Atlantic Swell Travel Guide
Cocoa Beach, Florida
Florida’s Space Coast surf capital — warm water most of the year, a classic fishing pier, and rocket launches lighting up the horizon from Cape Canaveral just to the north.
Cocoa Beach is the hometown of Kelly Slater and the end of our run down the Southeast coast. It’s a no-pretense surf town of beach motels, taco windows, and a 24-hour surf shop, with Kennedy Space Center, wild lagoon country, and Sebastian Inlet all within an easy drive.
Fly into Orlando International (MCO) and take the Beachline (SR 528) east, about an hour, or fly into Orlando Melbourne International (MLB), about 30–40 minutes south. A1A runs the length of the island, and a car makes it easy to hop between the pier, Port Canaveral, and the lagoon.
Beach Report
Cocoa Beach is one long, wide stretch of sand, with easy access at city beach parks. Lori Wilson Park on Atlantic Avenue is shaded by a live-oak hammock, Shepard Park sits at the end of SR 520, and Jetty Park at the mouth of Port Canaveral has lifeguards, picnic areas, and front-row views of cruise ships heading out.
For wild, undeveloped beach, head north to Playalinda Beach in the Canaveral National Seashore, part of the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in Florida. Watch the flags for rip currents, and note that parts of the seashore close around launches.
Surf Report
The Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, built in 1962 and stretching about 800 feet, is the heart of the scene. The sandbars on either side are the most dependable waves in town, and the pier deck is the best place to watch the lineup. Shepard Park, Lori Wilson Park, and Jetty Park, on the north side by the port, are all worth a check.
Waves here are mostly soft and fun, made for longboards and mid-lengths, with hurricane season and fall and winter fronts bringing the best swell. For more power, drive about 45 minutes south to Sebastian Inlet, Florida’s most famous wave. Ron Jon Surf Shop is open 24 hours, and its surf school runs lessons year-round.
Fishing Report
The fishing pier at Jetty Park is open 24 hours and has a bait shop, and you can also fish off the Cocoa Beach Pier. Charter boats leave from The Cove at Port Canaveral for offshore trips.
Behind the island, the Banana River, Mosquito Lagoon, and the waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge are prime inshore country for redfish. A refuge pass is required at the boat ramps.
Other Activities
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the big draw, and watching a launch from Jetty Park or the beach is a Space Coast rite of passage. Check the launch schedule before your trip.
Drive the 6-mile Black Point Wildlife Drive in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge for shorebirds and alligators. Paddle the mangroves of the Banana River, and visit the Florida Surf Museum next to Ron Jon.
Bar Recommendations
Rikki Tiki Tavern sits at the very end of the Cocoa Beach Pier, an open-air, thatch-roofed bar over the ocean with tropical drinks and the best view of the surf. At The Cove in Port Canaveral, Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar has live entertainment daily and bands on weekends.
In Cape Canaveral, Ellie Mae’s Tiki Bar is a Polynesian-themed backyard bar with a weekday afternoon happy hour. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday.
Restaurant Recommendations
Coconuts on the Beach serves fresh seafood right on the sand — try the jalapeño-crusted mahi and the key lime pie. Over on the Banana River side, Florida’s Fresh Grill is a highly rated, country-club-casual seafood spot.
The Fat Snook, a tiny, easy-to-miss spot at the south end of town, turns out a compact, globally inspired menu built on local ingredients. Jazzy’s Mainely Lobster brings New England–style lobster rolls to the Florida coast.
Coffee Recommendations
Juice N’ Java Café roasts its own beans and pairs coffee with a wine bar, food, and frequent live music, a few blocks from the beach.
For a post-surf refuel, The Green Room Café serves organic, mostly vegetarian food along with acai bowls and smoothies.
Where to Stay
The Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort puts you steps from the pier and its bars, and the strip along A1A is lined with beach hotels and classic motels within walking distance of the sand.
For a cheaper, outdoorsy option, Jetty Park has the area’s only campground, with tent and RV sites and a handful of cabins near the port and the north-side waves.
Keep exploring the coast
Heading north: St. Augustine travel guide
Planning a longer trip? Browse all 15 Southeast Atlantic travel guides, or check the latest surf reports.
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