The Best Things to Do in Cocoa Beach, Florida
75 Fun Things to Do on the Space Coast Near Orlando, FL
Are you looking for fun things to do in Cocoa Beach? This page is a complete guide to the best things to do in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and on the Space Coast. Check out photos of popular adventure spots, videos of local attractions, and information on free things to do while you are in town. You will also enjoy reviews of the top-rated places to visit in Cocoa Beach, hidden gems, and the locals’ favorite places to shop, eat, and play.
Kayak with dolphins, book a charter fishing trip, Hangout at the Cocoa Beach Pier, cool off at a Cafe, enjoy family fun with Golf and Gator, visit world-famous surf shops, learn to surf, and more! There’s no way you’ll be bored in Cocoa Beach, home to 11-time world champion surfer Kelly Slater, Florida’s most famous beach offers the best in shopping, attractions, dining, nature, and chill. Yes, we take “chill” seriously here on the East Coast, so kick off your flip-flops, kick back and explore!
The Top 10 List of Things to Do in Cocoa Beach
- Visit one of our local surf shops, including the world-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop, Catalyst, or the Cocoa Beach Surf Company.
- Florida Air Tours: Take a biplane or helicopter ride and enjoy the view.
- Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures: Climb through the trees with this new attraction!
- Golf-N-Gator: Yes, Golf with LIVE Gators
- Kayak Tours: Kayak with dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife.
- Check out the official Rocket Launch Schedule at kennedyspacecenter.com.
- Explore the Exploration Tower
- Kids love the Dinosaur Store: Visit dinosaurstore.com for information and hours.
- Book a Cocoa Beach Fishing Tour at laghooner.com.
- Cocoa Beach Pier is the ultimate beach adventure.
FREE Things to Do
- Lori Wilson Park + More Cocoa Beach Parks
- Sea Turtle Preservation Society Turtle Walks
- Liberty Bell Museum
- Manatee Sanctuary Park
- Cocoa Beach Pier
- Get a photo with Kelly Slater
- Walk around Downtown Cocoa Beach
If you’re looking for fun, cheap, or unique things to do in Cocoa Beach, near Orlando, and somewhere to stay while on Florida’s Space Coast, take a few minutes to visit some of our friends in the area! Of course, Cocoa Beach is home to many famous surf shops. Surfing is not the only game in town regarding local shopping. Boutiques line the A1A Causeway, and nearby in Merritt Island, the Merritt Square Mall offers Macy’s, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Rack Room Shoes, Zumies, Lids, Journeys, Kay Jewelers a food court, and more! Hungry? Visit our growing list of Cocoa Beach Restaurants.
When visiting Cocoa Beach, Florida, you might want to check out what the locals do. Some of the favorite local restaurants in the area are Cafe Surfinista for Acai bowls and delicious coffee, Rusty’s Seafood, Grill’s seafood, and Fishlips in Cape Canaveral out at the Port. Thai Thai 3 in Cape Canaveral has yummy sushi and Thai food. Just across the street is Preacher Bar, another fantastic local hangout!
Shopping in Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach Surf Company
Address: 4001 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Phone: 321-799-9930
Cocoa Beach Surf Company is right across the street from Ron Jon’s and is owned by Cocoa Beach locals. Feature a Four-Points Sheraton hotel and Starbucks Cafe.
Ron Jon Surf Shop
Address: 4151 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Phone: 321-799-8888
Ron Jon Surf Shop is a Cocoa Beach landmark and the city’s oldest surf shop.
Backwater Paddle Company
Address: 1122 Cork Court, Rockledge, FL 32955
Phone: 321-750-1259
Small lightweight custom designed hand paddles developed right here in Brevard County, Florida.
Village Outfitters
Address: 229 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, FL 32931
Phone: 321-633-7245
One stop shop for Kayaks, Paddle and outdoor adventure gear.
Historic Cocoa Village
Address: 1 Oleander Street Cocoa, FL 32922
Phone: 321-631-9075
One of the most popular local destinations, historic Cocoa Village offers quant shopping and dining along tree-lined streets. Original art galleries, boutique shopping, antiques, gifts and decor, local dining, bars, entertainment
The Avenue in Viera
Address: 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, FL 32940
Phone: 321-634-5390
Outdoor shopping center in Viera. Stores include Panera Bread, Charlotte Russe, The Melting Pot, Chico’s, Chili’s, Ethan Allen, Famous Footwear, Old Navy, Kohl’s & More.
Merritt Square Mall
Address: 777 E. Merritt Island Causeway Merritt Island, FL 32952
Phone: 321-452-3270
The closest traditional indoor shopping mall. Shops include Aeropostale, JC Penney, Sears, Dillard’s, Chick-fil-A, Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, Best Buy Mobile, large food court & more. Nearby restaurants include Outback Steakhouse, Applebees, Chili’s, Bonefish Grill & more.
Melbourne Square Mall
Address: 1700 W. New Haven Ave. Melbourne, FL 32904
Phone: 321-727-2700
Mall shopping in Melbourne, east of Indialantic. Shops in the Melbourne Mall include 5-7-9, AT&T, Auntie Ann’s, Bath & Body Works, Coach, Dillards, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Gap, H&M, Hollister, HotTopic, Food Court & More.
Map of Cocoa Beach, Florida and Surrounding Communities
Cocoa Beach, Florida Attractions
If attractions are your thing, Nasa’s Kennedy Space Center is just a few miles away on Merritt Island. Check out the Space Shuttle Atlantis up close, and maybe even catch a space launch, which is now much easier due to frequent launches. Brevard Zoo is also nearby and offers 75 acres of adventure, including the new treetop trek zip-lining adventure. Of course, you can always enjoy Orlando Kayaking Tours with Adventure Kayak of Cocoa Beach.
There’s no shortage of food and great dining along the Beach. Whether you are looking for a lavish or casual dining experience, you can have it all! As the Florida sunsets, Cocoa Beach comes alive with its peaceful, easy-feeling nightlife along A1A. When it’s finally time for bed, you’ll find a variety of oceanfront accommodations in Cocoa Beach. Rest easy because the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean will knock your socks off!
Orlando’s closest beach is 5 minutes from the premier port of Florida, Port Canaveral. Home to Disney Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival. For more details on the cruises, check our blog post on Cruise ships. For high-speed adventures, visitors can thrive at Andretti Thrill Park with 4 Go-Kart tracks, Laser tag, Batting Cages, Bumper Boats, Wild West Train, and the largest arcade in the Space Coast. The arcade provides combat games, virtual reality, racing, shooting, redemption games & more!
If HIGH-FLYING things to do are more your speed, Florida Biplanes will take you on the ride of your life! Take a tour from Merritt Island over to Cocoa Beach in the open cockpit of an authentic WW2-era Biplane, or take a helicopter tour and enjoy the scenery along Florida’s Space Coast. Tours depart daily from the Merritt Island Airport at 475 Manor Drive. Helicopter tours take off from Port Canaveral as well! You can call 321-392-4125 or toll-free at 888-FOR-RIDE.
Central Florida Kayaking
Book a tour with CentralFloridaKayaking.com and enjoy a relaxing kayak tour of the Thousand Islands, or other popular destinations in Brevard County, and Central Florida.
Kayak with Rockets in Cocoa Beach
Check out the Launch Schedule to plan your kayak tour around a rocket launch!
Cocoa Riverfront Park, Cocoa Village
The family park features a boardwalk along the river’s edge, water fountain play area for kids, and regular events throughout the year: Movies in the Park, 4th of July, art and music festivals and more!
The Indian River Queen – Dinner Cruise
Delannoy Ave, Cocoa Village, FL 321-454-7414
Pineapple Park River Front
1521 Pineapple Avenue Melbourne, FL 32935
Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures
N Atlantic Ave (A1A) 321-613-0047 Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Photo from Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventure Facebook Page.
Turkey Creek Sanctuary Park
1518 Port Malabar Blvd.
NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905
321-676-6690
Photo courtesy of Flickr/John Krupsky
Wildside Tours
499 Ramp Road
Cocoa Beach, FL
321-799-5495
Cocoa Beach Surf Museum
4275 N Atlantic Ave
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Located in the north annex of Ron Jon Surf Shop.
Studios of Cocoa Beach
165 Minutemen Cswy.
Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931
(321) 613-3480
The Studios is proud to offer a creative place for residents & visitors to enjoy. Stop by the Studios to see this diverse presentation of creativity from both our Studio artists and our Guest Artists.
(Photo from Studios of Cocoa Beach Facebook Page)
Sam’s House at Pine Island
6195 N. Tropical Trail
Merritt Island, FL 32953
321-449-4720
Historical Landmark on North Merritt Island
Pine Island Conservation Area
Pine Island Road
Merritt Island, FL 32953
321-501-3870
Brevard Nature Alliance
Titusville, FL 32931
321-268-5224
NASA’S Kennedy Space Center
866-737-5235
Visit the Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida. Home of the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit. You can also view a launch here, and they are occurring more often now than ever before. Recently two Falcon 9 rockets launched on the same day carrying Star Link satellites. No trip to the Space Coast is complete without witnessing an awe-inspiring rocket launch up close.
Brevard Zoo
8225 North Wickham Road
Melbourne, Fl 32940
321-254-9453
The Brevard Zoo is a wonderful place for children of all ages and an excellent way to spend a day with your family. Get an up-close view of the animals, feed the giraffes, and more. The new Meerkat exhibit and Tree Top trek Zip-lining adventure are a lot of fun, so be sure to add this destination to your vacation.
Andretti Thrill Park
3960 South Babcock St.
Melbourne, FL 32901
321-956-6706
Go Carts, games, and more! Kids of all ages and the kid in all of us will have a great time at the Andretti Thrill Park in Melbourne, Florida.
Liberty Bell Museum
1601 Oak Street
Melbourne, FL. 32901
321-727-1776
Florida Biplane/Helicopter Rides
Merritt Island, FL
321-392-4125
888.FOR.RIDE
Enjoy a biplane or helicopter ride over the surrounding areas. The aerial view of Cocoa Beach, and the Thousand Islands is amazing.
Grasshopper Airboat Eco-Tours
5665 Lake Poinsett Road
Cocoa, Florida 32926
877-794-4991
Who doesn’t want to see gators and wildlife when visiting Florida? An airboat ride is an excellent way to spend a day in Florida.
School of Surf
200 North A1A
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
321-406-0433
If you have ever dreamed of learning how to surf, stop dreaming, and make it happen. Visit the School of Surf in the heart of the city and learn how to ride a wave.
Victory Casino Cruises
180 Christopher Columbus Dr.
Cruise Terminal B-2
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
321-799-0021
Hammock Nature Trail, Lori Wilson Park
1500 N Atlantic Ave
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
321-455-1380
Scenic coastline park featuring beach access, pavilions, grills, dunes, a boardwalk & bird-watching.
Cocoa Beach Skate Park
1450 Minutemen Causeway
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
321-868-3238
Photo: Cocoa Beach Skate Park FB Page feat. Killian Horne
American Police Hall of Fame – Gun Range
6350 Horizon Dr.
Titusville, FL 32780
321-264-0911
The country’s first National Police Museum and memorial dedicated to the United States law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Featuring 24 lane gun range. Photo: American Police Hall of Fame website.
400 Sykes Creek Parkway
Merritt Island, FL
321-453-1776
The Brevard Veterans Memorial Center is open seven days a week, so planning a visit is easy.
The museum, store, and library are open Monday thru Saturday from 10 am-4 pm and Sunday Noon-4 pm.
Admission is free, and it is located just a few minutes away.
Indoor Gun Range (The Gun Site Range)
125 S Banana River Dr
Merritt Island, FL 32952
321-453-2071
Full-service indoor shooting range on the premises for handguns.
Cape Canaveral, FL
321-861-7643
Photo: Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Facebook Page
Eastern Florida State College Planetarium
1519 Clearlake Road
Cocoa FL, 32922
321-453-7372
Photo: EFSC Planetarium Facebook Page
600 N. Courtenay Parkway
Merritt Island FL, 32953
321-452-8880
Photo: Shore Lane’s Facebook Page
321 Kiteboarding & Watersports
402 West Cocoa Beach Cswy.
Cocoa Beach FL, 32931
321-302-5663
Photo: 321 Kiteboarding Facebook Page
Jet Ski & Boat Rentals of Cocoa Beach
1872 E. Merritt Island Cswy
Merritt Island FL, 32952
321-453-8900
Photo: Jet Ski & Boat Rentals Website
Lighthouse Cove Adventure Golf Cocoa Beach
3811 North A1A
Cocoa Beach, FL
321-613-0701
701 Thurm Blvd.
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
3658 Charlie Corbeil Way
Viera, FL 32940
Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum
6600 Tico Rd.
Titusville, FL 32780
(321) 268-1942
This non-profit museum displays, maintains, and restores all types of aircraft that were developed and used in the world’s military Air Forces from WWI to the present. Located on ten acres of property at the Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville.
Tom Warriner Blvd.
(Off Minuteman Cswy.)
Cocoa Beach, FL 32932-2430
(321) 868 – 3361
Located near the ramp, the golf course is nestled quietly on a peninsula along the Indian River Lagoon’s Banana River. This Golf Course provides some of the best Paspalum greens in the United States.
9035 Campground Circle
Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920
321-783-7111
Please call to check availability, make, change, or cancel a reservation.
670 Dave Nisbet Dr.
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
(321) 394-3405
Located in Port Canaveral, the Exploration Tower is a new architectural landmark that offers 7 floors of fun and education to locals as well as tourists. This is a fantastic spot to watch a rocket launch
300 Brevard Avenue
Cocoa, FL 32922
(321) 636-5050
Celebrating 90 years of history and community, the Cocoa Village Playhouse is located in Historical Cocoa Village, Florida.
401 Meade Ave.
Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931
(321) 783-7549
A local favorite established in 1962! The Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier is home to 5 restaurants, 4 bars, gift shops, live entertainment, and features an 800- foot-long fishing pier.
Photo by: Matthew Paulson
Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science
2201 Michigan Avenue
Cocoa, FL 32926
(321) 632 – 1830
Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts
3865 N. Wickham Road
Melbourne, FL 32935
(321) 394-3405
Located on the Melbourne Campus of Eastern Florida State College, the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts provides entertainment in the form of concerts, magic shows, and comedic acts.
Lake Buena Vista, FL
(800) 951-3532
Cruise ships sails from Port Canaveral
Photo: Disney Cruise Line Website
U.S. Air Force Space & Missile Museum
100 Space Port Way
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
321-730-0055
Photo from Facebook page
200 Imperial Blvd.
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
(321) 728-4114
Photo from the Florida Beer Company website
Launch Viewing Area – Bennett Causeway
State Road 528 Over the Indian River
Cocoa Beach, FL
Enjoy a rocket launch with your family, it’s an experience you and your children will never forget.
Space Coast and Cocoa Beach Events & Festivals
Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival
6 Day Event in Brevard County, FL
Phone: 321-268-5224
Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL
Cocoa Beach Art Show, Inc.
P.O. Box 320537
Cocoa Beach, FL 32932
This Art Festival has been a Thanksgiving Tradition since 1963.
Photo from cocoabeachartshow.com
Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier
401 Meade Ave.
Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931
The National Kidney Foundation’s Annual Rich Salick Pro-Am Surf Festival takes place on Labor Day weekend for four days of non-stop surfing competition and FUN.
Thanksgiving Weekend The Space Coast Art Festival hosts an elegant fine art exhibition during Thanksgiving weekend at a charming outdoor location.
Port Canaveral Seafood and Music Festival
Phone: 855-386-3836
The Annual Chowder Cook-Off with a Twist
Cruise Terminal 1
Port Canaveral, FL
Tickets & Info: 321-784-6444 or 321-459-2200
The Cocoa Beach Pirate Invasion
International Palms Resort
1300 N Atlantic Ave.
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
3 Days of Fun – Sun – Great Music – Games & much, much more!
1 Minuteman Cswy.
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Every 3rd Friday of the month, 6 pm – 10 pm Downtown Cocoa Beach
The community, our families and visitors can enjoy a Friday night out together. Stop by and enjoy the fun of what’s become the best downtown Friday celebration in the area. Live music, food vendors, family-friendly activities and much more. The Cocoa Beach Friday Fest takes place in downtown Cocoa Beach on Minutemen Cswy. between Orlando and Brevard Ave., and is organized through the Area Merchants Association.
Annual Florida Women of the Waves Weekend TBA Presented by the Florida Surf Museum floridasurfmuseum.org
Adventurous Things to Do in Cocoa Beach
Outdoor adventurous things to do in Cocoa Beach! The world-famous beach is less than an hour’s drive from Orlando. Provides a ton of things to do in the area and only the very best in relaxation and recreation. The perfect beach vacation for the whole family, friends, or a romantic getaway for two. Even if you’re looking for just a day trip to the beach from Orlando or surrounding areas, we have enough fun things to do to make the day one to remember.
In addition to the ultimate in “fun and sun” activities, the Space Coast offers a ton of adventure at your fingertips! Walk on the wild side with a trip on the Casino Cruise ship at the Port. Book a deep-sea fishing trip with your friends. Check out Central Florida’s amazing wildlife up close with our very own guided kayak eco-tours.
Cocoa Beach Area Links: CocoaBeach.com | Thousand-Islands.org | Legendary Cocoa Beach | Live Near Water | Top Orlando Events | Space Coast to Treasure Coast | I Dream of Jeanie Park | Florida Seafood Festival Calendar
Orlando Princess Deep Sea Fishing
Fishing Charter
670 Glen Cheek Drive
(321) 784-6300
670 Glen Cheek Drive
(321) 783-5274
Cocoa Beach Sportfishing Charters – Deep Sea Fishing
505 Glen Cheek Drive
(321) 848-2662
Photo by cbsportfishing.com
290 Marine Harbor Dr.
Merritt Island, 32953
361-929-8357
Tiki Cruises captained boat tours and one-day cruises.
Canaveral Kings Sportfishing Charters
Located in: Cape Marina
800 Scallop Dr #4595
Port Canaveral, FL 32920
(321) 543-5109
Canaveral Kings offers sportfishing charters out of Port Canaveral, including full-day, three-quarter day, half-day, and near shore charters.
6300 N. Atlantic Ave.
Cape Canaveral, Fl
(321) 783 3477
TOP 6 Beaches Near Orlando
- Lori Wilson Park – Facility Reservations: (321) 455-1380 Tons of parking, large restrooms, pavilions, children’s playground, and birding trail.
- Sidney Fischer Park – Camping near the beach. Restrooms, Camping sites, fishing, food on the boardwalk. Watch cruise ships leave the port.
- Canova Dog Beach – looking for dog-friendly beaches near Orlando? This is it! Restrooms, showers, picnic areas.
- Picnic Tables – Featured in the Top Surfing Spots, located in Patrick Air Force Base. Restrooms, showers, lots of parking. Picnic area for service men and women’s families.
- 16th Street – the locals’ beach! Restrooms, small picnic area, showers, limited parking. A lifeguard is available.
- Cocoa Beach Pier – Classic icon offering fine dining, casual seafood, shopping, fishing and of course, surfing!
Still Looking for Cheap, Free, and Unique Things to do with Your Family on your Space Coast Vacation?
Top 15 things to do in Cocoa Beach on Trip Advisor!
Space Coast Facts and Data
Here are a few facts and some valuable data regarding cities on the Space Coast of Florida. Most of this information was sourced from U.S. and local government websites, such as census.gov.
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