Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach
4.5
About
Stroll the miles of powdery sand covered at Cocoa Beach and surf the crashing waves—there are lifeguards on duty watching over you while you’re in the water. Also, you can paddle kayaks in and around the mangrove islands and experience the Banana River with a dolphin tour or a sunset cruise. The pier is a popular destination with a range of dining options and shopping opportunities. Rent a bike and cycle around town to discover even more local gems. With Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center located nearby, Cocoa Beach is a great place to watch a shuttle launch. – Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- AgateJoe184 contributionsNice beachWith the dark colored sand, I can see why they call it Cocoa Beach. We were there at the end of January so the beach wasn’t too crowded and the water was fairly cool. Lots of small shells for anyone who wants to collect a few. We noticed a couple of Man of Wars had washed up on the beach so you might want to make sure to keep an eye on small kids so they don’t go poking at them. Lots of people fish here and we saw someone catch a Bonnethead shark. Overall, a nice beach to walk along and watch the waves come crashing in.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 20 February 2024
- HKJAyr, United Kingdom143 contributionsNice beachNice clean beach with a nice pier. Paid Parking lot available located right at the pier which was handy. Stopped in at the rikki tiki tavern for some drinks. Cocktails were great.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 March 2024
- KswettFlint, Michigan1,355 contributionsBeautiful sandy beachTook the kids multiple days, both to the pier and down farther. Down at the pier there’s restaurants, and a couple of shops, pay for parking in the lot right out front. There are also public beach entrances all down Ridgewood Drive, some u paid for some not (there’s an app to download and pay). If you’re going for a launch at the space center you have a pretty good view from here, anywhere along the space coast really. It’s a MUST to visit.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 29 March 2024
- TressiaUnited States52 contributionsMuch more than just a beach.Always a great time! The best part is seeing rockets go off and cruise ships go out to sea all while enjoying the sun and sand. If you enjoy a sunrise over the ocean cocoa beach definitely has some of the most beautiful one I’ve seen!Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 June 2024
- Katie H17 contributionsBeautiful Beach!! Grab a good book and sit on beach while kids ride the waves!!Beautiful Beach!! Great place to hunt sea shells! The kids enjoyed riding the waves and digging for sand crabs. Recommend staying at a VRBO that has beach accessories available for use otherwise renting will get expensive!Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 22 June 2024
- ceerobLos Angeles, California115 contributionsPerfect day on the beachWe are from sunny southern California and live 15 minutes from some great beaches in MDR and Santa Monica…BUT nothing comes close to one of the most picturesque beaches on earth… COCO BEACH 🏖️! From parking feet from the beach and walking on some beautiful white sand, the whole environment was breathtaking! What we all loved the most and especially my children was the WARM Atlantic ocean! It felt like warm bathwater! To top it off the salt content didn’t hurt our eyes (we forgot our goggles) and the floor of the sea was as smooth as the beach. No big rocks, and plenty of sea shells to be collected. Fun had by all… BUT please reserve a chair with umbrella for rent already set up, or make sure to bring your own umbrella and chair… it gets HOT 🥵 in July!Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 29 June 2024
- Christa HLomax, Illinois16 contributionsIf you want things to do on the beach, e.g. shopping, boardwalk choose another beach.Nice sand, not a lot directly on the beach or pier to do. Fair amount of shopping on road nearby. Parking fee, but not excessive. Marion Rd showers bathrooms were ok, not great. Umbrella chair rentals available but close fairly early.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 July 2024
- lilrox724414 contributionsClose (ish) beach from OrlandoOne of the closer beaches from Orlando area, it was a nice day trip to the sand and ocean. By the public entrance, there was plenty of parking when we went. Water had some waves and nice sand of the kids. You can rent umbrellas and chairs for the day as well for $30. There really isnt much shady areas so bring your own umbrella or just rent it.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 26 August 2024
- James360 contributionsSuch an amazing day outWe visited in August 2023 (Same as another review I did, only coming round to writing this review in September 2024, honestly, not sure why?!🤦♂️🫠) We stayed in Kissimmee and visited Cocoa Beach, as we went to watch the Daytona 500. All I can really say about Cocoa Beach, is that it is amazing and the fact that I highly recommend visiting if you're in the area. When visiting it, we had such a great time and will forever appreciate the memories made whilst visiting. On one of our last nights before flying back to the UK, we where so fortunate to see a rocket launch, with a few astronauts that flew to International Space Station, which truly was an amazing experience.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 15 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Casi V
Chardon, OH218 contributions
Nov 2020
It was so great for my 11 yo daughter to be able to surf this world-famous beach. The waves were just right and it was a welcomed change for her to be able to walk her board out versus having to swim to the far waves forming. It was also great to have other surfers around with whom she could surf, but my favorite part was the lifeguard shack within yards. They were super attentive, and called everyone out of the water for 30 mins with a shark sighting, which was comforting. The sand is clean and powdery and there are free umbrellas and chairs available. Downside, one must don a mask just to use the restrooms. Great food and shops available right on the pier. It was a great time experiencing this historic site. Parking was $10 and the travel company will pounce on you walking onto the beach to try to sell you a timeshare, but they're friendly enough to wave off. Parking shack attendant was friendly as well. If you get there early you might score a spot on the road for $2.50/hr, which is cheaper if you're not staying long. There are also boards for rent, but we rented one from Ron Jon.
Written 18 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ron M
St. Catharines, Canada184 contributions
Mar 2020
This is our fourth year holidaying in Cocoa Beach after 10 years on the Gulf side from Treasure Island to Venice. It was great there but becoming too busy and expensive. Here we can stay at an oceanfront condo for two months for the equivalent cost of one month on the Gulf. This area is also quite once you step way from A1Aand even then I can ride my bike on the bike lane from Port Canaveral to Melbourne Beach and yell at only a few cars to get out of my lane. You can walk on the beach for the same distance obviously driving to one of the many parks along the way to try new sections. I also love kayaking the Thousand Island park starting from Ramp Road Park and doing it on your own or going on a group kayak tour to see waterfowl,
flying fish and dolphins and manatee all of which I have seen myself.
For food lovers like ourselves you can walk to great restaurants or drive short distances. Many restaurants have water views too.
We are bringing our grandkids for a visit too.
flying fish and dolphins and manatee all of which I have seen myself.
For food lovers like ourselves you can walk to great restaurants or drive short distances. Many restaurants have water views too.
We are bringing our grandkids for a visit too.
Written 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael W
Edison, NJ788 contributions
Jan 2020
We were staying at the Inn at Cocoa Beach so Cocoa Beach was at our front and back doors.
Much of the city of Cocoa Beach is walk-able with many restaurants close together.
The beach itself is beautiful and well maintained, we saw city cleaning crews on the beach early every morning cleaning up.
Although we didn't swim while we were there walking the beach was very enjoyable.
Much of the city of Cocoa Beach is walk-able with many restaurants close together.
The beach itself is beautiful and well maintained, we saw city cleaning crews on the beach early every morning cleaning up.
Although we didn't swim while we were there walking the beach was very enjoyable.
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dennis2go
Alexandria, VA121 contributions
Feb 2020
This beach is wide and sandy. Packed sand near the water makes it easy to walk on the sand. Did not see many seashells. Surf was pretty strong with good sized waves. .Lifeguard station covers a section of the beach near the pier.
Did see several beautiful blue jellyfish washed up on the beach which a bit of googling identified as Portuguese Man of War. Definitely to be avoided. Their sting is known to be very very painful. Weather in early Feb 2020 was unseasonably warm, about mid-80s.
We walked near the Cocoa Beach Pier which provides the usual beach businesses on the pier. About a half dozen restaurants and gift shops. There is a $2 fee to go to the end of the pier to either fish or visit the tavern at the end of the pier.
Did see several beautiful blue jellyfish washed up on the beach which a bit of googling identified as Portuguese Man of War. Definitely to be avoided. Their sting is known to be very very painful. Weather in early Feb 2020 was unseasonably warm, about mid-80s.
We walked near the Cocoa Beach Pier which provides the usual beach businesses on the pier. About a half dozen restaurants and gift shops. There is a $2 fee to go to the end of the pier to either fish or visit the tavern at the end of the pier.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jackie H
106 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Enjoyed a quick trip to Cocoa Beach. Parking was about $2.50 per hour or $10 for the entire day. The water was extremely cold. Bring your own beach chairs. The area that we visited didn't have chair rentals. Not crowded.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barry H
Cape Canaveral, FL9 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We have eaten at Luna a few times and have added it to our favorites. The restaurant is cozy but not fussy. The people are warm, knowledgeable and friendly.
The menu presents a creative selection of dishes which are presented beautifully. The food is delicious and a treat for the eyes. The accompanying sides live up to the quality and flavor of the entrees. I would like to see the wine list expanded but we never had trouble making a selection.
We have gladly added Luna to our list of special eateries.
The menu presents a creative selection of dishes which are presented beautifully. The food is delicious and a treat for the eyes. The accompanying sides live up to the quality and flavor of the entrees. I would like to see the wine list expanded but we never had trouble making a selection.
We have gladly added Luna to our list of special eateries.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Becky C
Colfax75 contributions
Apr 2021
Where to start?? It was very crowded, and expensive. We paid 20$ for parking. Another $20 to rent an umbrella, which we could only use for a hour or so, then the wind was so strong, the rental company came and pulled all the umbrellas. No close place to use bathroom, or change clothes. There are life guards on duty, so that's a good thing...
Written 15 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tpark44
Elmhurst, IL66 contributions
May 2020
Great beach to play at while excitedly waiting for a rocket launch! Soft sand, easy access (you can park at the pier for $20-25, and when you park you get a wristband to use the restrooms on the pier if needed. Lifeguards supervising some areas for those with younger kids. My teens enjoyed the boogie boarding, the waves were great.
Written 2 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
doctorbobster
Gainesville, FL982 contributions
May 2020
In Cocoa Beach for the SpaceX launch, we spent the day on the beach leaving me to think: why had I not come here before? Read on for details.
Easily accessible with multiple points of entry, Cocoa Beach is a fairly narrow strip of white sand puncuated by life guard stands. We staked out a socially separated site near the high-tide mark and kicked back. Before the beach filled up, my son and I tossed the frisbee without too much fear of getting in anybody's way. The water was comfortably warm and the surf enticing enough for body surfing.
What can I say? It was a great beach day and sort of beach I would return to.
Easily accessible with multiple points of entry, Cocoa Beach is a fairly narrow strip of white sand puncuated by life guard stands. We staked out a socially separated site near the high-tide mark and kicked back. Before the beach filled up, my son and I tossed the frisbee without too much fear of getting in anybody's way. The water was comfortably warm and the surf enticing enough for body surfing.
What can I say? It was a great beach day and sort of beach I would return to.
Written 3 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Explore151498
20 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
All my daughter wanted to do was go to the beach. My husband drove her there so she could go in the water. when they returned to our hotel she said she had to get in the shower right away. All it took was one look at her to see she had red stuff in her hair. She has very long blonde hair. She said that the water was full of red stuff floating in it. I asked both of them why they didn't get out and they said because there were people in the water. I was a bit furious because water should not have red stuff floating around in it and they both know better that if it doesn't look right it isn't right. It took over an hour for her to get it out of her hair and off of her body. She had to use a hair brush to get it out. After doing some research it appears it is bad for people who have respiratory issues. All I can say is YUCK. Find a different place to go to the beach. It seems to be red algae that kills fish.
Written 23 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
My husband and I are visiting for the first time this new years’s eve for a couple of days while we await our cruise. Are there any free new years events like fireworks or other celebrations on the beach? This info is very challenging to find online. Hoping someone can help. Thanks!
Written 26 December 2023
Hello! We apologize for the delay; we do not have fireworks on the beach. We do hope you enjoyed your New Year's Eve!
Written 3 January 2024
bonrs1953
Chicago, Illinois
I’m looking to rent beach chairs umbrella and a restaurant
Written 10 September 2023
Hello! Rentals are $25 for a full day for one umbrella & 2 chairs.
Written 22 September 2023
Going to Cocoa beach on Easter weekend. Anybody know if the seaweed has shown up yet?
Written 27 March 2023
Nate C
Kissimmee, Florida
How is the beach now; is it clear; I was thinking about going there tomorrow 8/14/22
Written 15 August 2022
Hello! My husband and I are visiting in a few days and the weather calls for 80% chance of storms one day and 50% the next. Does it typically rain all day in late May or are they showers on and off? Thank you!
Written 17 May 2022
Hi! Enza, Thank you for reaching out. Typically we receive on and off showers. Hope this information helps.
Written 26 May 2022
Is there an area on the beach more recommended than the other. For example near the pier or stay away from the pier and go south on the beach?
Written 22 March 2021
The sharks like the pier area, just beware if you're surfing - body smart. Lifeguards are diligent.
Written 26 March 2021
Hello! 4 of us are looking to visit in May. What is the area walking hot spot, with shops and restaurants.
Written 8 March 2021
Cocoa Beach is on the outer barrier island just south of the ocean-jutting Cape Canaveral with its U.S. Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center (the most active spaceport on Earth with several launches a month). The main tourist strip along the ocean is dispersed over about six miles along state road A1A, starting at Port Canaveral (the second-largest cruise port in the world, although currently without sailings because of Covid), south to downtown Cocoa Beach. Along that stretch, there are “hot spot” areas that are more active, including the area around the Cocoa Beach Pier, the intersection of SR 520 and A1A, and downtown.
North of the Pier, A1A starts to slowly diverge northwest away from the ocean. South of the Pier, A1A closely parallels the waterfront.
Each of these areas contain restaurants, attractions, hotels (except downtown) and shops — all walkable. But walking the entire strip would be difficult because of its length. Having a car is helpful, as most places have abundant free parking, but taxis, Uber and a public bus system are available. The #9 bus runs north and south on or near A1A.
Having a car is also helpful in reaching some attractions such as the visitors’ center at Kennedy Space Center, airboat rides into the swamps of the upper St. John’s River, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore, and the many attractions of the Orlando area including the theme parks.
There are at least 200 restaurants within 15 minutes’ drive from the Pier. Besides walking, driving is the best way to get to them, as most have free parking lots. Unique restaurants are much more common than chains. There is a group of restaurants along Glen Cheek Drive at the Port.
There are shops all along the strip, including downtown, but clusters tend to be away from the beach. Cocoa Village is back on the mainland about eight miles from the beach (drive or use #4 bus), harking back to the days when the main mode of transport was the packet boats that plied the Intercoastal Waterway. There are enough shops there for a half day of exploring, plus a collection of restaurants. The Viera area south and west of Cocoa Beach has some better shopping but the stores tend to be chains, as are the shops and mall stores along SR 520.
Cocoa Beach is only about 45-60 minutes from Orlando’s huge malls, outlet centers, International Drive, and even the Disney Springs area of WDW, but the best way to get there is by your own or a rental car. The Mall at Millenia and the Florida Mall are the best and closest and best malls to visit. Downtown Winter Park is also a pleasant area to visit.
Hotels are scattered along the strip, but some of the larger resort properties tend to be slightly away from the most active areas. Downtown has no nearby hotels but both the Pier and A1A-SR 520 areas have a few.
Also see the TA Cocoa Beach forum for more detail.
Written 25 March 2021
What is the closet hotel literally next to the pier?
Written 18 September 2020
There is a La Quinta Inn very close to the pier. Do you have any specific requirements or amenities that are a must? Do you have a budget? How many nights do you need? I know, I’m full of questions, but I’ve learned that those questions help determine the best option for hotels, especially in this strange world we are living in right now. 🙂
Written 18 September 2020
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