Last Updated on November 15, 2024
Cocoa Beach, a popular destination on Florida’s Space Coast, offers a variety of beautiful beaches that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Visitors can enjoy wide stretches of sandy shores, perfect for swimming, surfing, and soaking up the sun.
With its scenic beauty and pleasant weather, it’s no wonder that Cocoa Beach attracts beachgoers from around the globe.
For those seeking more than just relaxation, Cocoa Beach provides numerous activities like paddleboarding and beach volleyball.
The beaches are also known for their family-friendly environment, making it an ideal spot for a fun day out with the kids.
Additionally, the local amenities such as nearby restaurants, shops, and entertainment options enhance the overall beach experience.
Top-Rated Beaches To Visit In Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach and the nearby area boast several beaches, each offering unique experiences and stunning views.
Visitors can enjoy everything from beautiful piers to serene parks.
Cocoa Beach Pier
The Cocoa Beach Pier stretches 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean. It is a favorite spot for fishing, dining, and shopping.
The pier features multiple bars and restaurants, making it a vibrant place to relax and enjoy the ocean view.
The beach area nearby is perfect for laying in the sun, beach volleyball, and surfing.
Live entertainment and events are often held here, adding to its lively atmosphere.
Hit the end of the pier and have a drink at the Rikki Tiki Tavern.
Lori Wilson Park
Lori Wilson Park provides a more tranquil beach experience with its over 30 acres of undisturbed natural beauty.
The park includes a 1,000-foot boardwalk, a dog park, grills, and picnic facilities. It’s an excellent spot for families seeking a peaceful day out.
Amenities include lifeguards (in season), free parking, restrooms, and outdoor showers.
Nature lovers will enjoy the lush greenery and the opportunity to spot local wildlife.
One of my favorite restaurants is Coconuts On The Beach, which is just south of Lori Wilson Park.
Canaveral National Seashore
About a 50-minute drive from Cocoa Beach, Canaveral National Seashore offers a pristine and one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline.
This area is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy nature.
Visitors will find hiking trails, bird-watching opportunities, and historic sites.
Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and boating are popular activities here.
The seashore is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles and manatees.
It’s a haven for photographers and nature enthusiasts looking for scenic views.
Melbourne Beach
Melbourne Beach is a half-hour drive from Cocoa Beach and is known for its quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
It’s a great spot for those seeking a less touristy beach experience. Activities include surfing, snorkeling, and beachcombing.
The area has small shops and dining options nearby, providing all the necessary conveniences.
Melbourne Beach is also a nesting area for sea turtles, making it a protected and significant ecological site.
At the end of the day, head to the Melbourne Beach Pier; the sunsets here are particularly stunning.
Hightower Beach Park
Located in Satellite Beach, Hightower Beach Park is favored by locals for its clean and well-maintained environment.
The park has a mix of soft sandy shores and rocky areas, ideal for exploring. It’s a great spot for surfing due to favorable wave conditions.
Facilities include a boardwalk and observation deck, showers, and restrooms, ensuring visitors have a comfortable experience.
The park is also known for its beautiful sunrise views and is a wonderful place for early morning walks.
Looking for an amazing tour along the waterways of Cocoa Beach? Book The 👉 Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Meritt Island! 👈
Beach Attractions And Activities
Visitors to Cocoa Beach can enjoy numerous water sports and explore various parks for a fun-filled experience.
Below, details on popular activities and major parks are covered.
Surfing And Water Sports
Cocoa Beach is famous for its excellent surfing conditions, attracting surfers of all skill levels.
The consistent waves and warm water temperatures make it ideal for beginners and professionals alike.
Surf schools and rental shops line the beach, offering lessons and equipment.
Beyond surfing, visitors can engage in kiteboarding, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
The Banana River Lagoon offers calm waters perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking.
There are guided tours available for those interested in exploring local wildlife and scenery while paddling through the river’s waters.
Parks And Recreation
Cocoa Beach features several parks that provide recreational opportunities ranging from picnic spots to walking trails.
Lori Wilson Park is a popular spot with its lush greenery, picnic pavilions, and beachfront access.
The park also offers amenities like restrooms and outdoor showers, making it convenient for families.
Alan Shepard Park is another notable location, named after the famed astronaut.
It provides ample picnic areas, a playground, and easy beach access.
For those interested in wildlife, the Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands Conservation Area offers a chance to see mangroves, dolphins, and manatees in their natural habitat.
Explore Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands with this tour 👉 Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee and Dolphin Kayak Tour w/ Cocoa Kayaking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Cocoa Beach offers a range of options for beachgoers, from family-friendly spots to ideal locations for water activities.
Each beach has its own unique attributes that cater to different needs.
Which Beaches In Cocoa Beach Are Best For Swimming?
Cocoa Beach Pier is popular for its calm waters and amenities like showers and lifeguards.
Shepard Park features shallow waters and picnic facilities, making it great for families with children.
It’s also a great beach to see the nearby shuttle launches.
Looking for things to do in Cocoa Beach? Check out these 20 Best Cocoa Beach Beaches & Activities! 👈
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Additional Cocoa Beach Blog Posts
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Booking a last-minute trip to Cocoa Beach?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Tours in Cocoa Beach
Thousand Island Tour w/ Kayaking (Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Island Guided Tour)
Dolphin Tours On The Banana River (See Dolphins And Manatees!)
Manatee And Dolphin Kayak Tour (Guided Kayak Tour)
Sunset Catamaran Sail (Enjoy The Wildlife And Sunset On Merritt Island)
Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour (Highest-Rated Kayak Tour In Cocoa Beach)
Top Hotels In Cocoa Beach
Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach – (Perfect For Solo Travelers & Couples)
Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach-Oceanfront – (Beachfront And Poolside View)
Courtyard By Marriott Cocoa Beach Cape Canaveral – (Top-Rated Nearby Beach)
Anthony’s On The Beach – (Top-Rated Budget Hotel)
Looking To Get Around In Cocoa Beach?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
