17 Great Things To Do In Cocoa Beach, FL - Updated 2024

things to do in cocoa beach florida
Tabassum
Tabassum 
Updated
| 4 min read

Cocoa Beach, Florida, United States is a town where you will find 6 miles (9.65 kilometers) of beaches with beach access from one end of the city to the other. NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center is located about 15 miles (24.14 kilometers) away and it is the space program that put Cocoa Beach on the map. Many young families that resided here had one or even both parents working in some field that was related to space. The children of these families were called “Cape Brats.” Another interesting fact is that Cocoa Beach and other surrounding towns were full of the best and brightest technical minds around, so they were basically the first “silicon valley.” Come now and stay at the best beachfront hotels or other vacation rentals, because here are the fun things to do in Cocoa Beach, FL.

1. Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

When you tell your friend with a fear of heights that you're taking them to a haunted house and bring them here instead.

Posted by Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures on Tuesday, October 22, 2019

If you’re hunting for a different excursion than the sea, try the sports and challenges offered by Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures. This outdoor sports complex in Canaveral features extreme beginner courses like Missing Link Bridge, Wagon Wheel Walk, and Gator in the Grass.

If you dare so, there are obstacles with intermediate and advanced skill levels. There’s the 27-ft (8.22-m) Lily Pad Leap and the intimidating 38-ft (11.58-m) Wiggle Walk. Whichever activity you choose, your strength, balance, and endurance is going to be tested to its core!

Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures

Address: 6419 N Atlantic Ave, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, United States

Website: Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures

Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 10am - 4pm; Wed - Thu: 10am - 4pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Tue)

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2. Florida's Seafood Bar & Grill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Baby you are DYNAMITE! Our famous Dynamite Shrimp is hand breaded & tossed in our homemade dynamite sauce topped...

Posted by Florida's Seafood Bar & Grill on Wednesday, August 10, 2022

You’ve come this far to Cocoa Beach, so it’s only fitting that you have a go at one of the best seafood restaurants in the city—Florida’s Seafood Bar & Grill! Boasting a vibrant nautical motif, this bar and grill offers bountiful seafood and cocktails. Why don’t you try the dynamite shrimp tacos for starters? One can’t go wrong with seafood tacos. The restaurant’s other bestsellers are the fresh catch sandwich, crab cake sandwich, Icelandic cod filet, and large shrimp parmalini.

Florida's Seafood Bar & Grill

Address: 480 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

Website: Florida’s Seafood Bar & Grill

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 12pm - 9pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

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3. Surfing lessons (from USD 70.0)

The waters of Cocoa Beach is perfect for surfing. The waves here are pretty consistent all year long, while the temperature of the water is warmer compared to other parts of Florida. Cocoa Beach is by far the best place to learn how to surf because of these reasons. This area is known for its surfing competitions and because of this, there are several places that offer surfing lessons for those who are interested. Whether it is for joining competitions or you just want to simply learn, this Cocoa Beach, Florida, activity offers lessons from expert private instructors that allow you to reap the rewards in just a short time.

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Cape Canaveral Private Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructor

Duration: 1 hour

22 reviews

4. Bioluminescent kayak tour (from USD 75.0)

Kayaking in bioluminescent waters is a unique experience that you can only have in six spots on earth. Luckily, Cocoa Beach is one of them. The reason for this is the presence of bioluminescent comb jellies which glow in the dark. Aside from this, you and your gang have the chance to see the incomparable scenery along the coast. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned veteran at kayaking, you are very much welcome to jump into the waters of Cocoa Beach and experience this exciting event. This Cocoa Beach, Florida, attraction will have you navigating through Thousand Islands where you will have a chance to experience this beautiful event.

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Cocoa Beach Bioluminescent Kayak Tour

Duration: 2 hours

115 reviews

5. Go biking (from USD 29.0)

Cocoa Beach is a biker’s paradise, and riding a bicycle is the best way to explore what the city has to offer. The city has endless miles of sunshine-laced roads, while the coastline offers picturesque scenery which makes it an exciting place to go around in. Just imagine how easy it is for you to stop and come close to every interesting spot you come across. This is what biking does, it gives you the flexibility to discover places you see along the way. However, there are certain places you should not miss, the places you will visit during this tour include Manatee Sanctuary Park and Cocoa Beach Pier.

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All Day Cocoa Beach Bike Rental

Duration: 1 day

8 reviews

6. Fat Kahunas

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Come here when you are immensely hungry and fill your tummy with the best-tasting traditional and influenced Hawaiian cuisine. Here, you will have a taste of the Pacific on the shores of the Atlantic. Almost everything is made in the kitchen which guarantees you will have fresh food all the time. Only the freshest ingredients go into each menu item that will have you craving for more. The restaurants’ interior design mirrors the owners’ attachment to the sport of surfing with surfboards and his photos perched on the walls. The best way to enjoy your dining experience here is to have a seat fronting the ocean while the sun goes down.

Fat Kahunas

Address: 8 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

Website: Fat Kahunas

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5pm - 9pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

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7. Shepard Park

Shepard Park is named after astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American to travel in space. He was also one of the first to walk on the moon. It covers all 5 acres (2 hectares) of land and provides a great vantage point for shuttle launches. Among the attractions are 10 huge pavilions where families and friends can hold events, a bathhouse, and many roofed picnic tables. It has showers and restroom facilities for all guests. Parking your car is not a problem because the park has a facility that can fit 300 cars, SUVs, trucks, and even recreational vehicles. This is the perfect place for tourists to have fun.

Shepard Park

Address: 299 E Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

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8. Cocoa Beach Wellness Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Cocoa Beach Wellness Center is a place where you can experience healing, detox, and other relaxing spa treatments your body and mind deserve. They offer hot stone massage to release cold spots in your body as well as therapeutic massage for some physical healing. They also offer deep-tissue massage that focuses on chronic aches and pains. Their acupuncture treatment is one of their most popular items on offer. The wellness has no less than six licensed massage therapists and one acupuncturist in its fold. They have been providing wellness services in the Space Coast area since 1998 and have since been one of the best wellness centers in the state.

Cocoa Beach Wellness Center

Address: 236 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

Website: Cocoa Beach Wellness Center

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm

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9. Surfside Players

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Creature dances!

Posted by Surfside Playhouse on Sunday, November 18, 2018

You know you are in for a big treat once you step inside Surfside Playhouse. You will be welcomed by a vibrant lobby with colorful décor. However, the real show is in the live entertainment that awaits you. Each performance is done in a 250-seat venue with full air-conditioning and comfortable seating. The performances are locally sponsored while Surfside Players, the company behind the theater and performances, openly give back to the community. One of its thrusts as a company is to provide opportunities to live performers and playwrights from across the country by doling out sponsorships to these. So you get to watch a great live performance and, at the same time, get involved in sponsoring an artist.

Surfside Players

Address: 301 Ramp Rd, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

Website: Surfside Players

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10. The Cocoa Beach Pier

20160416-IMG_6218_HDR
Source: Photo by Flickr user Kelly Verdeck used under CC BY-ND 2.0

This is a historic landmark that is located on the Florida coast, and you can’t go wrong with a visit here if you don’t know what to do in Cocoa Beach. It offers restaurants, bars, gift shops and live musical entertainment. For those of you who want to fish, there are fishing equipment rentals at the pier. Also, here you will find such things as beach rentals, fresh water showers, regulation beach volleyball courts, lifeguards and some of the best surfing on Florida’s East Coast.

The Cocoa Beach Pier

Address: 401 Meade Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL

Website: The Cocoa Beach Pier

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11. Lori Wilson Park

Lori Wilson Park
Source: Photo by Flickr user Rusty Clark ~ 100... used under CC BY 2.0

This is a regional beach park where you will find a maritime hammock walking trail. This is a popular place for events and group gatherings. At the park there are 3 pavilions along a boardwalk, 6 dune crossovers, lifeguards, onsite vendors, and surf fishing. On the north side, there are two medium pavilions, barbecue grills, a playground, an open grassy area, and a sand volleyball court. The south side also has a grassy area as well as picnic tables to use and enjoy.

Lori Wilson Park

Address: 1500 N Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL

Website: Lori Wilson Park

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12. The Dinosaur Store

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Happy Independence Day! Torvosaurus was discovered in the USA before being found in Europe. The two lands were touching...

Posted by The Dinosaur Store & Museum on Monday, July 4, 2022

This store houses the most extravagant collection of fossils in the whole wide world. Here you will find the adventure zone, which is a place that offers interactive, hands on educational fun for the entire family. You will get to see live alligators, reptiles and fossil dig here are well. Last, but not least, on the second and third floors of the Dinosaur Store is the Museum of Dinosaurs and Ancient Cultures.

The Dinosaur Store

Address: 250 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL

Website: The Dinosaur Store

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13. Florida Surf Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Mahalo to Axel and Gunther at Spunkey's Surf Shop in Ft. Pierce for donating several boxes of vintage surf magazines to add to our archive. Go check them out...

Posted by Florida Surf Museum on Friday, February 7, 2020

The Florida Surf Museum (formally the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum) is a history museum in Cocoa Beach that continues to include exhibits that feature the history that highlights Florida’s unique status in the world of surfing. The museum is situated in the Ron Jon Surf Shop. There are many exciting exhibits for the public to see, so be sure to stop by the shop and learn about the history of surfing.

Florida Surf Museum

Address: 4275 N Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL

Website: Florida Surf Museum

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14. The Florida Key Lime Pie Company

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

We are the closet thing to Key West without the long drive! Share us with your friends!

Posted by The Florida Key Lime Pie Company on Saturday, August 27, 2022

After exploring he Florida Surf Museum, be sure to cross the street and get a yummy snack at the Florida Key Lime Pie Company. Here you will find fresh, locally baked Key Lime Pies. This place has won the award for Florida’s Best Key Lime Pie. It is certainly the closest thing to the Key West minus the long drive. Best of all, they offer free samples of almost all the delicious items they make and sell.

The Florida Key Lime Pie Company

Address: 102 Dixie Lane, Cocoa Beach, FL

Website: The Florida Key Lime Pie Company

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15. Island Boat Lines

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

DON'T MISS THE FIRST SPACEX MANNED ROCKET LAUNCH!!! May 27, 2020 4:32 PM EDT ...

Posted by Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours on Monday, May 4, 2020

This is a place that holds daily eco tours of the Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands. Of all the tours, the most popular is the two hour eco tour known as “In Search of Wildlife” tour. On this tour passengers get a chance to see herds of manatees, flocks of birds and a playful dolphin. The most exciting thing about this tour is that it is guided by a USCG Certified Captain and professional Naturalist who helps passengers discover wildlife on the tour.

Island Boat Lines

Address: 500 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL

Website: Island Boat Lines

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16. Cocoa Beach Pirate Fest

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This year's Cocoa Beach Pirate Fest Ball will have outstanding prizes for winners of the Best Dressed Male and Female...

Posted by Cocoa Beach Pirate Fest on Thursday, June 3, 2021

Looking for more Cocoa Beach fun things to do? The Cocoa Beach Pirate Fest is a family friendly Pirate Fest held during the summer at the International Palms Resort in Cocoa Beach. It is lots and lots of fun with food, vendors and a whole ship load of piracy. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the pirate ships and the living history pirate encampment. There is also an adults-only pirate’s ball held here. Those who have been to the fest say it is great for kids, especially the black powder demonstrations, the sword fights and water cannon battle.

Cocoa Beach Pirate Fest

Address: International Palms Resort, 1300 North Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL

Website: Cocoa Beach Pirate Fest

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17. Debrilcha Gallery

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This is an art gallery in downtown Cocoa Beach. The main focus of the gallery is contemporary art, sculpture and photography. Also here you will find accessories and jewelry. These pieces are made by the renowned New York designer Debbie Brooks. Last, but not least, you will see stylish home decor and designer furniture. Please be aware that the gallery is only open on Wednesday through Friday from 10 am-5pm Eastern time and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am-4 pm Eastern time.

Debrilcha Gallery

Address: 133 N Orlando Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL

Website: Debrilcha Gallery

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Cocoa Beach, Florida

Space, technology and beaches is what Cocoa Beach is made up of. Go and explore this beautiful and scenic place. Surf’s up!!

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Frequently asked questions about best things to do in Cocoa Beach, Florida


  • What are the top attractions to visit in Cocoa Beach?

    Some of the top attractions you shouldn’t miss while you’re in Cocoa Beach include Lori Wilson Park, where you’ll find a maritime hammock, Cocoa Beach Pier with its many shops and restaurants, and the Dinosaur Store that features a large collection of fossils.

  • What are the best outdoor activities in Cocoa Beach?

    Given its location near the ocean, most of the best outdoor things to do here are watersports and activities like surfing, swimming. boat tours, dolphin watching, fishing, and more.

  • What are the best day trips from Cocoa Beach?

    After exploring Cocoa Beach, you’ll surely want to visit other nearby attractions and cities. In case you’re only looking for day trips, then you should these cities in Florida: Orlando, Melbourne, Titusville, Palm Bay, and Viera.

  • What are the most popular things to do in Cocoa Beach with kids?

    There are many kid-friendly activities that await you when you visit Cocoa Beach. One of the most popular things to do with kids here is attending the Cocoa Beach Pirate Fest. You and your kids will surely be fascinated with the many unique attractions you can find here, including the black powder shows and sword fights.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Tabassum Rahmani, a technical writer born and raised in the United States to Indian parents, boasts over a decade of writing experience. She has a passion for sharing her life's adventures and...Read more

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