20 Fun Things to do in Cocoa Beach, Florida
This travel guide provides a list of things to do in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Many ideas are listed here if you’re looking for things to do on vacation in Brevard County. You can swim in the Atlantic Ocean, watch the sunrise along the beach, eat amazing seafood, or explore the shops of downtown Cocoa Beach. There is something for everyone!
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Cocoa Beach features miles of coastline, numerous beaches and parks perfect for a day in the sand, and plenty of shopping options and restaurants that satisfy any appetite.
There are fun things to see and do, so it’s a perfect spot along Florida’s space coast for the whole family. There’s sure to be something here that’ll keep you busy during your stay.
So come on down to Cocoa Beach. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Best Things to do in Cocoa Beach
Located along Florida’s Space Coast, Cocoa Beach offers beautiful beaches with activities such as parasailing, kayaking, jet-skiing, and even casino cruises. It is the closest beach to Orlando.
Don’t forget to pack all your beach bag essentials before leaving for your beach vacation!
1. Walk along the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier
The Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier is a long, sandy beach pier stretching out over the Atlantic Ocean. There are restaurants, bars, gift shops, and live musical entertainment available on the pier.
The pier also has beach rentals and clean showers, and regulation beach volleyball courts for when you want to take a break from surfing.
2. Have a drink at Rikki Tiki Tavern
Rikki Tiki Tavern is a popular place for locals to have drinks, watch the sunset and enjoy the ocean views. You are above the ocean with a 360° view of the Atlantic and can also see the space shuttles in the distance. Share an order of Coconut Shrimp while you sip on a Caribbean Hurricane cocktail!
3. Go shopping at the Historic Cocoa Village
Historic Cocoa Village is a quaint little town located in Cocoa Beach, Florida. The village was founded over 150 years and has since been through several changes, mixing the modern with the historic elements. It has retained its original charm and is now a popular tourist destination. There are also several shops and restaurants located within the village.
4. Banana River Aquatic Preserve
Banana River Aquatic Preserve is a beautiful place to visit in Cocoa Beach, Florida. The preserve has a wide variety of aquatic life, including fish and turtles. Many different types of birds can be seen here. The preserve is also great for swimming and kayaking.
5. Buy merchandise at Ron Jon Surf Shop
Ron Jon Surf Shop is the world’s largest surf shop, and its flagship facility is one of a kind.
If you’re looking for the best selection of surf, skate, swim, and beach essentials on earth, come shopping!
This store has 52,000 square feet full of merchandise, and you’ll find everything you need to stay active in the sun.
6. Manatee Sanctuary Park
Manatee Sanctuary Park is the perfect destination if you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature. The park comprises over 12,000 acres of protected wetlands, lakes, and wildlife.
You can explore the park on foot or by boat, and there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained.
Check out the Wildlife Education Center if you want to get up close and personal with the manatees.
7. Vist The Dinosaur Store
This museum is a must-go attraction for anyone, especially children. It contains exhibits on history from dinosaurs to human evolution, plus authentic artifacts, fossils, taxidermy, and man-made replicas.
The Museum of Dinosaurs and Ancient Cultures is a museum attached to the Dinosaur Store. It has three floors with exhibits on prehistoric age, ancient Egyptians, and King Tut.
8. Lori Wilson Park
If you’re looking for a place to relax and have some fun, Lori Wilson Park is a great option. The park is operated by Brevard County and includes restrooms, a nature boardwalk, a volleyball court, a playground, and a dog park.
This is a nice scenic beach park with free parking and an overflow lot. If you can get here early, this is a great place to park for a day on the beach if you’re planning a day trip from Orlando.
9. Sidney Fischer Park
The beach at Sidney Fischer Park is a great spot to spend a few hours enjoying the sand and water. The beach was clean and beautiful, with decent bathrooms nearby. Overall, it’s an uncomplicated place that’s perfect for those looking for a hassle-free beach day.
10. Go kayaking
Looking for kayak tours? The Adventure Kayak of Cocoa Beach can take you on a bioluminescence kayak tour through the shallow waters of the Indian River Lagoon.
11. Wildlife Watersports
Wildlife Water Sports provides a beach-themed setting with a private beach and pool along the Banana River Lagoon. The private beach location offers both beginner and advanced paddlers a chance to view the area’s unique aquatic life up close.
You can rent a pontoon boat, jet skis, kayaks, or paddleboards, so you’re welcome to see the Banana River Lagoon in any way that you enjoy. You may encounter dolphins and manatees as well as river otters.
12. Eat a lobster roll at Jazzy’s Mainely Lobster
If you like seafood, then a lobster roll from Jazzy’s Mainely Lobster is a must-try. They’re made with fresh-caught local crustaceans. These rolls are served on a buttery bun with diced celery and mayo, giving it an authentic New England flavor. Their menu includes mahi-mahi sandwiches, shrimp dinners, crab legs, and New England clam chowder.
13. Enjoy a slice of key lime pie
As the name suggests, you can order a slice of key lime pie at The Florida Key Lime Pie Company. You can also order key lime pie ice cream! On Saturdays and Sundays, you can meet Sweetie, the alligator. She is a blind female alligator that resides at Jungle Adventures.
14. Exploration Tower
The Exploration Tower is a beautiful landmark that is both entertaining and educational to visit.
The tower offers a variety of interactive activities that can be enjoyed on seven floors. There are indoor and outdoor observation decks, an auditorium, a gift store, and more.
15. Pure Aloha Surf School
Suppose you’re interested in enjoying water sports on your beach vacation. In that case, you absolutely need to sign up for some surf lessons! Cocoa Beach is a great spot to learn how to surfboard or ride the waves if you’ve got experience.
They offer both group lessons and private instruction, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, Pure Aloha Surf School will have you learning the basics and having loads of fun in no time.
16. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a must-visit for any space enthusiast or anyone looking to learn more about the history of the United States’ space exploration.
You can explore interactive exhibits, check out launch pads and rocket launches, and even meet an astronaut.
The complex also has an IMAX theater and many other attractions, so you will never run out of things to do!
17. Play a game of mini golf
At Lighthouse Cove Mini Golf, you can play a game of mini golf on one of their two 18-hole courses. Treat yourself and your family to an unforgettable 36-hole golfing adventure!
After a day of playing, why not enjoy some delicious treats at 3 Scoops Ice Cream Parlor? They have 24 mouthwatering flavors of premium ice cream and scrumptious milkshakes, sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
18. Play a game at Escape Cocoa Beach
For those wanting something a little out of the ordinary, Escape Cocoa Beach offers an exciting game experience. The game challenges you and your team to solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and find your way out of the locked room before time runs out. It’s sure to be an unforgettable adventure!
19. Visit the Brevard Zoo
The Brevard Zoo is a great place to visit and enjoy some Florida wildlife. The zoo has an array of exotic animals, from giraffes and tigers to anteaters and monkeys. There are also educational programs for children, so be sure to bring the whole family along!
20. Space Coast Slingshots
Have you ever wanted to see what riding around in a slingshot was like? Well, now you can! At Space Coast Slingshots, you can take a ride in an open-air 3-wheeled vehicle and cruise along the majestic beaches of Cocoa Beach. It’s sure to be an exciting experience that you won’t forget!
An absolutely amazing experience! Get ready for an adrenaline rush! Even if you’ve never driven a Slingshot, don’t worry–the instructors are unbeatable teachers. They’ll assist you in learning the basics of driving and all its details with ease and patience.
Where to Stay in Cocoa Beach
There is a wide variety of condos and beach cottages that you can rent through Airbnb or VRBO. Here are a few of our favorites:
A few hotels in the area offer accommodations, including Hampton Inn, Courtyard, Best Western, and The Inn At Cocoa Beach.
