Cocoa Beach FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cocoa Beach, Florida.
1. Cocoa Beach Pier
ICONIC OCEANFRONT LANDMARK
The Cocoa Beach Pier extends 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, offering visitors panoramic views, dining options, and recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, shopping at specialty stores, or relaxing with a drink at the Rikki Tiki Tavern located at the pier's end. The pier also serves as a prime viewing spot for rocket launches from nearby Kennedy Space Center.
2. Lori Wilson Park
NATURAL BEACHFRONT OASIS
Lori Wilson Park provides visitors with free beach access, clean facilities, and a natural coastal environment to enjoy. The park features picnic pavilions, walking trails through a maritime hammock, and convenient amenities including showers and restrooms. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the park's commitment to preserving local ecosystems while providing excellent recreational opportunities.
3. Cocoa Beach
RENOWNED SURF DESTINATION
Cocoa Beach is a pristine stretch of shoreline known for its warm waters, distinctive dark sand, and excellent conditions for swimming and surfing. Visitors can collect seashells, play beach volleyball, or simply relax while enjoying views of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach also offers the unique opportunity to watch rocket launches from nearby Cape Canaveral.
4. Rikki Tiki Tavern
OCEANFRONT TIKI BAR
Rikki Tiki Tavern sits at the end of Cocoa Beach Pier, providing patrons with stunning 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and coastline. The open-air tiki bar serves refreshing drinks and seafood while offering the perfect vantage point to watch surfers catch waves below. Visitors especially enjoy the sunset views and the chance to spot rocket launches while enjoying the tavern's relaxed tropical atmosphere.
5. The Dinosaur Store and Adventure Zone
PREHISTORIC MUSEUM AND EXHIBITS
The Dinosaur Store and Adventure Zone features an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, replicas, and ancient cultural artifacts in a compact, family-friendly museum. Children and adults can explore interactive exhibits, engage with hands-on activities, and learn about paleontology and ancient civilizations. The Adventure Zone portion offers additional entertainment with animal encounters and exciting attractions for visitors of all ages.
6. Cocoa Beach Skate Park
THRILLING SKATEBOARDING VENUE
Cocoa Beach Skate Park offers skateboarders of all skill levels a welcoming environment to practice tricks and hone their abilities. The park features two deep bowls, a half pipe, and various obstacles designed for both beginners and experienced skaters. Parents can watch from the grassy areas and bleachers while kids enjoy this affordable and popular local attraction.
7. Breakers Art Gallery
LOCAL COASTAL ART SHOWCASE
Breakers Art Gallery showcases the work of talented local artists from Brevard County with a strong focus on coastal themes. Located on A1A in Cocoa Beach, the gallery presents a diverse collection of original artwork that captures the essence of Florida's natural beauty. Visitors can browse and purchase unique pieces while connecting with the creative spirit of the Space Coast community.
8. Florida Surf Museum
CELEBRATING SURFING HERITAGE
The Florida Surf Museum preserves and celebrates the rich history of surfing culture along Florida's Space Coast. Exhibits feature vintage surfboards, photographs, and memorabilia that tell the story of the region's surfing pioneers and development. Visitors can learn about legendary local surfers like Kelly Slater and gain insight into how Cocoa Beach became known as the surf capital of the East Coast.
9. The Wizard of Oz Museum
IMMERSIVE FANTASY EXPERIENCE
The Wizard of Oz Museum invites visitors to step into the magical world of this beloved American fairy tale through cutting-edge projection technology and interactive exhibits. Families can experience Dorothy's journey along the yellow brick road, explore a kid-friendly munchkin room filled with 20th-century Oz toys, and view rare artifacts from the story's history. The museum also features the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit, providing additional artistic experiences for guests of all ages.
10. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
ULTIMATE SPACE EXPLORATION EXPERIENCE
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers an immersive journey through the past, present, and future of America's space program just a short drive from Cocoa Beach. Visitors can view actual spacecraft including the Space Shuttle Atlantis, meet real astronauts, and experience interactive simulators that recreate space missions. The complex also provides up-close views of rocket launch pads and the opportunity to witness actual launches when scheduled.
11. Astronaut Memorial Planetarium & Observatory
STELLAR ASTRONOMICAL EDUCATION CENTER
The Astronaut Memorial Planetarium & Observatory provides visitors with fascinating astronomical presentations and star-gazing opportunities near Cocoa Beach. The facility features a state-of-the-art planetarium theater, an observatory with powerful telescopes, and interactive exhibits explaining cosmic phenomena. Guests can attend regularly scheduled shows about space exploration, celestial events, and the wonders of the universe.
12. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
PRISTINE COASTAL ECOSYSTEM
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 140,000 acres of diverse habitats including coastal dunes, saltwater marshes, and hardwood hammocks just north of Cocoa Beach. Visitors can explore scenic driving routes, hiking trails, and observation platforms to spot over 500 species of wildlife including manatees, alligators, and numerous bird species. The refuge's Black Point Wildlife Drive provides one of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Florida, especially during winter migration seasons.
13. Alan Shepard Park
PRIME BEACHFRONT RECREATION AREA
Alan Shepard Park, named after the famous astronaut, offers visitors five acres of oceanfront recreation space with excellent beach access. The park features picnic areas, playgrounds, and beach volleyball courts where families can enjoy a full day of outdoor activities. Convenient amenities include clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and a boardwalk that provides easy access to the sandy shores.
14. Cocoa Village
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
Cocoa Village is a charming historic district filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants just a short drive from Cocoa Beach. Visitors can stroll along tree-lined streets while exploring unique stores offering everything from antiques and collectibles to handcrafted gifts. The village regularly hosts special events, street parties, and art shows that showcase local culture and creativity.
15. Brevard Zoo
INTERACTIVE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Brevard Zoo offers visitors a unique opportunity to interact with over 900 animals representing 195 species in naturalistic habitats just south of Cocoa Beach. The zoo features distinctive experiences including kayaking through animal exhibits, feeding giraffes from an elevated platform, and exploring a South American rainforest trail. Families particularly enjoy the Paws On play area where children can splash in water features and learn about conservation through hands-on activities.