Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Cocoa Beach, FL

Situated on the narrow neck of Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach is an internationally renowned beach city. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Banana River lagoon on the other, it represents the essence of the Space Coast, and is a destination everyone should visit at least once.

Cocoa Beach is recognized as the spiritual hub of surfing on the East Coast and is where 11-time world champion Kelly Slater grew up and continues to reside.

The world’s largest surf shop, Ron Jon Surf Shop, is located here, adjacent to the road entrance to the city along the Cocoa Beach Causeway.

On the lagoon side is the wildlife-abundant Banana River, which encompasses the Thousand Islands Conservation Area. This environment is accessible through eco tours and kayak trips, providing opportunities to observe dolphins, manatees, and an array of birdlife, including thousands of pelicans.

1. Cocoa Beach Pier

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Marked by a distinctive sign, Cocoa Beach’s most recognized landmark was established in 1962 and extends into the ocean for over 800 feet.

Contributing to some of the finest surfing waves on the East Coast, the pier quickly became central to Cocoa Beach’s surfing community.

This location offers a full day of activities, featuring gift shops, live entertainment, five restaurants, four bars, volleyball courts, and the Cocoa Beach Surf School, which provides daily lessons.

At the very end of the pier is the renowned Rikki Tiki Tavern. While it is undoubtedly a favored spot, it is worth navigating through the crowds for the stunning views along the Space Coast.

2. Banana River Aquatic Preserve

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This 30,000-acre preserve lies on the lagoon side of Cocoa Beach, encompassing the areas between Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island. As part of the notably biodiverse Indian River Lagoon, the Banana River is unique in that it is not incorporated into the Intracoastal Waterway.

The environment is exceptional, characterized by tidal flats, mangrove forests, salt marshes, oyster bars, seagrass beds, and the intricate Thousand Islands network. It can be said that wildlife flourishes here.

Manatees are present year-round, along with a substantial population of diamondback terrapin turtles and the largest pelican rookery along the Atlantic Coast.

The best way to explore the preserve is on the water, preferably through a guided tour. Notable local operators include Cocoa Kayaking, Fin Expeditions, and Florida Adventurer. Consider joining a night bioluminescence tour for a truly remarkable experience.

3. Lori Wilson Park

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Surrounded by a beautiful maritime hammock, the county-managed Lori Wilson Park offers a more natural setting than many other beach parks in the area.

This characteristic adds to its appeal for those looking to escape the more commercial tourist locations; the beach environment here is exactly what one would desire.

The park includes amenities such as picnic tables, five pavilions, a 1,000-foot elevated boardwalk, a playground, and six dune crossovers that provide stunning views. Additionally, there is an off-leash dog park located on the southern side of the park for those visiting with pets.

4. Alan Shepard Beachfront Park

The most accessible beach is located at the end of E Cocoa Beach Causeway. Upon entering the beach, visitors are greeted by an expansive stretch of sand and rolling surf.

Parking is abundant, with over 300 spaces available, along with a bathhouse, ten large pavilions, covered picnic tables, grills, and a children’s playground.

Alan Shepard Beachfront Park is named in honor of the astronaut who was the second person to travel to space in 1961 and the fifth and oldest individual (at age 47) to walk on the moon in 1971.

This venue is also arguably the optimal public location in Cocoa Beach for observing rocket launches from the Kennedy Space Center, located approximately 15 miles to the north. It is advisable to check the schedule for upcoming SpaceX launches.

5. Ron Jon Surf Shop

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As the flagship store for an internationally recognized brand, the Cocoa Beach Ron Jon Surf Shop opened its doors in 1963. Since then, it has undergone several expansions, currently claiming the title of the world’s largest surf store, encompassing over 52,000 square feet.

The shop serves primarily as a lifestyle center, offering a wide range of products from surfboards to apparel, paddleboards, skateboards, and various souvenirs.

It also features a museum space, which I recommend exploring for several minutes. The exhibits document the history of surfing in Cocoa Beach and highlight surfing personalities such as the celebrated Kelly Slater, who originated from this region.

6. The Dinosaur Store

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Established in 1996, the Dinosaur Store is a delightful stop for parents with children fascinated by dinosaurs. Initially a retail space, this private establishment has gradually developed several museum exhibits over the years.

A significant addition is the Museum of Dinosaurs and Ancient Cultures, which opened on the second and third floors in 2017.

This 20,000-square-foot attraction showcases fossils and artifacts from around the globe. The Hall of Dinosaurs is particularly compelling, featuring numerous cast skeletons and fossils from various epochs, alongside impressive minerals and Paleolithic tools.

The third floor houses around 40 artifacts from Pre-Columbian Central America, as well as an array of Chinese Terracotta Warriors.

7. Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park

Located in the southern part of the city, this park offers an excellent public beach access point, identifiable by the Welcome to Cocoa Beach sign.

Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park has a tranquil, natural ambiance, characterized by its dune crossovers that guide visitors through a verdant tunnel before reaching a pristine sandy beach.

Among the amenities available at this two-acre park are showers and a small pavilion complete with a grill. The beach is particularly suited for surf fishing and tends to be less crowded when compared to the northern options.

8. The Wizard of Oz Museum

Universally beloved, this unique museum celebrates the classic 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz.

Opened in 2021, The Wizard of Oz Museum is the result of the dedicated effort of an ardent fan of both the books and the film.

This attraction features two primary components. The first showcases a remarkable collection of memorabilia, comprising over 2,000 items.

These items include numerous props that contribute to narrating the story of one of the most intriguing productions from Hollywood’s Golden Age.

However, what truly impressed me was the immersive experience. This utilizes projectors and original artworks to animate elements from both the film and the books.

9. Golf N Gator

This local attraction creatively combines miniature golf with alligator experiences. Golf N Gator features two 18-hole courses, Gator Mountain and the Swamp Cave.

Both courses meander through subtropical landscaping, adorned with lush plants, streams, and waterfalls. During your game, you will also cross bridges that allow you to view fish, turtles, and alligators, adding a sense of adventure.

Golf N Gator is home to approximately 30 alligators, which can often be seen relaxing in the water or sunbathing. For those willing to brave it, opportunities exist to participate in a gator experience, which includes the chance to hold a baby alligator.

Additionally, there is a treasure hunt area where children can search for shark teeth, fossils, interesting stones, and arrowheads.

10. Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours

For those interested in observing the wildlife of the Banana River in a more tranquil manner, several options are available. My personal suggestion is Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours, located on the lagoon by the Cocoa Beach Causeway.

With over 20 years of expert experience, Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours provides multiple excursions a day through the stunning habitats of the Thousand Islands.

Participants can expect to see manatees and dolphins, along with a unique perspective of the local pelican rookery. Tours take place on a comfortable 50-seat pontoon boat, with a trained naturalist accompanying every tour, led by a USCG licensed captain.

11. Jetty Park Beach and Pier

A brief drive up the cape brings you to one of the area’s most picturesque shorelines. Jetty Park offers a campground, a section of beach, and a 1,200-foot paved and illuminated fishing pier.

Conveniently located near the entrances of Port Canaveral’s various cruise terminals, visitors can witness the world’s largest cruise ships passing in close proximity.

Moreover, this park is the closest public beach to the Kennedy Space Center and provides an excellent vantage point for monitoring rocket launches. The Canaveral Space Force Station is even closer and also hosts regular launches.

12. Cocoa Beach Skate Park

A renowned skateboarding destination, this facility located near Cocoa Beach High School stands out from ordinary skate parks. Given Cocoa Beach’s reputation for board sports, the Cocoa Beach Skate Park is designed with artistry.

Constructed by the acclaimed design team Team Pain, the park features an impressive bowl section as well as a complementary street course. The surface is exceptionally smooth, enhanced by lighting that allows skating until 10:00 PM on weekends.

Every Wednesday evening, the park hosts a Best Trick Contest, complete with music, raffles, skating news, and a Grind For Life booth.

13. Ron Jon Surf School

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Should you or your family members wish to conquer Cocoa Beach’s waves, numerous companies are available to assist. The longest-running surf school in Florida, Ron Jon Surf School, was established in 1993.

The school employs CPR/BLS-certified instructors, many of whom are accomplished surfers from various regions of the country.

Offering both individual and group lessons, instructors possess decades of surfing experience and are prepared to teach all skill levels, from beginners to advanced surfers.

Lessons are available both privately and in small groups, with multi-day camps for children aged seven to eighteen offered during the summer school break.

14. Historic Cocoa Village

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Cocoa Beach is situated ten miles east of one of Florida’s most picturesque downtown areas. While traveling to Cocoa Beach along the Hubert Humphrey Causeway, a stop in Cocoa Village is highly recommended.

These streets were laid out more than 150 years ago, and by exploring them, you will discover several historic homes alongside an impressive selection of shops and restaurants. Furthermore, the village hosts a full calendar of events and festivals, many of which take place at the beautiful Cocoa Riverfront Park.

The shaded streets of Cocoa Village are ideal for those looking to stretch their legs. Visitors can take part in sip-and-stroll tours while enjoying a beverage or two on a guided excursion.

The village also offers a vibrant atmosphere enriched with live entertainment, making it worthwhile to check the schedule for upcoming shows at the Cocoa Village Playhouse.

15. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

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Since the early days of space exploration, the vicinity surrounding Cape Canaveral has been the focal point of such activities.

The remarkable Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex can be reached within 20 minutes from Cocoa Beach. Here, visitors will encounter invaluable pieces of space exploration history that cannot be found elsewhere on the planet.

If you have only a single day to experience the center, several must-see attractions should not be overlooked, including the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, the interactive Journey to Mars, the Apollo/Saturn V bus tour, the Astronaut Hall of Fame, and the Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex.