23 Fun Things to Do in Cocoa Beach
👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do | Outdoor Activities | Food & Drink | Sites & Attractions | Cool & Unusual
After spending a couple of months here, I have insights into the best things to do in Cocoa Beach!
This central Florida beach town has a lot to offer. In this guide, I cover several activities on the water, nearby day trips, family-friendly attractions, and so much more. And, of course, what’s a trip to Florida without beachfront dining? Read on to learn about my favorite spots for fresh seafood and colorful cocktails.
Be sure to bookmark my guide on where to stay in Cocoa Beach for hotel recommendations and trip-planning tips!
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23 Best Things to Do in Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach Pier
Enjoy classic boardwalk fun with restaurants, shops, and beach activities all around.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (321) 783-7549 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 One Hour Surf Lesson
Cocoa Beach Pier is home to the most popular beach in Cocoa Beach. Although touristy, this place draws in visitors for its fun and upbeat beach vibes. Here, you’ll find restaurants, bars, shops, and activities like volleyball and surfing.
The family-friendly beach is wide and perfect for a classic day of sun, sea, and sand. Head here to experience one of the absolute best beaches in Florida.
Ron Jon Surf Shop & Surf School
Dive into the beach lifestyle and shop at the world’s biggest surf shop.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (321) 799-8820 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Ron Jon Surf Shop is one of the most iconic places in town when it comes to beach lifestyle and all things surfing. Located right off N Atlantic Ave between Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral, it’s situated close to many other Cocoa Beach attractions.
The surf shop is huge and filled with everything from surfboards to swimsuits and tourist merch. Ron Jon also has an official surf school that offers surf camps and lessons that are great for beginners.
👉 Pro Tip: If you just plan on stopping by, be sure to park in the 90-minute free parking lot. Otherwise, parking can get pricey.
Florida Surf Museum
Learn about Cocoa Beach’s unique surfing history at this small museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (321) 720-8033 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free
The Florida Surf Museum is located right beside Ron Jon Surf Shop. A visit here is worth your while if you’re a surfing enthusiast. The museum itself is small and more of an exhibit, but it features historical surfboards and artifacts.
Historic Cocoa Village
Explore the beauty and charm of Cocoa Beach’s historic downtown area.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (321) 631-9075 | Website
Many people assume the barrier island where Cocoa Beach is located is all there is to the beach town. Well, less than 10 miles inland past Merritt Island is historic Cocoa Village. To me, visiting Cocoa Village is a must.
This charming downtown area is full of colorful buildings situated by the Indian River Lagoon. You’ll find unique shops, great restaurants, the Cocoa Village Playhouse, and more.
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Embark on a day of science and discovery at this iconically American attraction.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (855) 433-4210 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $77 for ages 12+, $67 for ages 3-11 (one day pass) | 👉 Kennedy Space Center Admission
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is an absolute must whether you’re a space enthusiast or not. This attraction is world-renowned for a reason, and it’s truly impressive. The visitor complex is home to historic and educational exhibits like Space Shuttle Atlantis as well as interactive simulations and an IMAX theater.
Apart from the visitor complex, Kennedy Space Center is also the primary site of rocket launches and even human spaceflight. After all, KSC is what gives this area the name “Space Coast.”
It’s located about 20 miles north of Cocoa Beach on Merritt Island. It’s a pricer attraction than most, and you’ll want to dedicate an entire day here. But undoubtedly, visiting is one of the best things you could do when vacationing in Cocoa Beach (it’s also one of the best day trips from Orlando).
Outdoor Activities
Go Surfing and Try Watersports
Hang 10 (or at least try to) at one of the best surfing destinations on the east coast.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 One Hour Surf Lesson
It’s no secret that Cocoa Beach is well-known when it comes to Florida surfing. The waters are shallow, and the waves are calm, yet consistent. These are great surfing conditions, especially for beginners.
You can hit up the waves on your own, or, take a surf lesson with an instructor. In addition, watersports like kiteboarding and jetskiing are popular here, and so fun.
👉 Don’t Miss: If you’re planning a longer trip, bookmark Katie’s guide to the best things to do in central Florida!
Go on a Kayak Tour
Paddle through ocean waters and among mangroves full of wildlife.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (321) 698-7233 | Website | Cost: $50-$75 | 👉 Mangrove, Manatee, and Dolphin Kayak Tour
Banana River Lagoon is on the inner side of Cocoa Beach’s barrier island. This Atlantic Ocean waterway is scenic and calm, yet bursting with a vibrant ecosystem.
During your visit, consider taking an adventure kayak tour along the Banana River. This is such a cool activity and it’s a great way to see wildlife like manatees and dolphins. There are also bioluminescence kayak tours and sunset tours.
Lori Wilson Park
Spend a relaxing afternoon at this expansive beach and nature park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (321) 455-1380 | Website | Entrance: Free
Look no further than Lori Wilson Park if you’re looking for a calmer, more secluded beach. This picturesque beach and nature park on N Atlantic Ave has free parking, tons of open space, and calm, shallow waters.
Lori Wilson Park also has extensive boardwalks, forested areas, and nature trails, There’s even a dog park!
Shepard Park
Have some fun in the sun at this easy-going, family-friendly beach.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (321) 868-3258 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Shepard Park is located right behind Ron Jon Surf Shop off Ocean Beach Blvd. Come here if you want a relaxing beach day while still having the convenience of amenities and nearby restaurants and shops. It’s family-friendly, situated with picnic pavilions, and has shower facilities. You can also rent chairs and umbrellas.
Golf-N-Gator
Tee off at this family-friendly attraction that offers mini golf, treasure hunting, and more!
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (321) 799-4545 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 10 pm Sun-Thu, 10 am – 11 pm Fri & Sat | Entrance: Varies based on activity
Golf-N-Gator has everything you need for an afternoon of family fun. Here, you can go mini-golfing on two exciting 18-hole courses: Gator Mountain and Swamp Cave.
You can also go hunting for treasures like fossils, shark teeth, and gems. Lastly, as its name suggests, this attraction has gators! You can even hold and feed them.
Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures
Swing, climb, and zipline through aerial adventure courses set amongst the tree canopy.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (321) 613-0047 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $49.99 for over 48” tall | 👉 Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures Tickets
Zip through a canopy of oak trees and climb through aerial challenges at Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures. This is a great attraction for families and anyone who isn’t too afraid of heights. There are seven different aerial trails to take based on three varying levels of difficulty. Plus, there are over 40 unique challenges. So, there’s something for everyone!
Manatee Sanctuary Park
Escape the bustle and crowds at this simple yet peaceful riverside park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (321) 868-1226 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Looking for a tranquil place to relax, picnic, and get away from the crowds? Head to Manatee Sanctuary Park along Banana River Lagoon.
This secluded nature park up by Cape Canaveral has a boardwalk, shaded areas, picnic tables, and a small trail for walking. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some manatees or dolphins out on the water.
Food & Drink
Eat at a Beach Bar
Sit back and relax with drinks or a meal along the ocean.
What’s a trip to the Florida coast without oceanfront dining and drinks? Luckily, Cocoa Beach is home to some classic Florida beach bars.
Coconuts on the Beach is probably the most popular joint with a full bar and menu. It’s located just steps away from the water. Beach Shack is right next door, and has a more laid-back vibe and live music. Rikki Tiki Tavern at Cocoa Beach Pier is another great beach bar directly above the ocean that has beautiful views.
Enjoy Fresh Seafood
Indulge in fresh and locally-caught seafood, any way you like it.
It’d be a shame not to indulge in some fresh seafood while visiting Cocoa Beach, especially with so many great restaurants to choose from.
Fat Kahuna’s, The Fat Snook, Squid Lips, and Florida’s Seafood Bar & Grill are popular options. Seafood is typically served seasonally. Some local favorite catches include snook, speckled sea trout, and pompano.
Sites & Attractions
Brevard Zoo
Connect with wildlife at this interactive, open-air zoo.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (321) 254-9453 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $35 for ages 12-64, $30 for seniors 65+, $24 for ages 3-11 (on-site prices, online discount available)
Brevard Zoo is located inland about half an hour from Cocoa Beach. This 75-acre zoo is home to over 900 animals from around the world.
It’s incredibly interactive with tons of hands-on experiences. You can feed giraffes and birds, get up close with kangaroos, kayak beside the Expedition Africa exhibit, go ziplining through the trees, and so much more. It’s one of the best family-friendly attractions in Cocoa Beach.
Brevard Museum of History & Natural Sciences
Step back in time and discover the local history and science of Cocoa Beach, Florida.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (321) 632-1830 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Thu-Sat, Closed Sun-Wed | Entrance: Free
From the Ice Age to the Space Age, this region of Florida has witnessed some truly remarkable discoveries and moments in history.
The Brevard Museum of History & Natural Sciences exhibits many of these moments. This includes Windover archaeological artifacts from the prehistoric past. This museum also borders 22 acres of nature trails.
The Dinosaur Store & Museum
Uncover dinosaur history and ancient cultures at this store and interactive museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (321) 783-7300 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon, Wed-Sat, 12 pm – 5 pm Sun, Closed Tue | Entrance: $26 adults, $24 seniors, $22 children
Head over to the Dinosaur Store & Museum if you’ve got little kids! It’s a fun, interactive space where your kids can shop, discover, and play.
The Dinosaur Store houses hundreds of fossils and artifacts from around the world, and tons of exhibits on dinosaurs and history. The Adventure Zone is a real highlight, though. Here, you can play games, go on a ride, see live animals, and go mineral panning.
Exploration Tower
Explore fun and educational exhibits, and take in views of Port Canaveral.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (321) 394-3408 | Website | Hours: TBD | Entrance: TBD
⚠️ Closure Note: Exploration Tower is temporarily closed until further notice.
Exploration Tower is just north of Cocoa Beach at Port Canaveral. Aside from being architecturally unique, this tower is home to interactive and educational exhibits that are great for visitors of all ages.
Exhibits range from space exploration to marine life, indigenous history, and more. The tower also has an observation deck and theater.
Cool & Unusual Thing to Do
See a Rocket Launch
Witness NASA space exploration in action by seeing a rocket launch.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (855) 433-4210 | Website
As I mentioned earlier in this article, the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island has an active launch center apart from the visitor complex. Before you visit Cocoa Beach, I recommend taking a look at KSC’s launch schedule. If you’re lucky, you just might be in town for a launch.
You can watch these launches from viewing areas at KSC, but you can honestly see them miles away. This is truly a cool experience to witness. Note that launches often get canceled or rescheduled, so catching one can be kind of a fickle thing.
Go on a Dolphin Boat Tour
Ride over gentle waters and glide past dolphins and other wildlife.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (321) 454-7414 | Website | Entrance: $39.50 | 👉 Cocoa Beach Dolphin & Wildlife Tour
Consider doing a dolphin and wildlife boat tour while visiting Cocoa Beach. This is a great option for families and older visitors who want something a little more relaxed.
Tours take place on the Banana River Lagoon and explore the Thousand Islands mangrove forest of Cocoa Beach. This is a great way to see wildlife like dolphins, manatees, and birds.
Do a Cocoa Beach Fishing Tour
Fish rich waters ranging from rivers to the deep-sea aboard world-class charters.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (321) 652-5903 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 11 pm daily | Cost: $300-$1400 | 👉 Fin & Fly Fishing Charters
From deep-sea fishing to inshore fishing, a trip with Fin & Fly Fishing Charters is sure to be memorable. These charters are led by experienced captains who take you through rich waters all along Florida’s Space Coast. This is a great thing to do for all fishing enthusiasts!
Take a Cruise from Port Canaveral
Hit the high seas and enjoy a fun-filled day, weekend, or week on the water.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (321) 783-7831 | Website | Entrance: Cruise tickets may vary
Port Canaveral on Cape Canaveral is just a short drive north of Cocoa Beach. This is Florida’s premier cruise port. It’s home to major cruise lines like Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and more.
Consider hitting the high seas (one of the best things to do in Florida!) if you’re planning a longer vacation in the Cocoa Beach area. There are cruise packages and experiences for visitors of all ages.
Take a Day Trip to Melbourne
Enjoy a slight change of scenery in this low-key, yet charming beach town about 30 minutes south.
📍 Google Maps | Website
I recommend visiting the nearby town of Melbourne if you’re doing a longer Cocoa Beach vacation and want a little change of scenery. This charming, low-key beach town is located about 30 minutes southwest of Cocoa Beach. It has unique shops and restaurants worth checking out.
Across the Indian River from the town of Melbourne (on the barrier island) is Melbourne Beach, one of the best south Florida beaches. It’s relaxing and less touristy than other nearby areas. Another close attraction is Sebastian Inlet, known for its surfing and fishing opportunities.
📚 Related Reading: Beach Packing List (17 Things You Might Forget to Bring)
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I hope you enjoyed this guide on the best things to see, do, and experience in Cocoa Beach, Florida! Safe travels and enjoy visiting one of the best destinations in the Sunshine State.
Catamaran sailing there is a blast too!