A six-mile long barrier island less than a mile wide between the Atlantic Ocean and Banana River, Cocoa Beach is also Florida’s Space Coast where thousands come to watch space shuttles and Air Force rockets take off—always a spectacular sight. It’s known for the Ron Jon Surf Shop, surfing championships starring local boy Kelly Slater, and I Dream of Jeannie.
At the north end of Cocoa Beach is Port Canaveral, the second largest port in the United States for cruise ships and an international trade, as well as US Navy submarine base. Just beyond is 140,000-acre Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, owned by NASA, and home to Kennedy Space Center. Orlando is an hour’s drive west.
Jetty Park offers RV travelers and campers a great spot to enjoy the beach and port activity.
Shaded beachfront parks are great for picnicking while enjoying the sun and surf--Lori Wilson Park, Alan Shepard Park, and Fischer Park. The Cocoa Beach Pier is the landmark for fishing, dining and watching ships come and go and rocket launces.
Within walking distance to the beach, hotels and resorts along A1A include the Resort on Cocoa Beach, Ocean Landings Resort and Racquet Club, Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, and Wakulla Suites. There is also Holiday Inn Express, Fawlty Towers Motel, and Hampton Inn. Souvenir and beach gear shops are never more than a block away.
Restaurants abound from the casual style Moon Hut, an astronaut hang-out, to old-established Bernard’s Surf for American steaks or German Heidelberg Restaurant with Friday night jazz in downtown Cocoa Beach. In between there’s a range of local and international fare that includes Coconuts on the Beach, Sunrise Diner, Chinese Grand Buffet, Michelina’s Pizza, and Italian Courtyard.
In addition to the long stretch of beach as the main attraction, other recreation includes golf and tennis at the Cocoa Beach Country Club and Cocoa Beach Recreation Complex, and a ¾-acre skateboard park on Minuteman Causeway.
Local museums include the Astronaut Hall of Fame and the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame (at Ron Jon’s). For $1, catch a ride on the Trolley around town.
Written by: Natasha Lawrence
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