Is Cocoa Beach Safe? Everything To Know Before Visiting!

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Are you planning an upcoming trip to Florida’s Space Coast, and wondering if Cocoa Beach is safe for visitors?

You’ve come to the right place!

Perhaps you’re having doubts regarding your Cocoa Beach itinerary, if the area is good for a family or solo vacation, or if it’s a safe place to enjoy a beach getaway.

Using first-hand experience, the below article will equip you with everything you need to know to have a safe and enjoyable Cocoa Beach vacation.  

First thing first: as with any popular tourist destination, certain safety precautions should be taken.

Cocoa Beach welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world to its white sandy coastline every year.

This is great for the local tourism industry but can pose problems for local law enforcement, especially during popular events including spring break.

It also has the potential to skew local crime rates, making the town appear more dangerous than it actually is.

However, Cocoa Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in Florida, and overall, is safe to visit.

Aside from shark encounters and potentially damaging hurricanes and storms, the Cocoa Beach area is great for enjoying outdoor activities, dining, and shopping.  

Continue reading below to learn more about local crime rates, the safest areas to stay in Cocoa Beach, and important safety tips for your upcoming Cocoa Beach adventure!

Is Cocoa Beach Safe For Families And Solo Travelers?

It’s safe for both families and solo travelers!

Statistically, the crime rate may appear higher due to the high volume of tourists the area receives each year, as previously mentioned.

However, the likelihood of falling victim to a crime in Cocoa Beach as a traveler is actually quite low.

In fact, there’s a greater risk of experiencing a shark bite or a hurricane than being the victim of a crime in Cocoa Beach.

The risks for pickpocketing, mugging, and scams are all extremely low.

For context, in 2020, there was only one reported instance of pickpocketing —  and the perpetrator only managed to claim $1.

For solo travelers (especially females) it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings.

With so many people from all over the world visiting Cocoa Beach, take precautions while out and about especially at bars or on public transportation.

Never give out personal information including your home address, hotel room, or security codes.

Don’t drink in excess if traveling solo, and share your itinerary with a friend or family member so they know where you’ll be.

Is Cocoa Beach Safe At Night?

Within reason, yes! Cocoa Beach is a generally safe community.

However, it’s important to stay vigilant with so many people from all walks of life converging in one place.

This doesn’t mean you still can’t have a good time.

In fact, exploring the Cocoa Beach area at night is one of the best ways to experience the town.

Since the majority of tourists are out during the morning and early afternoon hours, evenings are often less crowded.

Once the sun sets, the beaches become more tranquil as visitors pack up for the day.

It’s the best way to take in a vibrant sunset or a stroll on the beach.

If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, you could even try your hand at night kayaking, or dance the night away at a nearby club.

Regardless of how you plan to enjoy an evening out on the town, use your best judgment, don’t drink in excess, and follow local laws to ensure the safest and most fun night possible.

What Part Of Cocoa Beach Is The Riskiest Or The Most Dangerous?

If you Google “dangerous neighborhoods in Cocoa Beach, FL,” you won’t find much of anything…if anything at all.

In fact, there just aren’t many (or any) truly dangerous parts of the city.

Aside from the summer months when more tourists ascend upon the Cocoa Beach area and non-violent crime rates rise, it’s your basic beachside surf town with mid-range hotels and typical beachside dining.

It’s a known fact that the crime rates fluctuate when larger crowds visit Cocoa Beach, so it’s always best to check the community’s event calendar prior to your vacation.

There are a number of events that occur annually that are important to note.

These include Kennedy Space Center launches, the O’Neill Sebastian Inlet Pro Surfing Festival in January, the Valiant Air Command Warbird Show in March, and the NKF Rich Salick Pro-Am Surf Festival in October.

Depending on your personal preferences, these are times of the year you may want to avoid visiting Cocoa Beach or plan on securing your lodging at least a few months in advance.

What Part Of Cocoa Beach Is The Safest?

The southwest part of the city is considered to be the safest, according to those who live there.

In other parts of the city, including the South, the likelihood of falling victim to crimes may be as high as 1 in 24.

Oppositely, it could be as low as 1 in 72 in the Southwest section of the city.

In the Northeast section of the city, there is a higher volume of retail stores and shopping malls, but fewer residents.

Because of this, violent crime levels are lower, but property crimes such as theft and robberies are slightly higher.

Overall, the safest areas currently include Cocoa Beach West, South Cocoa Beach, Avon by the Sea, Cocoa Isles, and Seacrest Beach.

More crimes occur near places such as parks and schools.

Cocoa Beach has 11 designated parks and recreational areas, all of which pose similar issues.

Ultimately, it’s important to remember that crime rates in generally safe neighborhoods appear higher due to the millions of tourists that visit Cocoa Beach each year.

Don’t let these statistics deter you from visiting Cocoa Beach — be sure to pay attention to the total number of crimes reported, crime trends, and types of crimes committed.

Is Cocoa Beach’s Crime Rate High?

Cocoa Beach received an overall “C” rating from Crime Grade for safety in 2020.

The C grade means the rate of crime in Cocoa Beach is comparable to the U.S. average, but is slightly higher.

Cocoa Beach ranks in the 44th percentile for safety.

This means that 56 percent of U.S. cities are safer, while 44 percent of cities in the U.S. are more dangerous.

In terms of numbers, the most recent violent crime rate for 2020 was 29.09 per 1,000 residents versus the U.S. average of 28.3 per 1,000 residents.

There was just one reported homicide in 2020. 

When compared to other cities and towns of all sizes across the U.S. Cocoa Beach’s crime rate is higher than 77.8 percent.

However, the property crime rate of 15.73 per 1,000 in Cocoa Beach is slightly lower than the national average of 16.96 per 1,000 residents.

Overall, the crime rate has fallen 20 percent since 2018 and continues to decrease

Cocoa Beach Safety Tips

1. Don’t go surfing alone without a surf lesson.

Cocoa Beach may be the surf capital of Florida, but Ron Jon himself would want you to take a lesson before hitting the waves.

Rip currents can be deadly. Additionally, if not used properly, a surfboard can quickly become a hazard.

Lessons typically cost less than $100 and teach the basic rules of surfing and tips for staying safe.

2. Check the water conditions at the beach.

The weather conditions in Cocoa Beach can change in an instant, especially during hurricane season.

This impacts sea levels, sea visibility, water temperature, and more.

Shark attacks are also more common on Cocoa Beach compared to other nearby beaches.

Avoid swimming in murky waters or wearing shiny jewelry or swimwear.

3. Don’t drink in excess.

What do you get when you add a beach destination and vacation together? Plenty of refreshing, tropical drinks!

This might be tempting (and no doubt delicious), but drinking in excess while on vacation can be dangerous for many reasons.

Not only could you get sick or dehydrated, but it could increase your chances of becoming a victim of crime.

4. Wear and reapply sunscreen.

For all that time you’ll likely spend outdoors or on the beach, you’ll need plenty of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

This will prevent sunburns, sun poisoning, and an overall potentially painful vacation.

5. Lock your car.

This might be a no-brainer, but it’s always smart to lock your vehicle.

Don’t leave valuables – especially electronics or cords – in plain sight.

Leave behind any items you don’t absolutely leave at your hotel. 

Frequently Asked Questions – Is Cocoa Beach Safe?

Is Cocoa Beach A Good Area?

Yes, even in spite of the misconception that Cocoa Beach is dangerous.

The area itself is home to some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Florida, and it’s an attractive city for families and young couples.

There are plenty of pristine parks, historic museums, fun shops, and restaurants to enjoy.

Most neighborhoods in Cocoa Beach are considered safe to live in, and the city’s 11,400 residents are close-knit, looking out for themselves and their community.

Is Cocoa Beach Safe For Families?

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for families looking for a getaway.

There are numerous family-friendly attractions nearby.

These include the Kennedy Space Center, the Dinosaur Store, the Ron Jon Surfshop, and the Cocoa Beach Pier.

Families can enjoy one of the dozens of area parks and beaches, or even take a day trip to neighboring Orlando for a day at the theme parks.

Is Cocoa Beach Florida Safe?

While Cocoa Beach is not considered one of the safest communities in America, or even in Florida, the numbers are a bit misleading.

According to FBI crime data, Cocoa Beach has a crime rate higher than 79 percent of other cities and towns in Florida with a 1 in 37 chance of falling victim to crime.

However, the large number of outside visitors annually skews these numbers.

This aside, it doesn’t mean you should completely avoid visiting or cancel your vacation altogether.

It simply means you should remain vigilant and stay in areas familiar to tourists.

There are plenty of safe neighborhoods to spend time in during your Cocoa Beach vacation.

Is it OK To Swim In Cocoa Beach?

More than 72 miles in length, the area of Cocoa Beach offers endless coastlines, beaches, inlets, and parks to explore.

Many of these locations provide opportunities for plenty of fun in the sun.

Some of the most popular places to swim and enjoy other water activities include Sidney Fischer Park, Canova Beach Park, and Canaveral National Seashore.

While the water systems in Cocoa Beach are generally clean, it’s important to check water and weather conditions prior to setting out for your beach adventure. 

Is Cocoa Beach Safe?  Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Cocoa Beach is a generally safe place to visit and enjoy.  It has an overall low crime rate, and most visitors feel comfortable walking around the streets day or night.

However, like any other vacation spot, it’s important to take basic safety precautions such as avoiding dark alleys at night and being aware of your surroundings.  Safe travels!