Cocoa Beach Florida

Cocoa Beach Florida

46 miles south east of Orlando, 186 miles north of Miami

Cocoa Beach and the surrounding towns are part of the area known as the "Florida Space Coast". Nearby Cape Canaveral is synonymous with the NASA space program and the spectacular sight of rockets and space shuttles being blasted into orbit. The region hosts the hordes of tourists visiting the Kennedy Space Center. 

Its easy to overlook that fact that this was once a quiet peaceful place where city folk from Miami and Jacksonville came to enjoy the area's 72 miles (115 km) of beaches, excellent fishing, surfing, and great golf courses.

Those attractions still exist and continue to appeal to holiday makers who appreciate an affordable vacation haven. Accommodation in the Cocoa Beach area ranges from elegant to sand-in-shoes casual, with a choice from beach resorts, hotels, inns and vacation rentals.

The area is a prime destination for nature lovers. The Canaveral National Seashore and the 220-square-mile Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge have preserved the areas in their pristine natural states.

The Merritt Island Refuge protects more endangered species than any other refuge in the U.S. Visitors are more than likely to see an eagle soaring across a brilliant blue sky as the silver flash of a space shuttle streaking into orbit. 

Caribbean-bound cruise ships depart from the man-made Port Canaveral which boasts one of the best passenger terminal complexes in the world.

The south side of the port is lined with seafood restaurants and marinas, which serve as home base for off-shore floating casino ships and the area's deep-sea charter and group fishing boats. Port Canaveral offers three parks with one featuring oceanfront camping for RVs and tents. 

Getting There & Getting Around

Arrival by air is via Melbourne International Airport, 22 miles (35 km) south of Cocoa Beach. Flights are provided by Continental and Delta.

Orlando International Airport is approximately 35 miles (57 km) to the west and has many more flight options with generally less expensive fares due to the competition. It's an easy 45-minute drive from the Orlando airport to the beaches via the Bee Line Expressway. 

The nearest Amtrak services are to the stations at DeLand and Okeechobee.

 A car is recommended in this area. There is a local bus service operated by Space Coast Area Transit but the routes tend to be time-consuming.

  Cocoa Beach vacation highlights :: getting the most from your Cocoa Beach vacation

Cocoa Beach Florida
Cocoa Beach Guide