Things to do in Cocoa Beach – A Florida is one of the main destinations for Brazilian travelers, whether frequent or first-timers. There are so many cities, so many subjects, so different from each other, that you can’t stay with more of the same, right?!
In this post you will find 6 unmissable tips on what to do in Cocoa Beach, on the east coast of the state. How about visiting the beach closest to Orlando and learning stories about outer space? Let’s start?
Things to do in Cocoa Beach, Florida
1. Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando
The first tip on what to do in Cocoa Beach is to enjoy the beach closest to Orlando! That’s right. Cocoa Beach is the perfect destination for those who want to enjoy a day at the beach or take a break from the hustle and bustle of Orlando’s parks. It’s so close – less than an hour from the airport – that if you ask me, I’ll tell you that it’s worth going there just to enjoy a beach.
In fact, not just for the beach. The region has attractions for the whole family, good restaurant and accommodation options and lots of nature!
I was surprised by the beauty of the beach and the beach atmosphere. Don’t forget to have a drink or take a lunch break at one of the restaurants at Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier , huh?! #FicaADica
2. Discover the attractions of the Space Coast
Cocoa Beach is located on the Space Coast , and is the best location to enjoy all the attractions of Florida’s Space Coast calmly and without rushing . Don’t forget to visit the ‘more than sensational’ Kennedy Space Center , just 30 minutes from Cocoa Beach.
The visit to the Kennedy Space Center was one of the highlights of my last trip to Florida. I visited the complex in the 90s, but I had no idea things had changed so much! This is what I call an unmissable program!
If you can, be sure to buy lunch with the astronaut . Meeting and talking to a real astronaut is one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had!
You can purchase your Kennedy Space Center ticket in advance through GetYourGuide , skip-the-line, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
3. Do a little shopping at Ron Jon’s Surf Shop, the largest surf shop in the world
Cocoa Beach is the surfing capital of the American East Coast. It’s the hometown and home of Kelly Slater, eleven-time ASP World Tour champion and one of the greatest surfers of all time, and the perfect place to learn to surf!
Cocoa Beach is also home to the largest surf shop in the world, Ron Jon Surf Shop , open 24 hours, 365 days a year.
The store is huge, it has an impressive collection of boards. Worth knowing!
4. Visit the Brevard Zoo by kayak
Only at the Brevard Zoo can you kayak ‘through Africa’ and admire wild animals up close.
The zoo offers a guided kayak tour along the Nyami Nyami River, including observation of giraffes, rhinos and lemurs.
For little ones, the tip is the Indian River Play Lagoon , a water park with super refreshing and fun attractions, such as a slide inside a whale’s mouth. Isn’t that great?!
Admission to the Brevard Zoo costs $19.95 for adults and $18.95 for children. The kayak tour is an extra and costs US$9.95.
5. See the phenomenon of ‘bioluminescence’ Beach
Another sensational experience in Cocoa Beach is taking a kayak trip at night to observe bioluminescent organisms in the Indian River Lagoon .
Bioluminescence is a very rare phenomenon, which occurs in a few places in the world, and becomes stronger after August.
I took the tour with Adventure Kayak at the end of June and really enjoyed the experience. Despite having caught a lot to photograph and paddle. The shine didn’t come out in the photos, but I was able to see it several times. I was told that photographing bioluminescence would be a challenge, I only believed it when I saw it!
6. Take an airboat ride through a submerged cypress forest
Airboats are Florida classics . This type of boat, powered by a giant fan, floats through the Florida swamp, sliding down this immense ‘river of grass’ in the southern United States.
Twister Airboat Rides , at Lone Cabbage Fish Camp, between Orlando and Cocoa Beach, offers a sensational ride, which takes on surreal touches when we come across this wonderful, almost submerged century-old cypress forest.
You can’t go back home without going through this experience. I recommend!
How to get to Cocoa Beach
Ufa! After so many incredible tips on what to do in Cocoa Beach, you must be wondering how you are going to get there. Right? The easiest way to get to Cocoa Beach is to drive.
Rent a car at Orlando airport and drive to Cocoa Beach.
A good tip for saving on car rental in the United States is to use an online comparator to check prices from different rental companies on a single platform. We use and recommend Rentcars . In addition to guaranteeing the best price, you don’t pay IOF and can divide the amount into up to 12 interest-free installments!
Where to stay in Cocoa Beach
If you think there is a lot to do in Cocoa Beach, and don’t want to make a day trip from Orlando, my accommodation tip is the Courtyard Cocoa Beach Cape Canaveral (★ 8.2), a hotel close to the beach, with rooms comfortable, and with a balcony facing the sea!
If the hotel isn’t your style, you can find many other accommodation options in Cocoa Beach on Booking.com, with a best price guarantee and free cancellation on most reservations.