The wonderful state of Florida is filled to the brim with beautiful beach destinations—but what makes Cocoa Beach stand out is that it’s also the beating heart of the Space Coast! The city offers many things to do, and you can enjoy sunbathing at Cocoa Beach Pier, which is also known for its various bars, eateries, equipment rental shops, and other entertainment options. If you’re lucky, you can stop by one of the observation decks of Exploration Tower - a wonderful tourist spot that is a tribute to the area’s history - and watch a real-life rocket launch! Exploration Tower also features a discovery center with lots of exhibits to browse through. If you’re on your honeymoon, surprise your soulmate with a romantic boat tour!
If you aren’t fond of crowded beaches, you can find yourself accommodation that comes with slightly more private water parks. To know more about where you can stay, scroll down for the best beach resorts and hotels with water park in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
Popular shopping spots in Cocoa Beach:
Cocoa Beach is home to many unique shops, however, some offer interesting shopping experiences that you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on. Here are a few great spots:
Ron Jon Surf Shop: Hailed as the largest surf shop in the world, Ron Jon Surf Shop offers everything you could possibly need for surfing and other beach activities. Beach rental services are offered here as well. Huff Post has quoted the company on how the surf shop is the “most popular tourist destination in all of Florida’s Brevard County”. I would definitely check it out if I’m visiting Cocoa Beach.
Smoking Lotus Smoke Shop: You can head down to Smoking Lotus Smoke Shop to fill up on supplies before a fun beach day. They even sell crystals here!
Beach to visit:
- Coconuts Beach: Located in downtown Cocoa Beach, this beach is a must-visit if you enjoy being in the thick of the action. There's even a walk-up bar located right on the sand here.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to an in-house or nearby water park. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 23, 2025.
Beach life in Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach’s namesake beach is of course its most popular attraction, and there are a few parks that provide easy access to the golden shores. Alan Shepard Park is one of these and is surrounded by shops and eateries, not to mention parking spaces. Sidney Fischer Park is another option, and the family-friendly destination offers picnic areas and a playground.
While in the city, make sure to dine at the iconic Coconuts on the Beach. The eatery offers fun cocktails and fun twists on seafood, and I’d love to try out their Sesame Tuna and Coconuts Salmon Salad.
Though Cocoa Beach’s summer extends from June to August, you can expect rainfall in July and August. If you want to avoid rain altogether, it would be best to vacation in Cocoa Beach between March and May.
Beach resorts and hotels with water park in and near Cocoa Beach, Florida
1. Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort (from USD 379)
Great dining options at the tiki bar, though some guests wished for a more diverse food menu.
Reasonable pricing for spacious, well-equipped rooms and family-friendly amenities.
Centrally located with easy access to the beach, stores, and restaurants, offering free transportation to nearby attractions.
Abundance of water features, kids' activities, and convenient location near the beach and local attractions.
Best for: Families with kids
Amenity highlights: Water park, two outdoor pools, hot tub, fitness center, kids’ club, games room
This beachfront resort is the perfect place to spend a fun vacation with the entire family! Just a quick walk away from Ron Jon Surf Shop, this family-friendly resort is strategically located so that the best of Cocoa Beach is within reach. However, with the great amenities included here, you might be more tempted to stay in!
To enjoy a fun time with the young ones, head to the on-site Wakulla Falls Water Park. The heated pool features colorful water showers shaped like trees and surfboards; the water slides are also just the right size for your kids’ enjoyment. Water games can also be enjoyed at Kids Splash Pad. When you feel like unwinding, float peacefully down the lazy river, which is 3 feet (0.9 meters) deep.
You can avail of the barbecue facilities offered on site after a refreshing time in the water park.
- Property highlights: With the resort's Makua Lanai Adult Relaxation Zone, adults don't have to miss out on the fun while the kids enjoy at the water park.
- Nearest beach: The beach is right across the road from the resort.
- Suggested rooms/units: Families will appreciate staying in the Signature Two-Bedroom Suite as it offers views of the pool and the water park. However, if you want a partial view of the ocean, opt for the Premier Two-Bedroom Beachside Suite with Balcony.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "The location was easy to find and close to the beach, restaurants and novelty shops...There were lots of equipment for beach or land activities at reasonable rental rates." - by Google reviewer, Chris Alexander
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort
83.68 km (52.0 mi) from SeaWorld Orlando
2. Cape Canaveral Beach Resort
Best for: Families with kids, group stays
Amenity highlights: Water park, outdoor pool, kids’ pool, hot tub, sauna, in-room kitchens, picnic area
Nestled just 6.8 mi (10.94 km) away from Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral Beach Resort offers exciting facilities that delight all guests. This beachside resort boasts family-favorite indoor and outdoor activities such as mini golf and billiards. You can also enjoy classic fish and chips at Cape Grill and Bar. Furthermore, the hotel features a water park where all fun water-based activities can be enjoyed.
Kids will surely have fun playing at the four-story waterslide and lazy river, which comes with tubes to help you float. Little kids under 12 years of age must be supervised. On the other hand, couples or groups of friends might want to unwind at the outdoor hot tubs or pool to destress. Take note that each facility has designated opening and closing times, which are available on the official website of the property.
Cape Canaveral Beach Resort
84.49 km (52.5 mi) from SeaWorld Orlando
3. Coco Key Hotel & Water Park Resort (from USD 207)
Best for: Families with kids
Amenity highlights: Water park, two outdoor pools, indoor play area, kids’ club, hot tub, fitness center, games room
Coco Key Hotel & Water Park Resort is a stunning water park resort, 62.9 mi (101.23 km) from Cocoa Beach. You will surely have a blast here! Framed with verdant trees, this hotel’s calming blue interiors are meant to provide ultimate relaxation. For unlimited fun, you can head to the canopied water park on site. It features various exciting slides, a jungle gym, which is a hit with kids, and a children’s pool. Another exciting feature is the huge arcade.
Parents of little ones under 3 feet (0.9 meters) in height can rest easy as there is a special pool area with miniature slides meant for these young swimmers. Be sure to purchase the waterpark wristbands in advance if you want to join in on the fun.
If you want to explore other attractions nearby, feel free to opt for the shuttle service to SeaWorld offered on site.
- Property highlights: Kids shorter than 36 inches (91.44 centimeters) in height have complimentary access to the waterpark!
- Nearest beach: The property is within half an hour's drive of Lakefront Beach on East Lake Tohopekaliga.
- Suggested room/unit: The King Studio option has excellent views of the waterpark and includes five waterpark tickets.
Coco Key Hotel & Water Park Resort This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
4.91 km (3.1 mi) from SeaWorld Orlando
4. Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark, an IHG Hotel (from USD 145)
Best for: Families with kids, watersports enthusiasts, people with disabilities
Amenity highlights: Water park, mini golf, watersports facilities, outdoor pool, kids’ club, visual aids, auditory guidance, wheelchair-accessible areas
Want to gift your family a vacation they’ll never forget? Then book a stay at Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark, an IHG Hotel, located 66.6 mi (107.18 km) from Cocoa Beach. This resort is a true wonderland for families looking for some bonding activities, with a minigolf course, laser tag facilities, and an arcade on the premises. The biggest draw, however, is the water park, which you can access for an additional charge.
There you will find ginormous water slides, water playgrounds, splash pads, and a lagoon pool to soak in. You can also rent poolside cabanas to enjoy a cocktail by the clear water. The lagoon pool can be accessed between 9 am and 9 pm, while the Lagoon Waterpark is accessible from 11 am to 7 pm.
- Property highlights: The cocktail lounge is a great place for parents to unwind while the kids have fun at the waterpark.
- Nearest beach: Lakefront Beach on East Lake Tohopekaliga is within a 30-minute drive from the property.
- Suggested room/unit: The suites here differ mostly in their capacity, and large families can opt for the 3-Bedroom with Bunks option for comfortably accommodating everyone.
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark
7.71 km (4.8 mi) from SeaWorld Orlando
5. Marriott's Harbour Lake (from USD 446)
Best for: Families with kids
Amenity highlights: Water park, mini golf, two outdoor pools, in-room kitchenettes, hot tub, fitness center, free public parking
Whether you’re looking for a place to spend the night with the family or a large venue for team-building exercises, there’s something for everyone here at Marriott’s Harbour Lake, 61.2 mi (98.49 km) from Cocoa Beach. This tastefully decorated resort highlights its pirate-themed water park, specially designed for children. This facility comes with waterslides, water cannons, an interactive splash pad, and more. Adults may also enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool or unwind in the whirlpool. After a fun time in the water, fill your tummies at the property’s Patio Bar and Grill.
If you’re a gym enthusiast, you may want to spend some time at the on-site fitness center. Lastly, you can end your day with a relaxing massage.
Marriott's Harbour Lake
1.83 km (1.2 mi) from SeaWorld Orlando
An exciting holiday in Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach has many hidden gems, from the Historic Cocoa Village to the Rikki Tiki Tavern. Travelers have a lot to explore in this lively city brimming with attractions, and to me, it feels like a great place to unwind with the family. If you’re looking for some fun water activities, you must book one of the above-mentioned resorts and have an unforgettable holiday in the city.
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