About Cocoa Beach
Learn more about Cocoa Beach, located in Brevard County Florida. Cocoa beach is the closest beach to Orlando, making it a popular tourist destination for visitors to theme parks and other world-famous vacation destinations in Orlando including Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
Cocoa Beach, FL
Cocoa Beach is located just south of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and the Kennedy Space Center, making it an excellent location to watch rocket launches. The city of Cocoa Beach is famous for its beaches, surfing, and surf shops like Ron Jons, and the Cocoa Beach Surf Company. If you would like to hit the beach Lori Wilson Park is a popular choice, or check out these other Cocoa Beach Parks.
Start Planning a Trip to Cocoa Beach
Start planning your trip to Cocoa Beach, a paradise bathed in sunlight that is located on Florida’s famous Space Coast. Imagine yourself visiting this classic beach town and walking on soft sands that go on as far as the eye can see while the cool, blue Atlantic Ocean warmly embraces you. Cocoa Beach is famous for its great waves and laid-back vibe, which make it a great place for family reunions, romantic getaways, and exploring on your own.
Cocoa Beach Tourist Information Center
Beach Activities and Amenities
Wildlife
Walking
Shower
Playground
Picnic Area
Fishing
Surfing
Volleyball
Restroom
Pavilion
Parking
Dog Park
Boardwalk
Accessibility
Service Animals
Swimming
A Beautiful Sunrise at the Cocoa Beach Pier
Things to Do and Places to Stay
Things to Do in Cocoa Beach
The Best Places to Stay
Restaurants & Bars
Cocoa Beach Parks
Cocoa Beach Photos and Videos
Cocoa Beach Pier
Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach
More Cocoa Beach Videos on YouTube
Get Ready to Have Fun in Florida
Whether you’re an experienced surfer looking for the perfect wave, a nature lover wanting to explore the area’s rich variety, or a soul seeking peaceful beach relaxation, Cocoa Beach has a wide range of experiences to fit all types of travelers. Explore this seaside haven’s lively promenades, delicious seafood, and cute shops. An extremely short distance away is the Kennedy Space Center, a place where the spirit of adventure soars to new heights.
More Than a Beach Town
Nevertheless, Cocoa Beach is more than just a place; it’s a way of thinking. Enjoy the first rays of dawn over the horizon, go on an oceanic fishing adventure, or do some relaxing yoga on the beach while the land fades away. Cocoa Beach seduces you to create memories that will last forever with its beautiful views and friendly people.
So, get your things together, secure your sun protection, and get ready to enjoy Cocoa Beach’s beauty. Everywhere you look, adventure is waiting, and the waves are calling your name. Are you committed to answering its call?
Cocoa Beach Visitor Information and City Facts
Cocoa Beach, Florida, is a popular destination on the East Coast of the United States, known for its beautiful beaches, surfing culture, and proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Whether you’re interested in surfing, space exploration, or simply relaxing on the beach, Cocoa Beach offers a unique blend of attractions for visitors.
Visitor Information
- Beaches: The main attraction of Cocoa Beach is its miles of sandy coastline. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, beach volleyball, and surfing. Cocoa Beach is often called the “Surfing Capital of the East Coast.”
- Ron Jon Surf Shop: The world’s largest surf shop, it’s hard to miss with its multi-story building and iconic signage. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or want a souvenir, it’s worth a visit.
- Cocoa Beach Pier: Originally built in 1962, the pier is an iconic part of Cocoa Beach. It stretches 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and offers dining, shopping, fishing, and beautiful views.
- Kennedy Space Center: Just a short drive from Cocoa Beach, the Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit for space enthusiasts. You can learn about the history of space exploration, see real rockets, and maybe even watch a rocket launch.
- Surf Lessons: Given Cocoa Beach’s reputation, numerous surf schools offer lessons for all ages and skill levels.
- Wildlife: The Thousand Islands Conservation Area offers kayaking tours where you might see manatees, dolphins, and numerous species of birds.
Cocoa Beach City Facts
- Location: Cocoa Beach is located in Brevard County on Florida’s East Coast. It’s situated on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Banana River Lagoon.
- Population: As of my last update in 2022, Cocoa Beach had a population of approximately 11,000 residents. This number can fluctuate with seasonal visitors.
- History: Cocoa Beach was incorporated in 1925, and its growth was notably influenced by the American space program’s development in the 1960s, given its proximity to Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center.
- Economy: Historically, the city’s economy was driven by its connection to the space industry and tourism. The latter remains a significant factor, with visitors coming for the beaches, surfing, fishing, and more.
- Climate: Cocoa Beach boasts a tropical rainforest climate with a marked drier season in the winter. Its sea breezes help keep temperatures from becoming too hot in the summer.
- Transportation: The closest major airport to Cocoa Beach is Orlando International Airport (MCO), about an hour’s drive away. The city is also served by SR A1A and SR 520.
Cocoa Beach Population Estimates and Data
POPULATION
Population Estimates, July 1 2021, = 11,332
Population estimates base, April 1, 2020, = 11,384
Population, percent change – April 1, 2020 (estimates base) to July 1, 2021, = -0.5%
Population, Census, April 1, 2020 = 11,354
Population, Census, April 1, 2010 = 11,231
AGE and SEX
Persons under 5 years, percent = 1.4%
Persons under 18 years, percent = 9.8%
Persons 65 years and over, percent = 33.4%
Female persons, percent = 49.0%
RACE AND HISPANIC ORIGIN
White alone, 91.8%
Black or African American alone, 1.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone, 0.4%
Asian alone, 1.4%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, 0.0%
Two or More Races, 3.7%
Hispanic or Latino, 7.2%
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, percent 86.8%
HOUSING
Owner-occupied housing unit rate, 2016-2020 71.8%
Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2016-2020 $329,800
Median selected monthly owner costs -with a mortgage, 2016-2020 $1,852
Median selected monthly owner costs -without a mortgage, 2016-2020 $751
Median gross rent, 2016-2020 $1,331
FAMILIES & LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
Households, 2016-2020 6,064
Persons per household, 2016-2020 1.92
Living in same house 1 year ago, percent of persons age 1 year+, 2016-2020 79.7%
Language other than English spoken at home, percent of persons age 5 years+, 2016-2020 11.8%
COMPUTER AND INTERNET USAGE
Households with a computer, percent, 2016-2020 94.5%
Households with a broadband Internet subscription, percent, 2016-2020 87.8%
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+, 2016-2020 97.0%
Bachelor’s degree or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+, 2016-2020 47.9%
HEALTH
With a disability, under age 65 years, percent, 2016-2020 12.3%
Persons without health insurance, under age 65 years, 13.5%
ECONOMY
In civilian labor force, total, percent of population age 16 years+, 2016-2020 48.8%
In civilian labor force, female, percent of population age 16 years+, 2016-2020 44.9%
Total accommodation and food services sales, 2017 ($1,000)(c) 153,610
Total health care and social assistance receipts/revenue, 2017 ($1,000)(c) 149,511
Total transportation and warehousing receipts/revenue, 2017 ($1,000)(c) D
Total retail sales, 2017 ($1,000)(c) 171,487
Total retail sales per capita, 2017(c) $14,677
TRANSPORTATION
Mean travel time to work (minutes), workers age 16 years+, 2016-2020 26.0
INCOME & POVERTY
Median household income (in 2020 dollars), 2016-2020 $66,706
Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2020 dollars), 2016-2020 $51,806
Persons in poverty, 7.3%
GEOGRAPHY
Population per square mile, 2020 2,437.5
Population per square mile, 2010 2,411.8
Land area in square miles, 2020 4.66
Land area in square miles, 2010 4.66
Fun Things to Do in Cocoa Beach!
- Kayaking in Florida along Central Florida’s Space Coast with Manatee and Dolphin! Cocoa Beach is Orlando’s closest beach.
- Experience up close and personal encounters with Osprey, Manatees, and Swan! Our seasonal swan can be pictured here on the far right.
- Visit our blog to read about a group of Orlando students from Europe who visited us during the summer and had a blast on their kayak tour in Cocoa Beach.
- Check out more kayak tour photos on our Facebook page.
- Check out our photo gallery of the fun things to do in Cocoa Beach. Kayaking with Manatee, Dolphin, and other Florida wildlife on the Space Coast near Orlando.
- Check out our reviews on Trip Advisor.
- Connect with us on Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest.