21 Best & Fun Things To Do In Cocoa Beach, FL

Are you a local or guest seeking exciting activities in Cocoa Beach, FL? You’ve come to the right spot! In this guide, we’ll uncover the 21 best and most enjoyable things to do in Cocoa Beach, FL, ensuring you make the most of your time in this charming independent city.

1. Cocoa Beach Pier

Cocoa Beach Pier is famous across the globe for its stunning beauty, historic importance, and huge range of activities.

More than one million people come to visit this Central Florida icon each year.

So if you’ll be in the area, you’d be remiss to not add this to your list of what to do!

Cocoa Beach Pier spans 800 feet out over the cerulean waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s a great spot for the whole family, boasting numerous eateries, equipment rental services, gift shops, and bars.

Live musical entertainment can often be heard throughout its stretch, and you have plenty of water sport options.

Surfing and swimming are abundant, and you might even spot some famous surfers!

The pier is also well-known for having excellent fishing opportunities.

You’ll find wahoo, redfish, bluefish, snapper, whiting, and much more!

There’s a fishing fee to pay before you can show off your angling skills here.

You can also rent fishing equipment if you didn’t bring your own.

Address: 401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

2. Historic Cocoa Village

Historic Cocoa Village is among the best Cocoa Beach attractions and one of the best vacation spots for history aficionados and shoppers alike.

If you’re just window shopping and exploring, it can also be one of the local free things to do.

Situated on Florida Avenue, this is the core downtown of Cocoa City.

It was founded in the 19th century and, today is still home to many historic buildings.

The shady streets of Historic Cocoa Village are great for stretching your legs.

The idyllic riverside community is lined with trees and packed with artisans and merchants.

There are various shows and galleries to view, a number of restaurants to dine in, and shops to purchase local goods at.

Festivals and events are held here every now and then, too!

Historic Cocoa Village has many different sip-and-stroll tours for adults.

You get to enjoy a couple of alcoholic beverages as a guide brings you through the village and its most popular sites.

Some buildings here, like the Cocoa Village Playhouse and the Porcher House, are even on the National Register of Historic Places!

Address: 600 Florida Ave #104, Cocoa, FL 32922, United States

3. Florida Surf Museum

The Atlantic coast on America’s east side is famous for its surfing opportunities.

That’s why the Florida Surf Museum is one of the tourist attractions that you shouldn’t miss in Cocoa Beach!

Situated on North Atlantic Avenue, it’s among the greatest surf museums you’ll find.

This surf museum was founded in 1999 in an extremely small space that barely held any artifacts.

Today, it has grown to a respectable size!

Within the Florida Surf Museum, you’ll see all sorts of exhibits dedicated to the preservation of East Coast surfing’s history.

You’ll learn about the culture and history of the community, the evolution of the sport, and about national local surfing legends.

You’ll also get great information on the most ideal surfing locations, see different historic surfboards, and view photographs, videos, stories, and exhibits.

There are also fun trophies, magazines, and first-hand accounts to peruse.

Address: 4275 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

4. Lori Wilson Park

Lori Wilson Park, situated on North Atlantic Avenue, is one of the top free things to do in Cocoa Beach and undoubtedly, one of the best places to visit in Florida.

The 32-acre expanse is a lovely space that is a little more secluded than many more popular parts of the area.

It is a beach park that has a picturesque beach and sand dune area as well as some verdant forested portions.

Short trails lead between them so you can travel to and from as desired.

There are plenty of activities you can enjoy, free of charge, at Lori Wilson Park.

You can relax on the sandy beach or go swimming in the quiet, shallow waters.

You can take a walk through the elevated boardwalk or nature trail, rest in covered seating spots, and make use of barbecue grills and picnic tables.

There are even volleyball courts for those who want a little more exercise!

Bring your dogs along and send them to the dog park, or your kids and bring them to the playground!

Address: 1500 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

5. The Dinosaur Store and Museum

The Dinosaur Store and Museum began as a simple, small shop in 1996.

13 years later, the West Cocoa Beach Causeway location expanded into an adventure zone and museum.

It’s become one of the most fun places to go in this part of Florida!

The Dinosaur Store and Museum is home to one of the biggest collections of ancient minerals and fossils in the world.

Aside from those two impressive items, you’ll also see old jewelry and learn about paleontology, adventure, and old natural history.

The store portion of this establishment offers the opportunity to purchase many genuine, million-year-old fossils.

We’re talking about things like real Tyrannosaurid teeth that are 75 million years old, or genuine 65 million-year-old Pachycephalosaur toes!

It also sells reproductions, plastic toys, and other exciting items.

By far one of the most exciting parts of the Dinosaur Store and Museum is the Adventure Zone.

Packed with various interactive showcases, it’s a real treat for children.

Kids will get to see live animals, take boat rides, play arcade games, go panning for minerals, build their own skeletons, and play games!

Address: 250 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

6. Ron Jon Surf School and Ron Jon Surf Shop

The Ron Jon Surf School and Ron Jon Surf Shop are situated in the same Ron Jon building.

It’s one of the best places in Cocoa Beach to immerse yourself in surfing culture and learn about the sport!

The Ron Jon Surf School opened its doors in 1993.

Lessons are taught by some of the nation’s most expert surfers.

It doesn’t matter how much or how little experience you have – there’s something to be learned here!

Today, there’s also a surf camp for those between the ages of 7 and 17, stand-up paddleboarding lessons, and kiteboarding classes.

Meanwhile, the Ron Jon Surf Shop has virtually every single item possible related to water sports and surfing.

It’s the biggest surf shop on the planet and has a whopping 52,000 square feet to its name.

Wetsuits, beach accessories, swimwear, boards, water shoes – you name it, you can find it here!

You’d be missing out if you don’t add this to your list of what to do in Cocoa Beach!

Address: 4151 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

7. The Fat Snook

One of the top restaurants in Cocoa Beach is The Fat Snook.

It has become one of the most popular points of interest for foodies since its opening in 2007.

The beachside eatery has a casual atmosphere on the waterfront and uses local produce and seafood to create an innovative menu.

With greens, blues, wood tones, and beachy aesthetics, this restaurant offers a chic ambiance and a fun, relaxed vibe.

Great food options on the Fat Snook are the Florida Stone Crab starter, U-10 Seared Scallops, and jumbo scallops with bacon maple marmalade.

There are also unique choices like the Grilled D’Anjou Pear & Baby Gem salad.

Amazing main courses, such as Poblano Pesto Shrimp with Canaveral shrimp with chorizo cream sauce and pumpkin cheddar grits, set the tone of deliciousness!

Address: 2464 S Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

8. The Florida Key Lime Pie Company

The Florida Key Lime Pie Company is an award-winning business that serves up some of the greatest pies in the state.

Situated on Cocoa Beach’s Dixie Lane, it’s in close proximity to various attractive locations, making it perfect for a quick midday bite.

This delightful bakery is, of course, most famous for its titular key lime pie.

Since it opened, it has expanded to sell all sorts of key lime-flavored items, most of which have achieved similar acclaim.

They sell the pie as is, but you can also get it drizzled in chocolate on a stick, served in a cup with graham crackers, or in various non-lime flavors.

There is also the shop’s famous “Cocoa Beach Crack”, which are highly “addictive” Key Lime Yogurt Covered Pretzels!

This company also provides daily wine tasting opportunities, serving a lot of different flavors that have to be tasted to be believed!

For those who don’t drink, you can opt for some refreshing handcrafted ice creams in countless flavors, or for some world-famous saltwater taffy.

Finally, don’t forget to try their amazing exotic jerkies, ranging from crocodile to kangaroo!

You can also meet Sweetie, a star alligator, who comes to visit the shop every weekend.

The Florida Key Lime Pie Company was founded by Louie Morehead in 2006.

The store has a tropical aesthetic and is a must among things to do in Cocoa Beach for foodies!

Address: 102 Dixie Ln, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

9. Shepard Park

Shepard Park‘s 5-acre expanse can be found on State Road 50, on the East End.

The green span of verdant nature and delightful beach faces the ocean and offers tranquility and relaxation.

The park is named after the first American to go to space, Alan Shepard, and offers quick beach access with rentable umbrellas and chairs.

Shepard Park has a number of activities to offer, and thousands of people flock here annually.

There are professionally trained lifeguards that ensure the safety of swimmers and surfers.

There’s some nice, soft sand to relax and get a tan on.

Kids will love the playground and families will appreciate the 10 big pavilions for picnics and fun.

Those who need a little break will find Shepard Park to be a must-see in Cocoa Beach!

Address: 299 E Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

10. Cocoa Beach Wellness Center

The Cocoa Beach Wellness Center is dedicated to healing its customers with the use of natural laws and therapies.

It’s right in the city’s downtown, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

If you need some relaxation, make this one of your places to visit!

At the Cocoa Beach Wellness Center, you can get all sorts of treatments.

Acupuncture, foot bats, massages, ear candling, detoxing, hot stone treatments, facials, and even colon hydrotherapy can be availed of.

Each treatment is carried out by licensed workers that you can trust!

Address: 236 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

11. Fin Expeditions

Fin Expeditions is a highly-rated family-owned business for one of the best activities you can do in Florida!

The company specializes in kayak eco-tours, bringing you through the Thousand Islands mangrove forest with expert guides.

You’ll get to see some less urban Cocoa Beach attractions, and each tour is relatively intimate with very few people per group.

Fin Expeditions is famous for its peaceful, Do Not Disturb style of tour.

They prioritize passive and respectful observation, with no direct interaction with the wildlife you’ll see.

Among the fauna you’ll spot across white, red, and black mangroves are various birds, stingrays, manatees, and even dolphins!

Address: 599 Ramp Rd, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

12. Fin and Fly Fishing Charters

Aspiring anglers and fishing fanatics will love the fun experience with Fin and Fly Fishing Charters!

After all, one of the most enticing Cocoa Beach attractions is the coast of Florida itself!

The charter company, which is highly rated and locally-owned, features experienced captains that can bring you to the most opportune locations for fishing.

Captain Alex Hughey and Captain Jamie Glasner, both founders, know all there is to know about fishing in the area.

They grew up being aficionados of the sport themselves!

Fin and Fly Fishing Charters gives you the chance to find Mahi Mahi, snook, sailfish, speckled sea trout, redfish, black drum, snappers, tarpon, and more.

You’ll receive all the necessary equipment to nab some great catches and will be able to bring home your haul!

You’ll be able to perform both inshore and deep-sea fishing on one of four cool boats.

The Action Craft is a 16-foot beast perfect for fly fishing and the Blackfin Sportfishing boat is 32 feet and apt for offshore reels.

There’s also the 168 Phantom Ranger, ideal for shallow waters, and the 24-foot Skeeter, which works for pretty much anything!

Address: 951 Bali Rd, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

 

13. Exploration Tower

Exploration Tower is located at Port Canaveral Jetty Park, a location near Cocoa Beach and worth a day trip this weekend.

The beautiful tower is architecturally distinctive and spans seven stories in height, situated next to the Canaveral Port Authority.

It looks almost like the sails of a ship at sea, waving in the wind, and it stands out stunningly from the world around it.

It’s no wonder that this is one of Port Canaveral, Florida’s most loved tourist attractions!

Exploration Tower is entered through a promenade that takes you over a lake.

The first floor has a useful information desk, a convenient cafe, and a shop for souvenirs.

Up on the second floor, you’ll see a jaw-dropping discovery center spanning 2,750 square feet.

This center features various exhibits relating to local wildlife, indigenous people, European settlers, history, and the environment.

Next, you’ll reach the third floor, which is home to a modern theater with state-of-the-art technology.

It seats 72 people and plays a special historic movie.

Then, there’s the fourth floor, which is mostly for events and meetings.

The fifth floor has a cool simulated experience where you can try steering a ship!

Finally, the very top of Exploration Tower – that is, its sixth and seventh floors – are gorgeous observation decks.

One is indoor and the other is outdoor.

From here, you can actually watch real rocket launches!

Address: 670 Dave Nisbet Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, United States

14. Island Boat Lines

One of the best things to do in Cocoa Beach is to explore the huge variety of waterways on the coast of Florida.

Island Boat Lines specializes in these experiences, especially in the Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands.

The popular tour service company offers a selection of different tours, during which you’ll hear information on the area’s history and wildlife.

You’ll see alligators, manatees, dolphins, birds, and more.

Island Boat Lines’ vessels and captain are certified by the Coast Guard, guaranteeing their safety and expertise.

There are daily eco-tours, romantic sunset tours, and a launch viewing cruise.

Private charters are also available for an even more closed, intimate experience!

The In Search Of Wildlife eco-tour is undoubtedly the most popular, providing a fully narrated, memorable two-hour experience.

Address: 500 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

15. Surfside Players

Surfside Players is a local Cocoa Beach community theater.

It offers a premier experience and has been open since 1959.

It’s one of the most loved places to go locally for fun entertainment of all sorts!

With children’s plays, dramas, comedies, musicals, and more, there’s something for everyone at this charming playhouse.

Some of these pieces are even made by playwrights from the state!

Surfside Players boasts a 250-set playhouse venue with cozy seats and comfortable air-conditioning.

Each performance is sponsored locally and the players regularly give back to the community through charity and donations.

The colorful, vibrant interior creates an impressive statement right off the bat, providing how great a time you can have at their shows!

Address: 301 Ramp Rd, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

16. Banana River Aquatic Preserve

The Banana River Aquatic Preserve is an incredible 30,000-acre park around the Cocoa Beach, Florida area.

It’s the biggest in Cocoa Beach, technically even falling in many places outside of the town lines.

Situated close to Merritt, is nestled neatly among various barrier islands.

It’s one of the most popular points of interest for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Banana River Aquatic Preserve has a number of different separate areas, allowing you to choose your preference.

Most of the preserve is made up of water.

Trails and waterways both give you the chance to immerse yourself in its flora and fauna.

Adventurous individuals will enjoy renting kayaks to explore, but you can also travel on bike or on foot.

Technically, the Banana River Aquatic Preserve is made up of various other parks.

This includes the Cocoa Beach Recreational Complex, Banana River Park, Kelly Park, Kiwanis Island Park, and more.

Also encompassed are the Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary, perfect for bird watchers, and a large pelican rookery.

The very tip of the Banana River has a great manatee population throughout the year, too, and you may see diamondback terrapin turtles on your excursion.

Watch out, as well, for alligators!

Bioluminescence kayak tours through Banana River Aquatic Preserve at night are truly transcendent experiences.

You’ll take a kayak through warm and quiet waters, armed with a life vest, water shoes, and headlamp.

Local guides bring you to all the most opportune places to see natural bioluminescence across the Banana River Lagoon.

The saltwater environment is packed with marine life such as manatees, stingrays, and dolphins.

The nighttime glow is especially impressive in the summer.

Address: Merritt Island, FL 32952, United States

17. Rikki Tiki Tavern

Rikki Tiki Tavern is situated at the end of Cocoa Beach Pier, gazing out over the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.

The fun oceanfront bar is a great place for couples and has become one of the most popular Cocoa Beach attractions for adults!

About 800 feet from the ocean’s shoreline, Rikki Tiki Tavern offers a gorgeous view of the sunset.

Rikki Tiki Tavern regularly hosts live entertainment for its guests.

The open-air bar is relaxed and casual, serving meals with lobster, oysters, tuna, shrimp, crab, mussels, chowder, and more.

Those who dislike seafood can still enjoy goodies like chicken wings and nachos.

Tropical drinks like margaritas, smoothies, tequila, cocktails, rum, and more give you something to sip as you watch the Florida coast.

Address: 401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

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18. Fat Kahunas

Looking for more food-related things to do in Cocoa Beach?

Check out Fat Kahunas, home to some of the yummiest meals the city has to offer.

With a friendly atmosphere, good reputation, and coastal aesthetic, it specializes in Hawaiian cuisine and flavors of the Pacific!

There are vegetarian options, too.

Most of Fat Kahunas’ signature dishes relate to flavorful fresh seafood.

But even if that’s not your thing, you can enjoy juicy burgers, succulent steaks, salads, and tropical cuisine of all sorts.

The Jumbo Coconut Shrimp is to die for and has actually played a big part in Fat Kahunas’ popularity.

People come from near and far to sample it!

Address: 8 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

19. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is an absolute must-do if you’d like a quick road trip this weekend.

Cocoa Beach has been considered its gateway for a long time, with just a 40-minute travel distance to get to the complex.

It’s just north of Cocoa Beach and is a huge landmark in Florida, filled with fun things to experience in its expanse!

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is carefully organized.

Different types of attractions are set in different “Mission Zones”.

This allows for the chronological grouping of various attractions and tours.

You can opt to explore them yourself or follow a guide.

The first Mission Zone is named Heroes & Legends.

Here, you can learn all about pioneers in the field of space travel and some of the earliest space missions conducted by America.

You’ll get to view a genuine Redstone rocket as well as the real Sigma 7 and Gemini 9 capsules.

The zone also has the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame where you can learn about the heroes of American space travel.

A theater at the zone plays a 45-minute film called “Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo”.

Finally, the zone offers a Rocket Garden with the Mercury-Redstone 3 rocket, the original historic countdown clock, and the John F. Kennedy Fountain.

Next, there is the Behind The Gates Mission Zone.

Tours of the area are usually conducted by the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour when it’s available.

You’ll see the Vehicle Assembly Building, which is working to support a Space Launch System, as well as Launch Pads 39A and 39B.

The Mission Zone beyond that is Race To The Moon, which details the events leading up to the moon landing in the space race.

The central attraction here is the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where you can see the Saturn V, the biggest rocket to ever take flight.

It also has numerous other interactive and hands-on exhibits.

Don’t forget to check out the Moon Tree Garden, Astrovan and Umbilical Tower, and The People’s Moon in this zone.

Next, head to the Space Shuttle Atlantis Zone.

It’s dedicated to NASA’s space shuttle program.

You can view the Space Shuttle Atlantis and the Hubble Space Telescope Theater up close in all their glory.

This zone also has a ton of cool experiences!

Experience re-entry at Fiery Ride Home, launches at Shuttle Launch Experience, microgravity at ISS Triumph of Technology, and various Astronaut Training Simulators.

The zone also has a Forever Remembered memorial for fallen astronauts and a huge 9 ton Kugel ball with 88 constellations.

Finally, there’s the last Mission Zone: NASA Now + Next.

Here, you’ll learn about current and upcoming missions of NASA.

You can hear a Mission Status Briefing, view 3D telescope images, see the Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator, and learn about the journey to Mars.

There’s an IMAX theater here, too!

Address: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, United States

20. Brevard Zoo

Located near Cocoa Beach – just 25 minutes away – Brevard Zoo is one of the coolest places to visit around here!

If you’re willing to drive a little this weekend, you’re sure to enjoy this great site.

Spanning 75 acres, it hosts an impressive 900 animals from all sorts of different species.

There are regular parrot and giraffe feedings, a petting zoo with farm animals, and an exciting splash park.

Brevard Zoo has a number of different sections, with animals distributed well across various habitats.

Wild Florida gives you the chance to view fauna native to the state.

Expedition Africa sees you through the wilderness of the continent’s great wildlife regions.

The Paws on Play area gives you the opportunity to meet creepy crawlies of all sorts from across the globe.

In La Selva, you’ll spot sloths and other animals that fly, crawl, or hang from trees!

There’s also a great Australasia section to view fauna from those continents.

Address: 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940, United States

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21. Gregory’s Upstairs Comedy Club

Gregory’s Upstairs Comedy Club is a fun entertainment location above Gregory’s On The Beach.

It offers adult-only, no-heckler comedy performances on a regular basis at 9 pm.

A range of local performers and well-known names in the biz come by to perform.

You may even recognize some faces from Comedy Central, The Tonight Show, and HBO!

Basically, if you like comedy, this is the to-go location in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Wondering what to do if you get hungry while you’re watching the show?

Don’t fret!

As Gregory’s itself is a restaurant, you can order drinks and dinner and enjoy them as you watch.

The restaurant serves seafood, steaks, pasta, and more.

They even have an award-winning wine list!

Reservations are highly recommended.

Address: 900 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a vibrant city, teeming with life and buzzing with excitement.

If you’re vacationing here, you’ll love the white sand beaches, cerulean waves and surf, and great fishing opportunities.

If that’s not your thing, you can find tons more to do on the Space Coast.

There are parks, entertainment sites, restaurants, and other great attractions in the surrounding area.

This list of things to do in Cocoa Beach should help you narrow it down!

Happy travels.