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Overview: Centre of Florida's 'Space Coast' around Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach has become one of the Sunshine State's prime resorts, boasting the top attraction of the Kennedy Space Center and close proximity to Orlando's major theme park attractions 46 miles (74km) away. Sited on a six-mile (10km) long barrier island, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Banana River Lagoon, Cocoa Beach offers the chance to watch a space launch from the beach or ride the waves on which several surfing champions have cut their teeth. The town has a large permanent population made up largely of retirees, but this more than doubles during peak season when the local hotels, motels, timeshares and condominium rentals are filled with holidaymakers and sightseers. The quintessential beach town, Cocoa Beach has an oceanfront running the entire length of its city limits, fronted by numerous dining spots, shops and cafes. There is also an historic pier, stretching 840ft (256m) into the ocean, lined with restaurants, boutiques and souvenir shops and providing for good fishing. A few minutes away is man-made Port Canaveral, port of call for numerous cruise liners, where there are also operators offering day sails, casino cruises and deep-sea fishing charters. Cocoa Beach is connected to Port Canaveral and various stops in-between by the Beach Trolley service.

Shopping: Anyone who ever wanted a surfboard would be well-advised to buy one at Cocoa Beach, capital of surfing on the Florida coast, where speciality surf shops abound. Ron Jon's Surfers Paradise a block from the beach claims to be the biggest surf shop in the world. This typical beach resort is also well stocked with fashionable beachwear and accessories, souvenir and gift stores. Most shops are located in the tree-lined streets of historic Cocoa Village. The town's main mall, with some anchor department stores, 100 speciality stores and restaurants, and a movie theatre is on Merritt Square on the Merritt Island Causeway.

 

Restaurants: A wide range of taste temptations is on offer at Cocoa Beach's 250-odd restaurants, with establishments to suit every purse and palate from casual dockside dining to four-star cuisine. In the space of one block you can choose between Chinese, German, Thai, Cuban or American seafood and steak. Seafood is always a favourite with visitors. Recommended often is the open air Oh Shucks Seafood Bar right on the beach. Port Canaveral has become known as the hub of some sumptuous seafood restaurants.

 

Nightlife: At Cocoa Beach you can dance the night away, kick back and relax to some great tunes, sing karaoke, go see a play or movie. Cocoa Beach and surrounds is packed with casual bars and hip clubs, most centred along Atlantic Avenue. Rated one of the hottest spots by the bikini and beach set is Coconuts on the Beach on Minuteman Causeway, where partying goes on till the wee hours. For jazz and blues Big Daddy Dave’s in Cocoa Village is a sure winner.

 

Activities: The possibilities for passing time pleasantly in Cocoa Beach are boundless, and strolling, sunning, swimming and surfing on the miles of pristine beach is just the appetiser. At least two days are required for experiencing the high-tech space adventures at the Kennedy Space Center and the Astronaut Hall of Fame where you can touch a piece of the moon or take a trip into space in the Imax theatre. By contrast the area’s wildlife sanctuaries can be explored by airboat, kayak or riverboat, or if you prefer nature in a more concentrated environment there is an excellent zoo. Soak up history in the tree-lined streets of historic Cocoa Village and local museums. Ride a horse or a go-cart, or take a boat trip from Port Canaveral. The Sterling Casino Lines gaming cruise ship sails twice daily for those wishing to try their luck. The Cocoa Beach pier can claim you for an afternoon’s shopping, eating and fishing. Golfers have a choice of several great courses, while the children can enjoy miniature golf or tenpin bowling, or take in a movie.

 

Negatives: Cocoa Beach, particularly in peak season, is not a place to seek solitude or a quiet vacation. The beach is large and long enough to ensure space is always available, but restaurants and other tourist facilities become very crowded.

 

Attractions

Kennedy Space Centre

The John F. Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral, 46 miles (74km) southeast of Orlando on Florida’s east coast, is one place in this fantasyland state where fact is just as entertaining as fancy. Visitors to the centre follow the story of NASA’s exploration... see full details

Sea World

Spread out between the Disney parks at Lake Buena Vista and the downtown Orlando area is the renowned Sea World attraction, which has been making a major splash in central Florida for more than a quarter of a century. The park, owned and... see full details

Universal Studios

Experienced theme parkers recommend that it takes at least two days to fully appreciate all the delights on offer at the Universal Orlando entertainment complex, which includes two theme parks: the Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. The movie-themed park with its thrilling, innovative... see full details

Walt Disney World

Orlando's most familiar landmark is undoubtedly the turreted Cinderella Castle that stands in the centre of the original Disney Florida theme park, the Magic Kingdom, at Lake Buena Vista. The park was opened in 1971 and has been making childhood fantasies come true ever... see full details

Wet ‘n Wild

One of Orlando’s numerous water parks, Wet ‘n Wild has the distinction of being the most popular water attraction in the area and also the world’s first amusement park devoted solely to water flumes, pools and slides. The park was designed by George Millay,... see full details