Cocoa Beach, the gateway to the Kennedy Space Center, is also one of Florida’s top surfing destinations. The Cocoa Beach Pier, built in the 1960s, has many cool shops and restaurants. At Ron Jon Surf Shop, home of the Florida Surf Museum, you can check out the artifacts that shaped the history of the sport. We love sharing the secrets of Cocoa Beach with our guests. Start planning an escape on Florida’s Space Coast.
Cocoa Beach Travel Guide
Things to Do in Cocoa Beach & Florida's Space Coast
Kennedy Space Center
The John F. Kennedy Space Center, founded in 1962, is a NASA center located adjacent to the Cape Canaveral Air Forces Station, famous for the Apollo Program, SkyLab, and the Space Shuttle Program. At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex visitors can experience historic spacecraft and memorabilia, take bus tours of the spaceport, and witness the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame.
Ron Jon Surf Shop
Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach is a “One of A Kind” surf store. Housing the Florida Surf Museum, surf aficionados can explore exhibits that highlight the history of surfing both on the East Coast and around the world. The two-acre flagship Ron Jon Surf Shop, a Cocoa Beach institution, is open 24 hours a day and has more surf and beach gear than any other store in America.
Cocoa Beach Pier
Originally built in 1969, the historic Cocoa Beach Pier is a surfing and fishing hub. Recently restored, the 800-foot pier is home to many fun bars, restaurants, and boutique shops. Spots surfers catching waves or taking a surf lesson. Fish for Red Fish, Whiting, Pompano, Tarpon, Snapper, and Blue Fish.
Our Favorites:
- Rikki Tiki Tavern
- The Boardwalk Bar
- Pelican’s Bar & Grill
- Keith’s Oyster Bar
- Tropical Threads Boutique
Cocoa Beach Golf
Florida is a golfer's dream, and the Cocoa Beach area has many great courses to choose from. At the Cocoa Beach Country Club, located on a peninsula surrounded by water, you can play the Dolphin, River, or Lakes Course. In just a short drive, you can find popular courses in Rockledge and Melbourne.
Our Favorites:
- Dolphin Course at Cocoa Beach Country Club
- River Course at Cocoa Beach Country Club
- Manatee Cove Golf Course
- The Savannahs Golf Course
Cocoa Beach Dining
Cocoa Beach has a nice variety of restaurants. At the Cocoa Beach Pier, you can dine above the waves. Being right on the ocean, seafood is a good choice. Or you can check out the many fun pizza places, burger joints, and cafes. Cocoa Beach is a great place to eat out with your friends and family.
Our Favorites:
- Coconuts on the Beach
- The Fat Snook
- Fat Kahuna's
- The Green Room Cafe
Cocoa Beach & Space Coast Events
Depending on when you visit, you can experience many different events near Cocoa Beach. From fun surf festivals to launch events at the Kennedy Space Center to great concerts and wine festivals, there are plenty of great reasons to visit Cocoa Beach for an event.
Our Favorites:
- Ron Jon Beach 'N Boards Fest
- Cocoa Beach Main Street Festival
- Cocoa Beach Uncorked
- Thunder on Cocoa Beach
