Cocoa Beach

Immaculate beaches and a cool coastal vibe make Cocoa Beach one of the best vacation spots on Florida's east coast. Located south of Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach offers more than just sand and surf—check out what else you can do while you're visiting.

What to see and where to go

At Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, you can take a stroll to browse the shops or get a henna tattoo. Dine on local seafood in one of the restaurants, or simply walk along the pier to enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The pier is a popular place to host weddings, so you might get to witness a couple tying the knot. For the perfect way to watch the sunset, head to Rikki Tiki Tavern at the end of the pier and order a strawberry Miami Vice or a rum-filled Pier Punch.

If you're looking for a quiet place in nature, visit the Maritime Hammock Preserve. You'll find ponds, walking trails, and great spots for bird watching and picnicking. Lori Wilson Park also offers a peaceful green space with beach access as well as showers, accessible parking, and a dog park.

Ready for an indoor adventure? Discover ancient China, prehistoric creatures, and King Tut's tomb at the Museum of Dinosaurs and Ancient Cultures. Inside the Florida Surf Museum, you can explore the exhibits that celebrate the heritage of East Coast surfing. For a fun place to eat and show off your curling or axe-throwing skills, head to The Backyard.

And if you're feeling brave, make your way to Merritt Island, where you can book a helicopter tour or a flight in a World War II biplane to see fantastic views of the Space Coast.

The best of the Space Coast

One of the most inspiring places to visit in Florida is Kennedy Space Center located in Cape Canaveral. See a Saturn V rocket—one of only three still in existence—a space shuttle that's been to space, and the newest addition to NASA's stable of vehicles: the Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator®.

Just outside the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, the Sands Space History Center displays dozens of rockets and missiles, transport vehicles, and rocket engines that helped make the US military and NASA what they are today. Admission is free, but donations are recommended.

Before you're finished with Space Coast attractions, head to the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse. Constructed in 1868, the lighthouse once contributed to space exploration and still aids the US Coast Guard today, so be sure to schedule a tour (a tour must be booked at least two days before arriving) and learn about the lighthouse's unique history.

Events and extra info

No matter when you visit, you can find a festival or beachfront concert. Cocoa Beach Uncorked features fine cuisine, craft beers, and excellent wines that you can enjoy beside the Atlantic Ocean. You'll also find food and fun at the Space Coast Art Festival, Cocoa Beach Friday Fest, and the incredibly popular Surfing Santas Festival.

If you're planning a beach day but forgot to pack your beach gear, chairs and umbrellas can be rented at the beach for a reasonable price.

Throughout the year, sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. You can schedule a night-time turtle walk with an expert who will take you past some of the nests and teach you how to respect and care for these protected creatures.