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A fun weekend Cocoa Beach trip is an experience that promises to inspire! The following 3-day itinerary is a great place to start when you’re looking to savor every single second of the adventure.
It’s typical for travelers headed to Cocoa Beach for three days dedicated exclusively to fun and entertainment to be excited to get out and make the most of every moment. However, one of the best ways to kick things off is to simply kick back and relax on the sand! Cocoa Beach is known and loved by visitors from near and far for its spectacular landscapes, mesmerizing shorelines, and ample opportunities to take it all in at your very own pace. Begin your Cocoa Beach weekend away by heading over to Lori Wilson Park at 1500 N. Atlantic Avenue. The park is open daily from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm and is a perfect place to soak up the sun from sugar-white sands that are nestled against deep blue waves. At Lori Wilson Park, visitors will also enjoy access to everything from picnic pavilions and grilling areas when alfresco dining is just the ticket. This scenic park also hosts dunes that can be viewed from convenient boardwalks that wind their way through the breathtaking terrain. Those who happen to be avid bird watchers will want to be sure to have their binoculars on hand as this park is a prime place for both local and migratory birds to gather. For planning purposes, guests should note that Lori Wilson Park is also ADA accessible and enjoys easy parking options as well as restrooms and showers on-site.
After your day at the beach, basking in the beauty of nature, be sure to make time to take in a performance at the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse! Located just 20-minutes from the center of Cocoa Beach, this playhouse hosts Broadway musicals and film screenings as well as local performances throughout the year. Since its first opening in 1924, the playhouse continues to captivate audiences and tickets start at just $26 a person.
End day one of your journey with a trip to Pelican’s Bar & Grill where you can enjoy savory seafood selections and pair it with the perfect tropical beverage option too. Pelican’s Bar & Grill is found at 401 Meade Avenue and offers prime outdoor seating options every day of the week. Drop by Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am until 9:00 pm with extended hours on Fridays until 10:00 pm. On Saturday, this eatery is open from 8:30 am until 10:00 pm and on Sundays from 8:30 am until 9:00 pm. Whether you go with the seasonal Thai shrimp pasta or opt for the fresh-caught fare of the day, your tastebuds will surely thank you.
A weekend getaway to sunny Cocoa Beach is a great opportunity to learn a new skill on the waves. Consider starting day two of your trip with a surf lesson booked through the experts at the Coca Beach Surf School! These hour-long sessions are sure to inspire and include everything from an overview of water safety to the basic skills needed to make the most of time on the water. Lessons are typically hosted at Westgate Cocoa Beach pier with a group or private lesson available upon request. Follow up your lesson by renting a paddleboard through Cocoa Beach Surf School and spend some time putting that newfound balance to additional use! It’s a great way to wind down after so much adrenaline-pumping fun and simply savor the sights around you.
Keep the surf vibe going by next heading over to the Florida Surf Museum! Located at 4275 N. Atlantic Avenue within Ron Jon Watersports, this one-of-a-kind museum is always a delight! As you take time to browse the exciting exhibits and displays, you’ll learn more about the history of this unique sport within the greater Cocoa Beach area. Displays here host everything from photographs and surf accessories to full vintage boards. The museum is open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm daily making it a convenient addition to your itinerary.
Tonight, make your way to downtown Cocoa Beach and enjoy dinner with family or friends at The Tiny Turtle. This is a place to indulge your tastebuds in the flavors of Puerto Rico right in the heart of Florida. The menu makes the most of selections ranging from sofrito nachos to braised island chicken. Flavors abound with every dish, and you won’t want to miss out on the impressive wine and beer selections either. The Tiny Turtle is located at 249 Minutemen Causeway and is open from 8:00 am until 9:00 pm Monday through Thursday with extended hours until 10:00 pm on Friday. Saturday, they open their doors from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm with Sunday hours set from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm.
Begin day three of your Cocoa Beach adventure with adrenaline-pumping fun at Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures. This family-friendly adventure park offers guests access to everything from climbing walls and zip lines to drop towers and ropes courses. As you soar across the lines, you’ll enjoy unparalleled views and just as much fun! Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures is located at 6419 N. Atlantic Avenue in nearby Cape Canaveral and is open most days of the week from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.
After your thrilling fun at the aerial park, take time to stroll the Cocoa Beach Pier. This area is a perfect place for people-watching, shopping, and dining alike. End your day at Riki Tiki Tavern which is found at the end of the pier and offers up stunning waterfront views and flavors to match. They also frequently host live musical performances adding to the overall fun. Whether you go with a margarita or a pina colada, it’s a savory way to top off a great Cocoa Beach trip!
No matter when you arrive in Cocoa Beach, the team at Stay in Cocoa Beach has the luxurious vacation rental you need to make the most of comfort and style. Reach out today to learn more!
A trip to Cocoa Beach is a chance to make the most of shoreline fun. However, if you find yourself here on a rainy day or you’re looking for a change of vacation pace, a movie is always a good option! There are a few great movie theaters in Cocoa Beach to check out whether you’re looking to enjoy a first release showing or you’re excited to catch an indie film.
Travelers heading to Cocoa Beach that are in the mood for a great movie night will find everything they’re looking for and more at Merit Square 16 & IMAX. Head over to 777 E Merritt Island Causeway in nearby Merritt Island to make the most of a modern multiplex showing all of the newest Hollywood releases year-round! At Merit Square 16 & IMAX, moviegoers will enjoy access to ultra-large screens that host digital projection. Of course, when you’re looking to enhance the cinematic experience even further, booking a ticket to one of the IMAX or 3D showings here is always a good idea. Stadium seating provides guests with the best in comfort from previews through to credit while the comprehensive concession options make it simple to pair your flick with fantastic and savory options. Those who enjoy a movie at Merit Square 16 & IMAX will find themselves immersed in an elevated movie experience at every turn! The theater is owned by CMX Cinemas which offers state-of-the-art surround sound systems in all of its locations. Advanced online ticketing makes it simple for guests to reserve their seats early on while kiosks are also available at the theater if the mood to see a movie strikes you on a whim. The oversized theater recliners are endlessly inviting, and you won’t want to miss out on pairing that popcorn with a variety of candy selections too! When a movie is top of mind, this is a great place to set your sights the next time your travel plans bring you to the Cocoa Beach area.
The next closest movie theater in Cocoa Beach for moviegoers in the Cocoa Beach area would be a night out at Premier Theaters Oaks 10. This theater is located at 1800 W. Hibiscus Boulevard in nearby Melbourne and provides guests with a comprehensive movie-going experience with all the details in place cinema enthusiasts crave when they settle in to see a film. Premier Theater Oaks 10 is a multi-screen destination where guests can pick and choose between the latest film releases every day of the week. While many guests come to see what Hollywood’s most recent release has in store, this theater also hosts special showings of cinematic classics for those who are in the mood for a bit of film nostalgia! If you happen to be in the area hosting an event, or you’re traveling with a large group, there are options to rent out a theater here and make it a movie night to remember. Of course, the movie experience wouldn’t quite be complete without those mouthwatering concessions. The menu at Premier Theaters Oaks 10 hosts everything from traditional fountain drinks, popcorn, and candy to specialty beverages and options like milkshakes and fruit smoothies as well. Hot foods on the menu include personal pizzas, corn dog nuggets, and hot dogs just to name a few. Those 21 and up will enjoy the fact that beer, wine, and cider selections are also available to enjoy during a film when you choose Premier Theaters Oaks 10 as your destination. With a stunning surround sound system in place in every theater paired with digital projection and cozy seating—this is an experience you’re sure to enjoy!
A second movie theater option for those making their way to Melbourne from Cocoa Beach is AMC Avenue 16. Situated at 2241 Town Center Avenue, this cineplex is loved for its jumbo digital screens and 3D showing options too. In addition to first-run films, the theater also hosts viewings of special opera productions as well as sporting events throughout the year much to the delight of guests! Visiting AMC Avenue 16 is a breeze for audiences thanks to advanced ticketing options online and in-lobby kiosks. These theaters host inviting stadium seating, sensational surround sound as well as Dolby Cinema. Concessions are always within reach at AMC cinemas and if you happen to be a film enthusiast with a passion for artisan and indie films, keep your eye on the upcoming shows as this theater screens those as well! The AMC Stubs rewards program works at all AMC theaters so if you’re stopping by to see a film at AMC Avenue 16, be sure to reserve using your member number and app to get discounts on concessions and other exciting rewards!
Make the most of your Cocoa Beach adventure when you let the team at Stay in Cocoa Beach handle your accommodations while you’re in town. Reach out today to learn more about our incredible lineup of area rentals and how we can help you turn travel plans into a reality.
Travelers looking for that traditional beach getaway will find what they’re looking for in Cocoa Beach year-round. However, this is also a destination filled with unexpected surprises and places to explore! The following are 5 Cocoa Beach activities you can add to your itinerary when you’re headed to Cocoa Beach and looking for something different and exciting to try!
Daytime fun abounds in Cocoa Beach, Florida, but those who are looking for something truly unique to do while they’re here will want to set their sights on an activity that happens after sunset. At BK Adventure, guests to Cocoa Beach can book a one-of-a-kind bioluminescent kayaking night tour alongside a knowledgeable and friendly guide! This experience can be booked as a private trip or a group adventure but either way, it’s sure to inspire. Bioluminescence is light produced in a living organism like fish or jellies that occurs as the result of a natural chemical reaction. From above the water, this light is other-worldly and incredible to witness! BK Adventure bioluminescent kayaking tours traverse the Indian River Lagoon once the sun goes down to admire the light radiating from plankton and jellies alike. While a traditional kayak offers up a great view, booking a clear kayak bioluminescent excursion takes the glowing scenery a step further! In addition to these trips, BK Adventure offers guests options to book paddleboarding bioluminescent tours as well as sunset paddles that add a little pre-glow color into the mix as well.
A trip to Cocoa Beach often brings to mind leisurely time on the sand, but for those with a passion for wildlife, there are plenty of places to check out where nature is on display at its very best. One of them is the Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary! In total, this impressive and protected expanse of terrain covers more than 430 acres and is home to migratory and local birds and other wildlife that thrive along the canals between the Banana and Indian Rivers. A visit here can include everything from kayaking and hiking to incredible bird watching as well. Other wildlife you’re likely to set your sights on within the perimeter of this sanctuary include spoonbills, pelicans, and even alligators! When you’re looking for a new perspective on the lush terrain, take time to climb the watchtower where a bird’s eye view is yours for enjoyment. History buffs will appreciate the fact that this sanctuary sits on a former Ais Tribe city, providing access to legends and rich stories of the past alike.
Getting into the saddle and taking in the sights in a one-of-a-kind way is well within reach when you visit Cocoa Beach. Head over to Obloy Family Ranch while you’re in the area to enjoy an afternoon of horseback riding and animal encounters that are sure to thrill everyone in your traveling crew. The Obloy Family Ranch is located on nearby Merritt Island and functions across 110 acres of terrain. Visitors can book horseback trail rides as well as pony rides for little ones. There’s a petting and feeding area on-site where over 30 animals are waiting to be discovered. Homemade wine is served up for the adults while train rides are ready to entertain the kids too.
When adrenaline-pumping fun and a sky-high view are exactly your style, booking a helicopter tour during your time in Cocoa Beach promises to be a highlight activity! Seeing the captivating coastline from above is sure to inspire while major landmarks like the Kennedy Space Center seen from a bird’s eye view are definitely unforgettable too! Cocoa Beach Helicopters provides guests with options to book tours that provide views of Cocoa Beach as well as the greater Port Canaveral Space Coast. Prices range from $19.99 per person up to $229.99 per person depending on the flight length and itinerary. Whether you soar over the port or enjoy a see-it-all experience it’s a moment you won’t want to miss. Cocoa Beach Helicopters even offers sunset flights for those looking to add a little romance to the experience too!
If a day filled with climbing and ziplining sounds like fun, you’ll find an incredible place to spend the day at Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures. Located at 6419 N. Atlantic Avenue, this is a family-friendly stop where guests can put their skills to the test on over 50 tree top challenges across a course that promises to thrill. Whether you’re tackling the ropes course or a zipline, guests will find there’s always something to engage the senses and imagination here. From the upper-most points of the challenge course, you’ll get amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean, Banana River, and the city itself. Making the experience that much more exciting is just knowing that the 7 different trails suspended on towering poles are shaded by a canopy of oak trees that are over 100 years old.
When a trip to Cocoa Beach is what you crave, the team at Stay in Cocoa Beach has the beautiful and luxurious accommodations you’ve been searching for. Reach out today to learn more about our rental property options in the area and how we can help you turn travel plans into a reality.
Summer is just around the corner and there’s no place better to start the season than with a trip to beautiful Cocoa Beach, Florida. When your travel sights are set this direction, be sure to add the following Cocoa Beach activities to your itinerary to make the very most of the fun!
When you’re ready to get the summer going on the right foot in Cocoa Beach, heading over to enjoy time at Exploration Tower is the place to start! This must-see attraction and activity is located at Port Canaveral Jetty Park and offers guests seven stories of recreational fun to explore and experience. Even entering the tower is an adventure as the main door is accessible by crossing a promenade across the lake! Once you’re inside, you’ll find that the first floor hosts a savory café as well as an information desk and gift shop to pick up a souvenir to commemorate your visit. The second floor of Exploration Tower is where guests will enjoy access to the discovery center complete with exhibits and interactive displays that bring the area’s history to life in style! In total, the discovery center encompasses no less than 2,750-square feet of space! Making your way to the third floor puts you in proximity to a 72-seat theater while the fourth floor is home to meeting and event spaces. The fifth floor is where guests can enjoy simulating the experience of a harbor boat pilot. However, it’s the sixth and seventh floors that offer guests a new perspective on the terrain. From both floors, guests can access exciting and stunning observation decks where you can take in your surroundings or make the most of a prime place to watch a Cape Canaveral launch if your timing is right. Summer visitors can find Exploration Tower at 670 Dave Nisbet Drive.
Summer is an amazing time of year in Cocoa Beach to make the very most of wildlife encounters. The diverse habitats that make up this region provide a place for a variety of species to thrive—even in those times when they need a little bit of help in the way of conservation efforts. When you’re interested in learning more about land and wildlife protection, spending time at The Helen & Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary promises to inspire. Situated at 326 Barnes Boulevard in nearby Rockledge, just 14 miles west of Cocoa Beach, this sanctuary is a beautiful testament to how resilient the environment can be. The sanctuary is integrated into Florida’s Environmentally Endangered Lands program and covers 140-acres in total. A visit here puts guests in touch with exceptional pine flatwood habitats that are home to a variety of raptors. Sand pine scrub, freshwater marshes and oak trees also flourish within the parameters of the sanctuary. The best way to take it all in while promoting the area’s promise of environmental protection is to walk the mile-long nature trail on-site. From this vantage point, guests can take in the stunning scenery and observe wildlife in abundance.
Cocoa Beach is a captivating summer destination where guests can pair their time on the sand with an emphasis on the cosmos when they head over to NASA’s nearby Kennedy Space Center. When you take some well-deserved time to explore the Space Center Visitor Complex, there’s no shortage of out-of-this world adventures waiting! Guests here can browse a variety of space memorabilia on display as well as get up close to historic spacecraft. There’s a space shuttle launch experience to enjoy as well as opportunities to try out an astronaut training simulator. Take a walk through the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame during your summer visit or book a guided center tour with an astronaut for an even more memorable experience. There’s even a chance to book lunch with an astronaut when you’re looking for more time to dine and ask all the questions you have about space travel.
Kicking off summer in Cocoa Beach style means getting out and making the most of time on the shoreline. There’s no better place to do exactly that then Lori Wilson Park while you’re in town. Found at 1500 North Atlantic Avenue, Lori Wilson Park offers up beautiful beaches to explore as well as dunes, boardwalks, picnic pavilions and beyond! Summer visitors will find this an ideal place to swim, hike the nature trail, enjoys a barbeque, or even spend time in friendly competition on the sand volleyball courts!
When temperatures rise in Cocoa Beach, cooling off with a side of savory fun is easy to do at the Ice Cream Hut Cocoa Beach. Located at 1399 North Atlantic Avenue, this ice cream stop is a fan favorite for those looking to enjoy everything from milkshakes and sundaes to cones, shaved ice, smoothies, banana splits and beyond! The shop is open Monday through Thursday from 2:00 pm until 10:00 pm with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays from noon until 11:00 pm and hours on Sundays from noon until 10:00 pm.
Make the most of your Cocoa Beach adventure and make sure you have the accommodations to match by partnering with Stay in Cocoa Beach. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting property options and to start planning your trip!
If you are looking for the ideal vacation getaway that takes you away from the giant cities and onto a relaxing beach, look no further than Cocoa Beach. Our Central Florida vacation destination is the perfect spot to relax for the fall season. As with most coastal destinations, our summer season is often the busiest of the year. Take advantage of a slower fall season where there are less crowds and more opportunities to explore the coast. Here are some of our favorite fall activities in Cocoa Beach:
Perhaps one of Cocoa Beach’s most famous attractions is one that is actually found on a nearby barrier island. We are talking about the Kennedy Space Center, the famous shuttle launch center that leads our country’s space exploration. The Kennedy Space Center is open for visitors, letting you explore a variety of incredible exhibits that highlight NASA and our space programs. Attractions focus on space pioneers over the past decades, the NASA space shuttle, the Apollo Moon Landing, and plenty more. Each attraction is designed to be exciting yet educational for individuals of all ages. Visitors can even plan ahead and purchase tickets to see a live shuttle takeoff, a moment that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Take advantage of the slower fall travel season so you can experience the Kennedy Space Center without large crowds around you.
Spending a few hours at the beach might sound crazy to anyone if you were visiting somewhere else, but Cocoa Beach sees average daily highs around 80 degrees in the fall season, making it enjoyable to be oceanside. You will find over 70 miles of pristine beaches in and around Cocoa Beach. If you want to see surfers take on the mighty waves, check out Cocoa Beach Pier. This area is popular with the local surfers since it has several lifeguards nearby and some of the best waves in the area. Make sure you get the chance to walk the pier as well and check out the numerous shops and restaurants nearby. If you want a quiet moment with family or loved ones, check out Playalinda Beach. This 24-mile stretch of beach feature dunes and a lagoon that typically does not have a lot of visitors at once. There are plenty of other beach opportunities for you to explore and find during your fall stay at Cocoa Beach.
Another activity that is very popular in the summer and is just as fun in the fall is golf. Cocoa Beach golf courses feature beautiful fairways and plenty of sunshine throughout the fall season. Take advantage of the temperate weather and play any time of the day. Local golf courses to check out include Baytree National Golf Links and Viera East Golf Club. You will find unique hazards and engaging challenges with these local courses.
Hidden in Cocoa Beach is an area called Thousand Islands that features over 4,500 different plant and animal species. The Indian River Lagoon is a diverse locale that is sprawling with some amazing things to see in person. If you wish to get out and see what makes the area so unique, take a kayaking tour with Cocoa Beach Kayaking. This local tour company provides guided tours of nature that takes you around different canals and island. Expect to see bottlenose dolphins, manatees, and a variety of migratory birds. Each tour is offered at a leisurely pace and lasts for up to two hours in length. Another great way to see local wildlife is with an airboat tour offered by Twister Airboat. You will zip down the water on a thrilling airboat for a truly unique experience. Don’t miss out on this must-see activity right here in Cocoa Beach.
Cocoa Beach features an abundance of incredible fishing opportunities during the fall season when you know where to look. The ocean is your playground when you choose a professional fishing charter such as Fin and Fly Fishing Charters to help you explore. This company knows what they are doing and will show you the best spots to find trophy size catches with fish such as tarpon, redfish, and speckled sea trout, among others. Try to reel up your biggest catch or see if you can catch something that can be prepared for dinner back at your vacation rental.
These incredible activities in Cocoa Beach and many more can be yours when you choose this amazing place as your fall getaway destination. Reserve one of our vacation rentals just off the coast to have an incredible experience like no other.
You can expect a vacation filled with adventure when you choose Cocoa Beach as your next destination. Whether you are new to the area, or it is your 10th time visiting, it can be difficult to settle on any particular activity when there is so much to do around you. The perfect way to escape this “problem” is by booking one of the many exciting tours in the area! See Cocoa Beach from a whole new light when you have a knowledgeable tour guide showing you the most fascinating parts of the area. Take a look at the top tours in Cocoa Beach below.
Take a trip on the wild side and let Wildside Tours take you on an adventure you need to see to believe. This local tour company provides a variety of eco-nature tours that will take you out on the water to track down the unique wildlife associated with Cocoa Beach. No tour is ever the same, as the tour guides understand that animals such as manatees and dolphins will frequently migrate around the area. The Eco-Nature Tour will take you on a 6- to a 15-mile-long excursion to see the kind of wildlife you would like to see. This unique opportunity starts at just $25 and is two hours in length. Wildside Tours’s smaller boats allow them to navigate the waters easier than other companies and access smaller channels. You can book your next tour with Wildside Tours by calling 321-799-5495 or by emailing wildsideflorida@yahoo.com. Come see all of the incredible wildlife out here in Cocoa Beach!
Have you ever wanted to try paddleboarding, but were too nervous to try it out? If so, let Paddleboard Cocoa Beach take you on a guided paddleboard tour of the area. Their instructors will show you how to navigate on the paddleboard before you start the guided tour. You will be shown along the coast for incredible views. Try out the sunset tour for a magical experience on the water. You can book your next paddleboard experience with Paddleboard Cocoa Beach by calling 321-613-8687.
Many visitors do not know much about the extensive history the Florida coast has gone through the past few centuries. You can learn all about the area with an in-depth tour of the coast, including the good, the bad, and information left out of the history books. Karma Tours Florida can help you learn more about the region’s history while seeing incredible sights along the way. Their van tours will take you to monumental sites close by where colonial influence started hundreds of years ago. In addition to visiting natural landmarks, each tour may take you to learning centers such as museums, Indian burial mounds, and cemeteries. You may even venture out into the Indian River that features miles of unspoiled wilderness. For a spooky affair, join the Haunted Spacecoast Tour where you will stop at haunted landmarks across the area. This spooky yet family-friendly tour is a great way to set the mood in the evening for some thrills. You can book your next tour with Karma Tours Florida by calling 917-992-4714 or by emailing bruce@karmatoursflorida.com.
While other tours may take you out on motorized boats to see local wildlife, Adventure Kayak of Cocoa Beach enjoys the good old-fashioned way. This local tour company will take you on the water by kayak to paddle around the coast and local rivers. All fitness levels are welcome along with beginner kayak enthusiasts too. Tours offered include daytime and nighttime tours in search of wildlife. The bioluminescence tours are unique offerings that are exclusive to the area. Book a kayak tour with Adventure Kayak of Cocoa Beach by calling 321-480-8632.
Larger groups can join in on the fun too, exploring the coast for incredible wildlife by booking a tour with Island Boat Lines. This local company uses larger pontoon boats that allow for larger groups to travel together and have a blast. The tour guides are extremely knowledgeable and look forward to showing the kids a good time by having them take turns steering the boat. You will spend a good amount of time on the water enjoying the cool sea breeze as you look below for the wonderful animals of the area. Book your tour with Island Boat Lines by calling 321-454-7414.
As you can see, there is plenty to see with these incredible tours in Cocoa Beach only. You can prepare for a trip of a lifetime by reserving one of our exclusive vacation rentals in the area today. Come see how incredible Cocoa Beach can be!