City of Cocoa Beach - Beaches
Discover Cocoa Beach – Florida’s Laid-Back Launch Pad
Cocoa Beach is a beloved destination on Florida’s Space Coast, celebrated for its family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful beaches, vibrant surf scene, and close proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Whether you're here to watch a rocket launch, soak up the sun, or explore the outdoors, Cocoa Beach offers something for everyone.
Why Cocoa Beach is Special
- 6 miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline with excellent public beach access
- A vibrant downtown with locally owned shops, restaurants, and beach bars
- World-class surfing conditions and the Florida Surf Museum
- Easy access to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex—just 30 minutes away
- A gateway to Port Canaveral, where cruise ships, fishing charters, and casino boats await
Watch a Rocket Launch or Visit Space
Cocoa Beach is one of the best places to watch a rocket launch from the beach, just miles from Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. Day or night, locals and visitors alike gather on the sand for these unforgettable moments.
Beach Access & Oceanfront Parks
Cocoa Beach features multiple beach access points, including four oceanfront parks:
- Alan Shepard Park – 5-acre beachfront with over 300 parking spaces, close to shops and dining
- Sidney Fischer Park – A 10-acre family favorite with picnic pavilions and playground
- Lori Wilson Park – 20-acre Brevard County park with restrooms, dog park, and nature trails
- Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park – A quiet 2-acre space with showers, bathrooms, and picnic areas
In addition, the city maintains 40+ beach access streets east of A1A, each with metered parking and dune crossovers.
Recreation & Amenities
- A 27-hole public golf course on the Banana River
- Heated/cooled 50-meter pool, state-of-the-art skate park, and lighted tennis & pickleball courts
- Public parks and playgrounds throughout the city
- Banana River eco tours by kayak or boat to view dolphins, manatees, and birdlife
- Over 30 public transportation stops throughout the city
Central to Everything
- 60 miles from Orlando and world-famous attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld
- Minutes from Port Canaveral, one of the world's busiest cruise ports, offering Caribbean cruises, day sails, and deep-sea fishing adventures
- Easy access to the Brevard Zoo, nature preserves, and other local attractions
Dine & Unwind
From laid-back beach cafés to fresh seafood restaurants, Cocoa Beach offers dining for every taste and budget. As the sun sets, unwind with live music, cool cocktails, and a relaxed nightlife scene—where flip-flops are always welcome.
Cocoa Beach: Where Space, Surf, and Sun Come Together
Whether you're launching your vacation or winding down after a day of exploration, Cocoa Beach offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and Florida charm.