Top 19 Things To Do in Cocoa Beach, Florida
If you’ve booked your flight to Cocoa Beach but are still wondering what to do once you get there, look no further! Check out this list of all of Cocoa Beach’s top activities below.
To cover the basics first – the best things to do in Cocoa Beach are centered around enjoying the beach. So be sure to set aside some time to enjoy the sun while you’re in town! But if you’re looking for some activities that are a bit more off the beaten path, check out some of the following activities!
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Kayaking in Cocoa Beach
- Kayaking Through the Mangrove Tunnel Tour – along the Thousands Islands in Cocoa Beach is a classic Floridian mangrove tunnel in the nearby Banana River Lagoon. Signing up for a small group kayaking tour through the canopies makes for a fun adventure through Cocoa Beach’s wildlife.
- Bioluminescence Kayaking Night Tour – another unique activity to the area is a bioluminescence kayaking tour through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is located about 45 minutes up the coast from Cocoa Beach. This tour takes place out on the water amidst local dinoflagellate, which are organisms that emit light and create a cool blue glow on the water! Since this activity aims to see things glow in the dark, it is only offered at night.
- Paddle Board & Kayaking Rentals – if you’d prefer to get out on the water on your own, you can also choose to rent either a paddle board or kayak for personal use while in Cocoa Beach!
Outer Space Activities in Cocoa Beach
- Visit the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral – only a 30 minute drive from Cocoa Beach, the Kennedy Space Center is one of the biggest attractions in the area for anyone looking to learn a bit more about space exploration, see a space shuttle, or interact with professional astronatus!
- Watch a Rocket Launch from Cape Canaveral – a fun & unique activity of the area, check the Cape Canaveral launch schedule to see if there are any upcoming launches during your visit in Cocoa Beach! Once you have a date, you can either walk down to the beach for an unobstructed view of the rocket taking off, or drive up the coast to see it up close!
Fishing in Cocoa Beach
- Deep Sea Fishing Charter – if you enjoy spending a full day fishing out in the water, check out a local deep sea fishing tour with the local service Fin & Fly! I would probably recommend going on shorter fishing trips first, to make sure you enjoy it and do not get seasick, but if you love fishing than this is a fun experience to try in a group!
- Surf Fishing Charter Excursion – if you’re a fan of fishing, but don’t love being on the water, you can also sign up for a half day surf fishing experience from the beach! This activity is especially popular for families, as everyone can stay happily on land while still getting to see catches up close & learn new techniques.
- Inshore Fishing Charter – another means of enjoying fishing in Cocoa Beach is an inshore excursion with a small group. This could be a good fit if you don’t want to commit to the full day outing in deep waters, but would still like to get the full experience of being out in the ocean.
- Rent Fishing Gear & Tackle – if you know what you’re doing and don’t need a guide, you can also rent your own fishing gear for personal use from A1A Outdoors Beach Rentals in Cocoa Beach. This allows you to go on your own timeline, find a quiet area, and relax on your own.
Unique Activities Near Cocoa Beach
- The Wizard of Oz Museum – for a quick trip over the rainbow, check out the Wizard of Oz Museum in Cape Canaveral for an immersive walk down the yellow brick road! This niche museum is a great way to diversify your activities while at Cocoa Beach, and is good for the whole family.
- The Dinosaur Store – for a variety of activities that go far beyond what the Dinosaur Store’s name implies, check out this Cocoa Beach hidden gem for a look at live reptiles, ancient fossils, and fun arcade games! The Dinosaur Store is a great idea for kids, especially when looking for something to do indoors on a rainy day.
- Ron Jon Surf Shop – check out the world’s largest surf shop at the Cocoa Beach Surf Shop for surf rentals and a selection of souvenirs! While a surf shop may not sound like much to do, it is actually one of the most popular stops in all of Cocoa Beach!
- Surf Lessons – one of the most popular surfing beaches on the east coast, Cocoa Beach is famous for its waves & a great place to learn how to ride a surfboard! I can personally vouch that as a new surfer, the combination of warm waters & mid-sized waves was an amazing introduction to the sport and the day flew by.
Sports in Cocoa Beach
The town also hosts a plethora of community sports fields, courts, and courses. Check out the options below, available to all visitors during their stay in Cocoa Beach!
- Tennis Courts – the township’s public tennis courts are located at 4800 Tom Warriner Blvd.
- Golf Course – you can book a tee time to enjoy golf in Cocoa Beach at the Cocoa Beach Country Club’s public courses.
- Swimming Pool – Cocoa Beach’s public aquatic center is located at 4800 Tom Warriner Boulevard, which features a full sized swimming pool and accompanying diving board.
- Baseball & Softball Fields – the public fields are maintained by the local recreation center and located at 1450 Minutemen Causeway.
Cruises in Cocoa Beach
- Cruise of Indian River Lagoon – if you’re looking for a relaxing trip down the river for a short & relaxing afternoon on the water, check out a group cruise down the lagoon! This laid back excursion offers scenic views of the barrier island from the water, and is a leisurely group activity.
- Dolphin Watching Cruise – for a chance to see some of Cocoa Beach’s local sea life up close, check out a dolphin or manatee watching cruise through the surrounding lagoons. While there is no guarantee that wildlife will be seen on the cruise, the tour guides know all of the local spots where you are more likely to see some aquatic friends!
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About the Author: Hi, I’m Jill! I am a biomedical & mechanical engineer who loves traveling during my free time. My hope is to help make it easier for others to plan their dream trips by providing firsthand experience from the places I’ve been! Read More.
