Part of Florida’s Space Coast, Cocoa Beach is also one of the closest beaches to Orlando (find all about things to do in Orlando Florida) – making it an excellent day-trip for theme-park visitors.
The beach remains a popular destination for families, students, and of course, Cocoa beach surfing & surfers.
Established in 1925, Cocoa Beach is “small,” with only 4 1/2 square miles of land. Yet, it is home to approximately 13,000 residents – a tight-knit community to say the least.
In addition, Cocoa Beach also welcomes an average of 2 million visitors each year. The main attraction being of course the city’s fabled connection to surfing.
From Cocoa Beach Pier to the Annual Easter Surfing Festival, this city and its beach are indelibly tied to the sport.
Hometown to 9-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater, Cocoa Beach embraces surfing Florida as a community, priding itself on a reputation that’s been cultivated for over 50 years.
Indeed, surfers the world over, gravitate to this one beach for some Cocoa Beach surfing and for many it has become a right of passage to ride upon Cocoa Beach’s waves.
Places to Be For visitors, points of interest include:
Cocoa Beach Pier: Built in 1962, the pier stretches 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and is a remarkable structure.
Constructed with over 2 1/2 miles of boardwalk plants, the pier is a landmark, a beacon, and an unmistakable backdrop for anyone who surfs. At the end of the pier is of course a tiki bar.
Shepard Park. Measuring 5 acres, this beach access is a popular choice for locals. Named after Alan Shepard, the park features its own boardwalk and offers rental surfboards with every step.
Lori Wilson Park. Another popular beach access, this “park” is found just south of Cocoa Beach Pier. Its proximity to area hotels makes it the perfect setting for Florida beach weddings. Year-round, there’s a good chance of catching a couple’s nuptials – with surfers in the distance.
Ron Jon Surf Shop. A mecca for surfers, this famed surf shop may have gotten its start in Ship Bottom, New Jersey, but it’s made Cocoa Beach its flagship home.
Here, you’ll find the largest surf shop in the world, attracting some 2 million visitors each year. A trip to Cocoa Beach would be incomplete without a visit to this famed retailer.
Personal story – We did a day trip to Cocoa Beach from Orlando b/c we had to have a day on the water for some Cocoa Beach surfing and visiting Ron Jon - it was a really cool spot.
The drive took around an hour or two with traffic, but it was worth the trip. We didn’t get to take in all of Cocoa Beach, but talking to visitors there, it appeared to be an excellent spot.
East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame. Dedicated to the preservation of the “history and heritage of East Coast surfing,” the institution enshrines a new class every two years.
In 1996, the inaugural class featured 20 pioneers. In 2010, the Hall of Fame museum will welcome 9 more members, including photographer Doug Waters and Surf Expo founder Ross Houston.
Here, You’re Family
A fun fact: While surfing in Cocoa Beach attracts millions, the overall mood of the area is residential.
You’ll not find the raucous crowds that define other parts of Florida. Instead, you’ll encounter a real sense of community – a friendliness among locals that helps make Cocoa Beach such a family-friendly destination – perfect for your Florida family vacations!
What’s more, its festivals and events are open to all ages as well. The biggest draw of the year naturally being the Easter Surfing Festival, which has been going on for over 45 years.
