Cocoa Beach – Florida, USA

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About This Beach

Cocoa Beach, located on Florida’s Atlantic Coast just east of Orlando, is one of the most famous beaches in the Sunshine State. Known as the surfing capital of the East Coast, it has long been a hub for surfers, beachgoers, and families seeking a fun, lively shoreline experience. With its wide sandy beaches, consistent waves, and proximity to Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach perfectly blends surf culture, family activities, and space exploration history.

Whether you’re catching waves, strolling the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier, or watching a rocket launch from nearby Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach offers a one-of-a-kind Florida beach experience.

📜 History & Unique Features

  • Surfing Heritage: Cocoa Beach is home to the world-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop (the largest surf shop in the world) and the Florida Surf Museum. Legendary surfer Kelly Slater grew up here, further cementing the beach’s reputation.

  • Cocoa Beach Pier: Built in 1962, the pier stretches 800 feet over the Atlantic, featuring restaurants, bars, live music, and fishing spots.

  • Space Coast Connection: Located minutes from Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach is a prime spot to watch rocket launches while relaxing on the sand.

Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit
Winter (Dec – Mar): Mild weather, smaller waves, and fewer crowds.

Spring (Apr – May): Ideal beach weather, popular for families and surfers.

Summer (Jun – Aug): Hot, humid, and busy; perfect for water activities.

Fall (Sep – Nov): Quieter and affordable, with occasional storms.

Things To Do

Popular Activities
  • Surfing: Take a surf lesson, rent a board, or simply watch the surfers ride the waves.
  • Cocoa Beach Pier: Enjoy dining, live music, shops, fishing, and spectacular ocean views.
  • Ron Jon Surf Shop: Explore this 52,000-square-foot store, open 24/7, and a must-visit for surf enthusiasts.
  • Rocket Launch Viewing: Time your visit with a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral for an unforgettable sight.
  • Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Explore Banana River Lagoon and nearby Thousand Islands mangrove trails.
  • Beach Volleyball: Join in or watch friendly matches right on the sand.
  • Family Activities: Mini-golf, arcades, and family attractions close to the beach.

Amenities

Nearby Amenities
  • Restrooms and outdoor showers at major access points
  • Lifeguard stations at designated areas
  • Chair and umbrella rentals
  • Restaurants, tiki bars, and ice cream shops along the pier and A1A
  • Surfboard, paddleboard, and bike rentals nearby
  • Plenty of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals within walking distance

Beach Hours

Beach Hours

Open Now

Open 24/7

Hours/Lifeguards

Hours/Lifeguards
Beach Access: Sunrise to sunset daily

Cocoa Beach Pier: Restaurants and bars open late into the evening

Lifeguards: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at main areas

Pricing

Pricing
Beach Access: Free

Parking: $2–$4/hour (public lots and meters)

Rentals: Surfboard rentals ~$20–$40/day; Chairs & umbrellas ~$20–$30/day

Food & Drinks

Food & Drinks
Cocoa Beach Pier Restaurants: Pelican’s Bar & Grill, Rikki Tiki Tavern, and Keith’s Oyster Bar.

Local Favorites: Coconuts on the Beach, Fat Kahuna’s, and Sandbar Sports Grill.

Casual Eats: Pizza shops, seafood shacks, and tiki bars just steps from the sand.

Events & Festivals

Events & Festivals
Easter Surf Fest (Spring): One of the largest surfing competitions on the East Coast.

Ron Jon Beach ‘N Boards Fest (March): Surfing, paddleboarding, skateboarding, and live music.

Space Coast Surfing Santas (December): Annual Christmas event with surfers dressed as Santa.

Rocket Launch Viewing Parties: Informal gatherings on the beach during launches.

Contact Information

Primary Phone
Website URL

Location

Beach Address
401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA
Access Points
Cocoa Beach Pier (Main Access Point):
401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA

Located about 1 hour east of Orlando via FL-528 (Beachline Expressway)

30 minutes from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Public parking lots and metered street parking available (typically $2–$4/hour)
401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA

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