If you want to go to Florida for the beaches, you’ll want to find the best beach to spend your time at. Although it’s a tough competition, many would say that Cocoa Beach holds the prime position. However, sometimes it doesn’t matter how great the beach itself is if there is nothing else to do in the area. The good news about Cocoa Beach is that there is plenty to do when you don’t want to be on the sand or in the sea anymore. Read on to find out more.
- Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort
This hotel has its own waterpark.
If there is one thing you can rely on when you go to Cocoa Beach, it’s Westgate Cocoa Beach Resorts. Westgate Resorts in Florida have an excellent reputation for comfort, luxury, great pricing, and plenty of amenities. If you’re looking for something to do when you come in from the beach, this hotel lives up to that reputation very well indeed. To begin with, the hotel has its own waterpark, complete with a lazy river and slides. Plus, you can pick from a wide range of different rooms, including suites, offering space for everyone. The onsite restaurant and sporting facilities mean that you can enjoy your downtime in any way you want to.
- Kennedy Space Center
Could you be an astronaut? Now’s your chance to find out.
The Kennedy Space Center isn’t on Cocoa Beach, but it’s close to it, and if you’re staying in the area, it’s certainly worth taking the short trip to visit. You’ll be able to learn all about space exploration, and specifically the US’s part in it. Not only will you be able to gain a better understanding of how it happened, but you’ll be able to ‘meet’ the people behind it all, which isn’t something many people are able to do. You can even experience some of what it’s like to go up into space, thanks to a variety of exciting simulators. It’s an interactive experience you can’t forget. Make sure you check out the displays of real rockets and aircraft around the site, and in some cases, you can even meet a real astronaut, depending on the date you visit. If you pay extra, you can become an astronaut or at least receive some of their training.
- Historic Cocoa Village
Home to the Florida Historical Society and local artisans.
Sometimes it seems as though if you put the word ‘historic’ in front of something, that’s enough. However, with Historic Cocoa Village, the place does deserve that name, and that’s just one of the things that makes it stand out and ensure it’s worth visiting. The village was first built in the 19th century, and it certainly does still hold some of that original charm, but it has also caught up to the 21st century and is a great shopping and entertainment complex too. This is a colorful, bright, fun place with plenty of history to discover as you wander around and enjoy the vibrant bohemian feel. It’s a place full of local stores and artists plying their wares, and it’s lovely because of it. If you want a laidback day or window-shopping (or real shopping) in a unique place, Historic Cocoa Village has to be your first choice. It’s also home to the Florida Historical Society, so make sure you check that out too.
- Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse
See a show at Broadway on Brevard.
Something specific within the Historic Cocoa Village that you should take a look more closely at is the gorgeous Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse. This theater (once known as the Aladdin Theater) originally opened in 1924 and is a hugely influential place within the area today. If you love theater, and especially if you love musicals, you’ll love whatever is playing at this venue when you’re staying in Cocoa Beach. There are so many shows there that it even has its own nickname; Broadway on Brevard. The building itself is lovely, with its red-bricked façade and white pillars and accents. Inside, the seats are red and plush, and there are many red, gold, and wooden elements. The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse is a fascinating and entertaining place to go for a great night out (followed by a meal in one of the many nearby restaurants).
- Brevard Zoo
How close will you get to the animals?
Another short drive from Cocoa Beach itself is Brevard Zoo. Unlike some zoos, Brevard Zoo is not just about showing captive animals. This zoo prides itself on the conservation work it does – funded by the entrance tickets to the zoo – and how interactive it is. This is where people can get to learn about animals and how they live while they enjoy a fun day out for the whole family. For example, there is a Paws on Play area in which you can get close to a variety of different insects and animals. There is also an area dedicated to native Florida wildlife, plus one that links to African animals, as well as much more. If you’re in the mood for a great adventure, you can buy additional tickets to do things like kayaking and ziplining.
- Brevard Museum Of History And Natural Science
Perfect inside and out.
Who doesn’t love learning new things whether at home or on vacation? Even if you spend most of your time away from home on the white sandy beach or in the tempting sea, you’ll want to take a day to visit the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science. It’s got everything you might want to see, and plenty you didn’t realize you wanted to see. There is free parking, which is the first benefit, and inside you’ll find exhibits that are all about science and local history. This is where you’ll find the Windover Woman, said to be the oldest human found in North America; the entire dig where she was found has been recreated for visitors. Plus, there are many other exhibits, including one detailing the early days of the pioneers and how the railroads began. There is even more to see outside; the museum sits on 22 acres of trails, and they are all well signposted; there is even a lovely butterfly garden.
- Cocoa Beach Kayaking Tour
See manatees up close.
There are many wild animals that live in Florida, but one that seems to fascinate a lot of people is the manatee. Also known as ‘sea cows,’ manatees might not be so beautiful, but they are still lovely and graceful. When you take part in a Cocoa Beach kayaking tour, you can get close to these creatures. The guided tours meander through the Indian River Lagoon or Thousand Islands, so not only will you see manatees, but there will be plenty of other animals to enjoy, as well as some stunning scenery. The great thing about this tour is that you won’t fail to spot the manatees; they usually swim right up to the kayaks, so don’t forget your camera.
- Cocoa Beach Pier
A great place to find unique treasures.
Even if you’re not particularly fond of the beach, you’ll still love Cocoa Beach Pier, and it’s certainly worth taking the time to visit and explore. It’s a landmark in the area, so you’ll find it easily – plus, it sticks out over the sea for around 800 yards, so you really can’t miss it. Many of these piers used to exist, but they have been removed over the years, so it’s a treat to find one that’s not only still around but that is used and enjoyed every day by thousands of people. All along the pier you’ll find unique souvenir shops, independent restaurants, and even live entertainment. If you can, try to see the sun rise over the pier at least once during your stay; you’ll never forget it.
- Go Fishing
What will you catch?
Whether you’ve never picked up a rod and line before in your life or you’re an accomplished angler, when you’re at Cocoa Beach, you can spend some time enjoying this fun hobby. There are many different places to hire equipment, and depending on how experienced you are, you can also hire guides to take you out to various points and even teach you how to fish if you are a beginner. Fin and Fly Fishing Charters is a great example of an outfit that will cater to your needs, whatever they might be, and they have some great reviews to back this all up. When you’re in Cocoa Beach, you can catch all kinds of fish, including tarpon, speckled sea trout, and redfish.
- Exploration Tower And Lighthouse
Enjoy the spectacular views from the observation deck.
The Exploration Tower and Lighthouse is in Cape Canaveral, just a short distance from Cocoa Beach. The building looks like sails at sea and is quite spectacular, but the outside isn’t the only great thing about it – once you’re inside, you’ll have a great time too. There are exhibits regarding indigenous people, local wildlife, the history of the area – specifically Cape Canaveral – and plenty of interactive things to do, too, including the chance to ‘steer’ a ship. At the top of the seven-story structure is an observation deck giving you unparalleled views. There is also a café, and you can take a tour of the lighthouse, which is 151 feet tall.
