Coca Beach Florida Map Travel Guide
Coca Beach Florida Map Travel Guide
Introduction
Cocoa Beach is a beautiful city located in Brevard County, Florida. This beach town boasts some of the best surfing spots in the state, making it a popular destination for surfers and beachgoers alike. With its vibrant nightlife, family-friendly activities, and stunning natural beauty, there’s something for everyone in Cocoa Beach. In this travel guide, we’ll explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, and more.
Top Attractions
Cocoa Beach Pier
The Cocoa Beach Pier is a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to the area. This iconic landmark offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. Whether you’re interested in fishing, surfing, or just relaxing on the beach, the Cocoa Beach Pier has something for everyone.
Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center is located just a short drive from Cocoa Beach and is one of the most popular attractions in the area. Visitors can take a tour of the facility and learn about the history of space exploration. The Kennedy Space Center also offers a variety of interactive exhibits, including the Shuttle Launch Experience and the Astronaut Training Experience.
Hidden Gems
Florida Surf Museum
The Florida Surf Museum is a hidden gem located in the heart of Cocoa Beach. This museum showcases the history of surfing in Florida and features a variety of exhibits, including vintage surfboards, photographs, and memorabilia. Admission to the museum is free, making it a great budget-friendly activity for visitors.
Manatee Sanctuary Park
Manatee Sanctuary Park is a beautiful park located on the Banana River in Cocoa Beach. This hidden gem offers stunning views of the river and is home to a variety of wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and pelicans. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas in a peaceful setting.
Food Scene
Coconuts on the Beach
Coconuts on the Beach is a popular restaurant located on the Cocoa Beach Pier. This beachfront eatery offers a variety of seafood dishes, burgers, and salads, along with an extensive drink menu. With live music and stunning ocean views, Coconuts on the Beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal.
Roberto’s Little Havana
Roberto’s Little Havana is a Cuban restaurant located in downtown Cocoa Beach. This family-owned restaurant offers authentic Cuban dishes, including roasted pork, black beans, and rice. With its vibrant atmosphere and delicious food, Roberto’s Little Havana is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the local food scene.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Beach Parking
Visitors to Cocoa Beach can save money on parking by taking advantage of the free beach parking available along the beach. There are several parking lots and on-street parking spots available, making it easy to find a spot without breaking the bank.
Happy Hour Specials
Many of the restaurants and bars in Cocoa Beach offer happy hour specials, making it easy to enjoy a drink or meal without spending a lot of money. Check out Coconuts on the Beach or The Fat Snook for great happy hour deals.
Outdoor Adventures
Surfing Lessons
Cocoa Beach is known for its great surfing conditions, making it the perfect place to take a surfing lesson. There are several surf schools in the area, including Ron Jon Surf School and Cocoa Beach Surf Company, that offer lessons for all skill levels.
Nature Tours
Visitors to Cocoa Beach can explore the natural beauty of the area by taking a nature tour. The Banana River Lagoon Tour offers a unique opportunity to see dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife up close.
Historical Landmarks
Canaveral National Seashore
The Canaveral National Seashore is a beautiful natural area located just north of Cocoa Beach. This protected area offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, shorebirds, and manatees.
Historic Cocoa Village
Historic Cocoa Village is a charming area located in downtown Cocoa Beach. This historic district features a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries, along with several historic landmarks, including the Cocoa Village Playhouse and the Porcher House.
Family-Friendly Activities
Brevard Zoo
The Brevard Zoo is located just a short drive from Cocoa Beach and is a great destination for families. This zoo features a variety of animals from around the world, including giraffes, rhinos, and kangaroos. The Brevard Zoo also offers a variety of interactive exhibits and experiences, including a zip-line course and kayaking tours.
Exploration Tower
The Exploration Tower is located in Port Canaveral and offers stunning views of the area. This tower features several interactive exhibits, including a simulation of a spacecraft launch. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, which offers panoramic views of the port.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures
Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures is a unique outdoor adventure park located in Cocoa Beach. This park features a variety of zip-lines and obstacle courses, making it the perfect place for thrill-seekers.
Black Point Wildlife Drive
The Black Point Wildlife Drive is a scenic drive located just south of Cocoa Beach. This drive takes visitors through a beautiful natural area, where they can see a variety of wildlife, including alligators, ospreys, and eagles.
Natural Wonders
Canaveral National Seashore
The Canaveral National Seashore is one of the most beautiful natural areas in the state of Florida. This protected area offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, shorebirds, and manatees.
Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands is a beautiful natural area located on the Banana River in Cocoa Beach. This area is home to a variety of wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and pelicans. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas in a peaceful setting.
Vibrant Nightlife
Heidi’s Jazz Club
Heidi’s Jazz Club is a popular nightlife destination located in Cocoa Beach. This jazz club features live music from some of the best jazz musicians in the state, along with an extensive drink menu. With its intimate atmosphere and great music, Heidi’s Jazz Club is a must-visit for anyone looking for a night out.
The Beach Shack
The Beach Shack is a popular bar located on the Cocoa Beach Pier. This beachfront bar offers a variety of drinks, including specialty cocktails and craft beers. With live music and stunning ocean views, The Beach Shack is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink.
Local Markets
Cocoa Beach Farmers Market
The Cocoa Beach Farmers Market is a weekly market held on Sundays in downtown Cocoa Beach. This market features a variety of local vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal crafts. Visitors can also enjoy live music and food trucks at the market.
Cocoa Village Farmers Market
The Cocoa Village Farmers Market is a weekly market held on Thursdays in historic Cocoa Village. This market features a variety of local vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal crafts. Visitors can also enjoy live music and food trucks at the market.
Beaches and Mountains
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Florida, with its wide stretches of sand and great surfing conditions. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and surfing at this beautiful beach.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is located just a short drive from Cocoa Beach and offers stunning views of the natural beauty of Florida. This refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and sea turtles.
Cultural Immersion
Brevard Cultural Alliance
The Brevard Cultural Alliance is a non-profit organization that promotes arts and culture in the Brevard County area. Visitors can explore local galleries, theaters, and museums, along with attending cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
Historic Cocoa Village
Historic Cocoa Village is a charming area located in downtown Cocoa Beach. This historic district features a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries, along with several historic landmarks, including the Cocoa Village Playhouse and the Porcher House.
Art and Music Scene
Art Gallery of Viera
The Art Gallery of