If your dream beach vacation is more action-packed than laid-back, it’s time to book a trip to Cocoa Beach. This slender strip of land south of Cape Canaveral on Florida’s Space Coast—not to be confused with the nearby city of Cocoa—has six miles of gorgeous shores, easy access to the Banana River and the Thousand Islands Conservation Area. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Banana River on the other, Cocoa Beach offers just about any water activity you can think of. Add oceanfront parks, waterfront dining, and the possibility of spotting a space launch, and you’ve got the makings of a very memorable weekend. Here are some of the best things to do in Cocoa Beach.

Unlike many beach towns, you have your choice of inshore or deep sea fishing around Cocoa Beach. offers access to the Atlantic for great sportfishing. Dirty Dolly Fishing Charters offers full and half day charters where you can reel in sailfish, tuna, grouper, and more. They will even clean and filet your catch for free, and recommend area restaurants that will cook it for you. Explore the Banana River with captain Frank Catano, who specializes in fly fishing trips around the Indian River Lagoon System. Captain Alex Hughey of Florida Coast Fishing Expedition leads guided fishing trips both inshore and nearshore (out in the ocean) that include everything you need. 

Known as the “Surf Capital of the East Coast”, Cocoa Beach is known for having great waves, and is the hometown of one of the best American surfers—Kelly Slater. American Surf magazine recommends the water around Cocoa Beach Pier, Tables Beach, and Lori Wilson Park, but there are many other areas to check out. New to surfing? Try a group or individual class and learn the basics with Cocoa Beach Surf School or School of Surf.

Paddling is one of the best ways to experience parts of the Banana River Lagoon that you wouldn’t otherwise encounter. Cocoa Kayaking and Adventure Kayak of Cocoa Beach lead a variety of expeditions, including mangrove tours through the Thousand Islands and nighttime trips to see bioluminescent jellyfish. In the daytime, you might spot manatees, bottlenose dolphins and other sea creatures.

Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet or a place where kids can run free, there’s a stretch of sand for you in Cocoa Beach. Coconuts Beach is one of the liveliest areas; it’s located downtown and even has a popular bar right on the sand. Tables Beach, near Patrick Space Force Base, tends to be less crowded, although it is popular with surfers. Lori Wilson Park has a lovely beach and the most amenities (including six access points, a dog park, a playground, and a scenic boardwalk).

The Cocoa Beach location of Ron Jon Surf Shop isn’t just massive, it’s the world’s largest surf shop. The 52,000-square-foot space has everything you need to ride the area’s waves, plus a watersports rental shop next door. But one of the main attractions is the Florida Surf Museum, which is located inside the store. Check out rotating exhibits on the state’s surfing history, as well as photographs and boards belonging to famous surfers.

You could say that the heart of Cocoa Beach is its beloved pier, which was built in the 1960s and has held onto its nostalgic feel. More than just a place to enjoy ocean breezes or cast a line, the 800-foot pier is home to restaurants ranging from snack shack Sea Dogs to beach bar Rikki Tiki Tavern, souvenir-filled shops, and live entertainment. 

Local seafood is obviously the draw here. Cocoa Beach has a robust dining scene for its size, with a variety of restaurants that specialize in fresh catch. For a fancy night out, Coa is a popular spot for specialty cocktails and upscale dishes like hamachi crudo, beef tartare, and tagliatelli with crab. Open for more than 17 years, The Fat Snook is a longtime favorite for Caribbean- and seasonally-inspired dishes. Fat Kahuna’s is another beloved spot for creative seafood inspired by Hawaii, like Macadamia Nut Encrusted Mahi Mahi. Near the Cocoa Beach Pier, Cocoa Beach Fish Camp Grill’s menu includes fried seafood, gumbo, and barbecue. For tacos, burgers, and pizza, The Shark Pit Bar & Grill is a fun, laid-back place filled with surfing memorabilia that’s located in the Cocoa Beach Surf Complex.

Thanks to its location, the sunrises in Cocoa Beach are unmatched on the east coast. Head to the pier early in the morning for gorgeous, unobstructed views with great photo potential. For a completely different, yet still breathtaking experience, you might get lucky and catch a space launch. The pier has a great vantage point for launches on the Space Coast—stay up to date on what’s taking off with this guide.