Cocoa Beach

A: Cocoa Beach sits on Florida’s “Space Coast,” a barrier‑island community east of Orlando. It’s famous for its white‑sand beaches, a world‑famous pier, and the flagship Ron Jon Surf Shop. Visitors can enjoy spectacular sunrises and explore nearby natural areas where dolphins, manatees, and nesting sea turtles make regular appearances.

A: The drive from Orlando to Cocoa Beach is about 60–65 miles, usually around an hour depending on traffic. Its proximity makes it a convenient day trip for theme‑park visitors who want a break at the beach.

A: The beach itself is the star, but there’s plenty more: stroll the historic Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier with its restaurants, bars, and live music; surf the mellow breaks that produced world champion Kelly Slater; browse Ron Jon’s Surf Shop, the world’s largest surf shop; explore the revitalized shops and art studios of Cocoa Village; hike the Maritime Hammock Preserve or kayak through the Thousand Islands; and visit the nearby Kennedy Space Center to tour launch pads or even witness a rocket launch.

A: Cocoa Beach lies within Brevard County on Florida’s Atlantic coast. The county is nicknamed “the Space Coast” because of its long association with NASA’s rocket launches at nearby Cape Canaveral.

A: During summer months, the waters of the Banana River, Mosquito Lagoon, and Indian River Lagoon come alive with bioluminescence. Tiny organisms called dinoflagellates and comb jellies emit a blue‑green light when disturbed. Guided kayak or pontoon tours allow visitors to glide through the glowing water and watch every paddle stroke sparkle in the dark.

A: Built in 1962, the pier stretches about 800 feet over the Atlantic and originally served as a grandstand for early Mercury, Apollo, and shuttle launches. Surfing legends like Kelly Slater honed their skills here, and musicians from the Beach Boys to UB40 have played its venues. Today it hosts restaurants, tropical bars, gift shops, and annual surfing events.

A: The Ron Jon Surf Shop flagship store in Cocoa Beach is touted as the world’s largest surf shop, selling everything from surfboards to souvenirs. You’ll also find local art, beachwear, and fresh eats in the shops of Cocoa Village and boutiques along the pier.

A: Absolutely. A vacation here often includes glimpses of dolphins and manatees in the nearby estuaries, while summer nights reveal nesting sea turtles on the beaches. Kayak tours through the Indian River Lagoon and Thousand Islands give you up‑close encounters, and during bioluminescence season even fish and manatees leave glowing trails behind.

A: Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center are just north of Cocoa Beach, making it easy to pair beach time with a space adventure. At the visitor complex you can tour launch pads, meet an astronaut, train in simulators, and view rockets. If your timing is right, you might witness a live rocket launch from the beach or the pier.

A: Cocoa Beach welcomes furry companions with a designated dog‑friendly stretch of beach and a variety of pet‑friendly businesses. Several pet‑friendly accommodations, bakeries, and groomers make it easy to bring your pets along. See here for more info on bringing you pets to the beach.

A: The 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie was set in and around Cocoa Beach. Barbara Eden (Jeannie) visited in 1969 for the unveiling of “I Dream of Jeannie Lane,” a street sign near the entrance to Lori Wilson Park. Fans can visit the sign and a commemorative historical marker honoring the show.

A: Cocoa Beach boasts several offbeat museums: the Florida Surf Museum chronicles East Coast surfing history; the Wizard of Oz Museum houses an extensive Oz collection; the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science showcases regional history and nature; the Antilles Trading Company Pirate Museum appeals to swashbucklers; and the Studios of Cocoa Beach and Surfside Playhouse present local art and theater.