Cocoa Beach, Florida: Vacation in Paradise

The ultimate beach town, Cocoa Beach, Florida is just minutes from downtown Orlando and dozens of Florida's primary attractions such as Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, Sea World and more. Located in the heart of the Space Coast, Cocoa Beach offers many attractions of it's own for you and your family to spend a leisurely vacation, business trip or even a quick day at the beach.

Fun for the Family on a Budget

Cocoa Beach has many affordable things to see and do for the entire family. Of course one of the most popular destinations are the pristine beaches. Many of the beaches are patrolled by life guards who vigilantly keep an eye on guests to ensure their safety, and local beaches are well maintained and kept free from rocks, liter and other debris that can ruin your day at other destinations.

The popular Cocoa Beach Pier extends thousands of feet over the ocean and is another popular beach destination. Other then a great view, you'll find shopping, and delicious restaurants at the pier as well as many vendors offering exciting beach activities like para sailing, jet skiing, banana boats as well as your standard snorkel and diving rentals.

Once you've finished at the beach, you could take the family to the Brevard Zoo, which is just minutes from Cocoa Beach. The Zoo is constantly being expanded and has always been family oriented with a special focus on shows and programs for small children. You'll find staff nearby willing to tell you about all of the animals, and make the entire trip an interactive experience where you don't feel like you've been on the sidelines.

Launch to fun at the Kennedy Space Center

It wouldn't be the Space Coast without the Kennedy Space Center. Here you can take tours with the entire family behind the scenes of the shuttle program. view the space shuttle and launch pad up close and view stunning IMAX movies that take space to a whole different level. The Kennedy Space Center also features the rocket garden, a massive field where the powerful rockets that brought America to the moon stretch out for all to see. A truly awe inspiring sight that should not be missed.

Before you leave the Kennedy Space Center and head back to Cocoa Beach you'll probably want to visit some of the rides that are available as well. The newly launched Shuttle experience ride allows you to sit in a scaled Space Shuttle simulator and experience the thrill of rocketing into space and back first hand. Using the latest in visual and simulator technology developed by the technical gurus involved with the space program this is one of the many must do experiences when you visit the Space Coast.

Cocoa Beach Dining and Adult Entertainment

While it's true that Cocoa Beach is the nearest beach destination to downtown Orlando, you won't have to worry about going back to Orlando for great food and dining. There are many dining options in and around Cocoa Beach. Whether you are looking to grab some great seafood, burgers or steak in shorts and flip-flops or something a little more formal Cocoa Beach has it all.

In fact Cocoa Beach is the central location in the Space Coast for the most exotic cuisines offering great dining traditions from all over the world. In addition to your standard chain restaurants, you'll find several Indian, Mexican, German and Caribbean style restaurants reflecting the multi cultural influence in the community. Pricing does vary with lunch typically being less expensive, but you'll have no problem finding great food at a reasonable price.

If your on a business trip or on a getaway without the kids your in for a real treat in Cocoa Beach. If dancing is your calling, you'll find several popular night clubs along highway A1A. The night clubs vary in music style and demographic. If your looking for the latest in club music, techno and hip-hop Liquid Lounge on A1A is a great destination. Looking for a group of people just having fun dancing to live music, visit the Cove for an older crowd or Squid Lips and Redheads at the Port for a mix of both. If your looking for a more casual getaway Anthony's Lounge on Barton in Rockledge is just minutes away offers a mix of different music, pool and dancing each night without the hefty cover charges, a great place not to miss!

If your on that business trip and looking for something even more "adult", the Space Coast also offers several adult only night clubs with exotic entertainers. Some of the more known local clubs have been featured on TV and in magazines such as Lidos Cabaret and Cheaters, both located right off of highway A1A in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral respectively.

Planning your trip to Cocoa Beach

If an affordable vacation or getaway to the beach, great night life and dining is in the cards then Cocoa Beach is the place to go. Below are some great ways to get started on your trip to Cocoa Beach.

Kennedy Space Center
City of Cocoa Beach Florida
Cocoa Beach Pier
List of Cocoa Beach Restaurants and Reviews