skate park, a playground for children, lighted tennis and pickleball courts, and over thirty public transportation options.
Going on a vacation to Cocoa Beach means driving only 50 minutes from Orlando International Airport to see amazing shorelines and natural areas. If you’re lucky enough to visit at the right time, you can witness age-old bioluminescent algae that light up the area around the beach at night.
The Cocoa beach bioluminescence creates a burst of light that glows in the dark. The lighting display is unreal – it feels like a dream pulled straight out of Moana! It is always a sight to behold, leaving tourists in awe and encouraging them to flock to the area during summer to witness this natural phenomenon.
Look Out for These 8 Amazing Things to Do in Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is a treasure trove of activities for everyone. Whether you’re a surfer chasing the perfect wave, a nature enthusiast eager to explore, or a vacationer searching for a fun place to spend the day, there’s something for you. Here are our top 8 ways to make the most of your visit to this sunny paradise.
Enjoy the water in Cocoa Beach
If you’re at Cocoa Beach with friends, we highly recommend heading into the water. The clear skies and clear waters are perfect for surfing, paddling and kayaking. And if you’re hoping for some alone time, Cocoa Beach is big enough for you too. The beach has many hidden spots where you can enjoy the sun and the fresh air, away from the crowd. Just take a short hike and begin to explore!
A Night at Cocoa Beach
A day trip for a beach hangout is fun, but nothing beats a night out in Cocoa Beach. Walking along the Beach is a different experience at nighttime. You can take a relaxing walk or try nighttime kayaking. Paddling the waters at night is a soul-warming experience you won’t forget soon.
And if you visit in the summertime, you could get lucky and experience the bioluminescence in the water. Being in the water while it glows feels like swimming among the shooting stars.
If you’re a couple visiting, Cocoa Beach is one of the most romantic spot for a date in Florida. We can’t think of a better place in Florida to walk hand in hand, picking seashells under the moonlight.
Cocoa Beach Pier
Visiting with family? Check out the Cocoa Beach Pier. The Pier has a bar, restaurants and a gift shop that kids would love. You can buy an ice cream or a popsicle to enjoy as you enjoy the gorgeous view of the ocean. Plus, it’s a great spot for a photo to remember your holiday.
Pier 62 Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar is open from 11 am to 9 pm with great options for drinks and a family-friendly menu. The Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich is a crowd favourite and we recommend it for a delicious beachside lunch.
Partying & Karaoke
Another exciting night thing to do at Cocoa Beach is go to Karaoke. Regardless of your level of professionalism in singing, going to Karaoke gives you the freedom to express yourself and have a good time.
The Beach offers a variety of Karaoke bars for everyone’s pick. Whether you’re a rock, jazz, hip-hop, or country music fan, there is always something for you in Cocoa Beach.
Some of these popular spots at Cocoa Beach are known to host the best Karaoke:
Nolan Irish Pub is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm and 11:00 am to 11:00 pm Friday and Saturday.
Gregory Upstairs Comedy Club, being around since 1994, opens on Friday and Saturday from 8 – 9:30 pm.
SandBar Sports Grill opens 11:00 am – 2:00 am with the best places for good food and grills, lively music, and a fun vibe. More about booking and reservation here. Other spots include Lou’s Blues Bar and Grill, where live music is available seven nights a week, Heidi’s Jazz Club and Restaurant, and Coconut on the Beach.
It is important to note that glasses of any kind are not allowed at the Beach, so bring your pitcher to get a full taste of the sizzling alcohol.
You Can’t Miss Shopping in Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach has a variety of shops, with choices ranging from arts and crafts to designer wear and interiors, amongst all the beach supplies, of course.
You might catch yourself doing some impulse buying if you are not careful because the tranquil environment and all the goodies on offer make for a great shopping experience.
Visit the Florida Surf Museum
The Cocoa Beach Surf Museum boasts a small collection of vintage boards & Florida surfing artifacts. Located right by Ron’s Surf Shop, the museum preserves pieces from the surf community in the area. It’s a great place to take a breather from the sun and soak up a bit of surfing history.
Stargazing in Cocoa Beach
Stargazing is a beautiful thing to do at Cocoa Beach. The Beach offers dark and clear skies perfect for stargazing.
Whether you are an astronomer or not, admiring the outline of stars in the sky with the gorgeous beach in the background is a thrilling way to spend the night. Enjoy the celestial show.
The best spots to stargaze close to Cocoa Beach are Lori Wilson Park, Beachtime Hotels and Suites, and Disney Fantasy, among others.
Visiting Cocoa Beach isn’t just a checklist item to tick off. It’s a place you visit again and again every time you’re in Orlando.
Whether you go kayaking, sing at the top of your voice at Karaoke, visit a museum, take a romantic walk with your partner in the evening around the beach, or stargaze, you will experience unique fun options in one of the most beautiful places around.
Sports at Cocoa Beach
If you’re at the beach with a group of friends, you can take advantage of the good weather and have a good time playing volleyball or basketball. Or if water sports are more up your alley, try surfing! Ron Jon Watersports has a great selection of surfboards and swimming apparel, plus beach bikes, skating equipment, paddle boards and more, practically everything you need to enjoy your day at the beach.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try a new wind sport. Pop into 321 Kiteboarding & Watersports and you can get equipment and lessons from experts to help you kiteboard for the first time.
