Cocoa Beach Attractions 6 Hidden Gems You’ll Love
Imagine a day on a 72-mile coastline, full of fun and stunning views. The Space Coast is perfect for you, with many cocoa beach attractions. You can surf, kayak, or visit the historic Cocoa Beach Pier. There’s something for everyone in Cocoa.
Plan your trip to enjoy the top attractions and activities. The Space Coast is a paradise for beach lovers and adventurers. With over 142 experiences, including 111 in Nature & Outdoors, your trip will be unforgettable.
Looking for water sports, golf, or a beach day? The Space Coast has it all. Start planning your perfect day and discover the best cocoa beach attractions.
Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Manatee Adventure
Glide through the pristine waters of Cocoa Beach on our unforgettable kayak or paddleboard tour! Get up close with Florida’s fascinating marine wildlife as you spot playful dolphins breaking the surface and gentle manatees gracefully navigating their natural habitat. Our experienced guides ensure a safe, educational experience while you create lifetime memories in this unique ecosystem. Don’t miss your chance to connect with nature in this intimate, eco-friendly adventure – book your paddle tour today and secure your spot on Cocoa Beach’s most magical wildlife experience!
Table of Contents
Experience the Kennedy Space Center: Gateway to Space Exploration
Exploring the Space Coast? A trip to the Kennedy Space Center is essential. It’s the entrance to space exploration, offering a unique experience for all. The center’s history and interactive exhibits will amaze you.
Watching rocket launches live is a highlight. Feel the excitement as the rocket blasts off. Don’t miss the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit. It tells the space shuttle’s story and lets you see a real shuttle.
Meet astronauts who’ve been to space. They share their adventures. The center has many activities, like the Apollo/Saturn V Center and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. It’s perfect for anyone interested in space.
Other attractions at the Kennedy Space Center include:
- Touring the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit
- Watching rocket launches live
- Meeting real astronauts
- Exploring the Apollo/Saturn V Center
- Visiting the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame
The Kennedy Space Center is a memorable spot on the Space Coast. It’s perfect for space fans or anyone looking for something special. Don’t miss it.
Discover the Historic Cocoa Beach Pier
When you’re on the Space Coast, don’t miss the historic Cocoa Beach Pier. It’s a top attraction that mixes relaxation with adventure. The 800-foot pier offers amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s perfect for fishing, surfing, or just enjoying the ocean’s sounds. The Cocoa Beach Pier is a great place to be.
Watching the sunrise from the pier is a memorable experience. The pier’s history and beauty make it a key spot for beach lovers. It has four bars and five restaurants, all with gluten-free choices.
Here are some fun things to do at the Cocoa Beach Pier:
- Daily semi-private surf lessons
- Fishing and boating
- Beach volleyball
- On-site fresh water showers
The Cocoa Beach Pier is a must-see on the Space Coast. It combines history, beauty, and fun activities. Plan your visit today to see what this amazing beach has to offer.
| Activity | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-private surf lessons | 1-2 hours | $30-50 per person |
| Fishing and boating | Half-day or full-day | $50-100 per person |
| Beach volleyball | Free play | Free |
Explore the Natural Wonders of Space Coast
When you visit the Space Coast, you’ll find many natural wonders. You can see manatee and dolphin species in their homes. Kayaking through the Thousand Islands is a favorite activity, offering calm waters and stunning views.
The Space Coast is a paradise for sea turtle fans. The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge is a key spot for these creatures. Here, you can learn about how to protect them. It’s a perfect place for those who love nature and adventure.
Kayaking Through Thousand Islands
Kayaking is a great way to see the Space Coast’s beauty. There are tours for all skill levels. You can see dolphins and manatees and enjoy the scenery.
Manatee and Dolphin Watching
The Space Coast is home to many manatees and dolphins. There are tours where you can see them up close. These tours teach you about their lives and habitats.
Sea Turtle Nesting Sites
The Space Coast is famous for its sea turtle nesting sites. The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge is a key place to learn about them. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in Florida’s natural wonders.
Must-Visit Cocoa Beach Attractions for Families
Cocoa Beach is perfect for families, with lots of cocoa beach attractions for all ages. You can enjoy outdoor fun or interactive exhibits. Highlights include the Kennedy Space Center and the Brevard Zoo, where kids can see animals from all over.
For a fun day, try surfing, kayaking, or just relaxing on the beach. The Cocoa Beach Pier is great for fishing, eating, and fun. It’s close to many cocoa beach attractions. Don’t miss the Exploration Tower for views of Port Canaveral and the world’s largest surf shop, Ron Jon Surf Shop.
Other family-friendly activities include:
- Visiting the Paws On Play Lagoon at the Brevard Zoo, where kids can splash, dig for fossils, and feed lorikeets
- Taking a Tiki Cruises Boat Tour to see dolphins and other wildlife
- Playing mini-golf at Lighthouse Cove Adventure Golf, with live alligators
- Skating at the Cocoa Beach Skate Park, for skaters of all levels
Cocoa Beach has many cocoa beach attractions for your family. Whether you want adventure, learning, or a chill day, Cocoa Beach has it all.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Kennedy Space Center | Interactive exhibits and simulated space shuttle launch |
| Brevard Zoo | Variety of animals from around the world, including giraffes and kangaroos |
| Cocoa Beach Pier | Fishing, dining, and entertainment |
Dive Into Surfing Culture at Ron Jon Surf Shop
Exploring surfing in Cocoa Beach? Don’t miss Ron Jon Surf Shop. Since 1963, it’s been a key part of the community. It welcomes everyone, from pros to beginners.
Book Surf Lessons
At Ron Jon, you can book lessons for any skill level. Choose from private or semi-private lessons. Expert instructors will help you get better.
Shop for Beach Gear
The shop has lots of beach gear. You’ll find surfboards, leashes, fins, and eco-friendly wax. There’s a surfboard for everyone, from shortboards to longboards.
Visit the Surf Museum
Don’t forget the surf museum. It tells the story of surfing’s history. See exhibits and artifacts that show Florida’s surfing past.
Ron Jon Surf Shop is all about surfing culture. It’s a place to learn, meet others, and enjoy the beach lifestyle. Whether you live here or are just visiting, it’s a must-see.
Uncover Hidden Gems: The Dinosaur Store and Wizard of Oz Museum
Exploring the Space Coast reveals unique attractions that show its diverse character. The Dinosaur Store and Wizard of Oz Museum are two hidden gems that offer a memorable experience. Near the beach, they provide a break from the usual beach activities.
The Dinosaur Store is perfect for those who love dinosaurs. It has a wide range of dinosaur-themed items and exhibits. The Wizard of Oz Museum, on the other hand, is filled with over 2,000 items from the classic movie. It’s a top-ranked film museum that fans of the movie won’t want to miss.
Some of the notable rankings of the Wizard of Oz Museum include:
- #1 Film Museums in Florida
- #1 Applied Art Museums in Florida
- #1 Children’s Museums in the country
- #8 Film Museums nationally
These rankings show the museum’s importance and popularity. Whether you love dinosaurs or the Wizard of Oz, these hidden gems will amaze and inspire you. They make your visit to the Space Coast unforgettable.
| Museum | Ranking |
|---|---|
| Wizard of Oz Museum | #1 Children’s Museums in the country |
| Dinosaur Store | Unique attraction with dinosaur-themed exhibits |
Port Canaveral: Maritime Adventure Hub
Port Canaveral is a lively spot on Florida’s Atlantic coast. It’s a hub for maritime activities and fun. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, go fishing, and see the maritime world up close.
Here are some top activities in Port Canaveral:
- Taking a cruise terminal tour to learn about the history and operations of the port
- Enjoying fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants in the area
- Going on a charter fishing trip to catch a variety of fish species
Port Canaveral is home to over 20 cruise ships. This means visitors have many cruise options. Whether you want a calm beach trip or an exciting adventure, Port Canaveral has it all.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Cruise Terminal Tours | Learn about the history and operations of the port |
| Fresh Seafood Dining | Enjoy a variety of seafood options at local restaurants |
| Charter Fishing Trips | Catch a variety of fish species on a guided fishing trip |
Beach Activities and Water Sports Paradise
Cocoa Beach is a dream spot for beach fans and water sports lovers. Its calm waves are perfect for surfers, kayakers, and paddleboarders. You can swim, sunbathe, play beach volleyball, and try surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
The area’s natural beauty and many activities make it a favorite for beach lovers and outdoor fans. At the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, you can enjoy fishing, dining, surf lessons, and volleyball. The pier is a big attraction in Cocoa Beach, with amazing ocean views and lots of beach activities.
Some top beach activities to try in Cocoa Beach include:
- Surfing and paddleboarding lessons
- Beach volleyball and other beach games
- Swimming and sunbathing
- Kayaking and fishing
Cocoa Beach is a paradise for sun, sand, and surf lovers. It has beautiful beaches, calm waves, and lots of beach activities and water sports. Whether you want to relax or have an adventure, Cocoa Beach is perfect for everyone, making it a top attraction on the Space Coast.
Planning Your Perfect Space Coast Adventure
Planning your adventure on the Space Coast? This 72-mile stretch is full of fun activities and attractions. You can visit the famous Cocoa Beach Pier or the renowned Ron Jon Surf Shop. There’s so much to see and do in Cocoa Beach.
Looking for excitement? The Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit. Or maybe you want to relax on the beautiful beaches? The Space Coast has it all. It’s perfect for making memories with your family.
Don’t miss out on the local surfing culture. Check out the Dinosaur Store and Wizard of Oz Museum too. And don’t forget to try the fresh seafood and maritime activities at Port Canaveral. With a little planning, you’ll have an amazing adventure on the Space Coast.
FAQ What Are the Best Activities in Cocoa Beach and Things to Do on a Trip?
What are the top attractions and things to do in Cocoa Beach, Florida?
Top spots in Cocoa Beach include the Kennedy Space Center and the historic Cocoa Beach Pier. You can also explore the Space Coast’s natural wonders. Don’t miss the Ron Jon Surf Shop, the Dinosaur Store, and the Wizard of Oz Museum.
What can visitors experience at the Kennedy Space Center?
At the Kennedy Space Center, you can see live rocket launches. You can also tour the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit and meet astronauts. There are many interactive exhibits that let you dive into space exploration.
What makes the Cocoa Beach Pier a must-visit destination?
The Cocoa Beach Pier is a historic landmark with 800 feet of Atlantic Ocean views. It’s perfect for fishing, surfing, and enjoying the ocean. It’s also a great spot to watch the sunrise and learn about local history.
What natural wonders can visitors explore on the Space Coast?
The Space Coast is full of natural wonders like the Thousand Islands and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. You can go kayaking, watch manatees and dolphins, and see sea turtle nesting sites.
What family-friendly attractions can be found in Cocoa Beach?
Cocoa Beach has attractions for families, like the Cocoa Beach Pier and the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop. There are also outdoor activities like surfing, kayaking, and visiting wildlife refuges.
What can visitors experience at the Ron Jon Surf Shop?
Ron Jon Surf Shop is a legendary spot for surfers and beach lovers. It offers a wide range of surf gear and apparel. You can also book surf lessons and visit the surf museum to learn about surfing history.
What hidden gems can be found in Cocoa Beach?
Cocoa Beach has hidden gems like the Dinosaur Store and the Wizard of Oz Museum. The Dinosaur Store has dinosaur-themed merchandise and exhibits. The Wizard of Oz Museum offers an immersive and educational experience for families.
What activities can visitors enjoy at Port Canaveral?
Port Canaveral is a hub for maritime adventures. You can take cruise terminal tours, enjoy fresh seafood, and go on charter fishing trips. It’s a place to experience the maritime industry and enjoy water activities.
What beach activities and water sports can be enjoyed in Cocoa Beach?
Cocoa Beach is great for beach activities and water sports. Its calm waves are perfect for surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. You can also swim, sunbathe, and play beach volleyball.
How can visitors plan the perfect Space Coast adventure?
Planning a Space Coast adventure requires research and planning. This guide helps you find the best attractions and activities. The Space Coast has something for everyone, from exploring to discovering hidden gems.
