Cocoa Beach Pier is an iconic landmark that is a fun place to hang out. Family-friendly, with dramatic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, the pier is a bustling hub of activities, hosting a mix of shops, restaurants, and bars that make for the perfect fun day outside.
The pier stretches about 800 feet out into the clear waters of the Atlantic ocean and is one of the most popular spots in the town, welcoming over one million visitors annually. Guests can jam to the live music on the pier, partake in a beach volleyball game, or jump into the water for fun activities like swimming or surfing.
Quaint and walkable, you'll have a nice time roaming the charming historic Cocoa Village. Located just a few minutes drive over one of the causeways (big bridges over the lagoon offering beautiful views), historic Cocoa Village is filled with 19th-century heritage, highlighted by colorful buildings lining its peaceful streets and local stores offering a variety of cute souvenirs.
The streets also host galleries and several quaint restaurants -- all worthy of a visit. Don’t forget to catch a live show at the iconic Cocoa Village Playhouse or attend one of the many festivals at this scenic location overlooking the Indian River Lagoon.
America’s East Coast is renowned for its surfing and Cocoa Beach has produced some of the best surfers in the world. At the Florida Surf Museum, housed in the Ron Jon Watersport building, vacationers get a glimpse into the history of the vibrant surfing culture on Florida's east coast.
This unique museum was established in 1999. It showcass exhibits, various artifacts and historic surfboards. Guests will learn about the roots and evolution of the sport or surfing, and surfing legends from the area through old photographs, magazines, videos, and other interesting memorabilia.
This sprawling 32-acre nature park on North Atlantic Avenue offers tourists an attractive outdoor space perfect for relaxing and unwinding. Lori Wilson Park is home to a forested area, scenic boardwalks, and isolated nature trails where travelers can take their canine companions for a refreshing walk.
The atmosphere is simply serene, with a cool sea breeze and panoramic views of the Atlantic. Guests can choose from several entertaining activities to keep busy at the park, including wading in the shallow beach waters, lounging on the soft sand dune area, or playing a game of beach volleyball on the shores.
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is on nearby Merritt Island about a 20-minute drive from Cocoa Beach and is an excellent day trip for any space enthusiast. View the world's largest building by volume (Vehicle Assembly Building) learn about the "Crawler" that moves rockets to the launch pad. See a real Space Shuttle (Atlantis) up close and wander the rocket garden to see real rockets from long ago and even newer models from Space X!
Highlights include a Space Shuttle launch simulator where you feel the actual thrust that astronauts felt upon launches, the real Gemini 9 and Sigma 7 capsules, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, which honors the country’s space travel heroes. Visitors will also be in awe of the many other interactive simulations, which--among other things--offer visitors the illusion of being in space, what it's like on Mars, and an IMAX theater.
With so many activities to enjoy in Cocoa Beach at sea-level, it’s nice to have the option to spend a day enjoying a big adventure up in the tree tops. Head to Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures for zip lines, obstacle courses, and 48 unique challenges that defy gravity.
Choose to go solo, or work with a group to get through the obstacles. It will be a memory that lasts your lifetime.