Cocoa Beach at a Glance
- From Orlando
- About 1 hour on SR 528 (toll)
- Must do
- Cocoa Beach Pier at sunset
- On the water
- Dolphin sail, surf lessons
- Nearby
- Kennedy Space Center, 30 min
Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando, about an hour east on SR 528, and it's next door to Kennedy Space Center. Here's what to do once you're there.
On the beach
- Cocoa Beach Pier. Walk out over the water and watch the surfers. The restaurants on the pier are a classic sunset stop. Parking is paid.
- Ron Jon Surf Shop. The giant surf shop on A1A is open 24 hours a day.
- Lori Wilson Park. An oceanfront park with free parking, picnic pavilions and an off-leash dog area. Its observation tower looks out over the coast.
- Jetty Park. At Port Canaveral, just north of Cocoa Beach, with a long fishing pier. It's a popular place to watch cruise ships leave port and rocket launches. There's an entry fee.
On the water
- Dolphin sail. A two-hour catamaran cruise in the Banana River Lagoon looking for dolphins and manatees. Shade, a restroom on board, water and soda included. It leaves from Merritt Island, close to Kennedy Space Center.
- Surf lessons. Cocoa Beach is a surf town, and local surf schools teach beginners.
Space
- Kennedy Space Center is about 30 minutes north of Cocoa Beach. Plan at least six hours.
- Rocket launches are visible from Cocoa Beach itself. Check the launch calendar and see how to watch a rocket launch.
How to plan the day from Orlando
- Morning: Kennedy Space Center when it opens.
- Afternoon: the dolphin sail or the beach.
- Sunset: the Cocoa Beach Pier.
Our Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach in one day guide has the full timing. No car? The Kennedy Space Center tour from Orlando includes transportation.
Tips
- SR 528 is a toll road. Bring a SunPass or expect toll-by-plate charges on a rental.
- Ocean water is cold to most people from about December through March.
- Beach parking fills on weekends. Arrive by mid-morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Cocoa Beach from Orlando?
About an hour by car on SR 528, a toll road.
Can you see rocket launches from Cocoa Beach?
Yes. Launches from Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center are visible from the beach. Jetty Park in Port Canaveral is a popular viewing spot.
Can you see dolphins near Cocoa Beach?
Yes. Dolphin cruises in the Banana River Lagoon regularly see dolphins and sometimes manatees.
See Dolphins Near Cocoa Beach
A two-hour catamaran sail in the Banana River Lagoon, close to Kennedy Space Center.
See the Dolphin SailKennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach in one dayMore editorial coverage from Adventures in Orlando and the full blog archive.