If you're heading to or near Cocoa Beach, Florida then you're in for a treat. This adorable east coast town has a ton of fun and unique things to do. With beautiful bioluminescence, beach sunrises, food, coffee, shops, and even launching rockets, you won't be short on entertainment or amazement.
I recently spent 24 hours in Cocoa Beach, Florida with my husband and two friends, and below are the nine things we did and recommend. Get ready to plan your next weekend getaway!
Before you continue, pin this post for future reference! ♥︎
Things to Do in Cocoa Beach, Florida
Watch the Sunrise
A Florida east coast sunrise never disappoints. Cocoa Beach offers the perfect spot to start your day off with the most beautiful view! We arrived about 20 minutes before sunrise and enjoyed every second of it.
Go to the Beach
It wouldn't be a complete coastal Florida visit without a trip to the beach! We didn't spend any time there outside of the sunrise, but there is so much more you could do. Here are a few things you can add to your list; swim, sunbathe, water sports, beach games, etc.
Walk Cocoa Beach Pier
Oceanfront piers always offer such a beautiful view of the water, and Cocoa Beach Pier is no exception. The scenic walkway not only overlooks the stunning ocean, but it also offers restaurants, bars, shops, and fishing. We took a walk to the end and enjoyed all of the sights.
Dinner at Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar
We had dinner at Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar and it did not disappoint! The food was delicious, and the views were incredible. Not only is the interior fun and attractive, but the location offers spectacular views of gorgeous boats and cruise ships entering and exiting the port.
Shop at Ron Jon Surf Shop
If you're looking for a fun shop with endless options for souvenirs, then Ron Jon Surf Shop is your place! The shop was so large that I could hardly see from one end to the other. It houses two stories and even a water fountain at the center.
Shop at Cocoa Village
Cocoa Village is an adorable downtown area offering shopping, food, and beautiful buildings. I purchased a couple plants from The Seaside Succulent, and my husband purchased a few baseball cards from Antiques & Collectibles Too. It was a fun afternoon enjoying everything the area had to offer.
Grab Coffee at Ossorio Bakery & Cafe
While we were exploring Cocoa Village we stopped for coffee at Ossorio Bakery & Cafe. It's not just a bakery though, they offer pizza and ice cream as well! Plus, the interior is decorated with tons of character and beautiful hand painted wall murals.
Watch a Rocket Launch
One of the most exciting experiences we had in Cocoa Beach was watching a rocket launch! It happens about once a week or so, and you can see it right from Cocoa Beach. Watching the booster land back on earth with a rumbling sonic boom a few minutes after the launch was just as incredible as the launch itself.
View the Jaw-Dropping Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence is light emission produced by living organisms, and it can be seen in the waters of Cocoa Beach, Florida! You can see it at night by producing movement in the water via a paddle or your hand. Some of the most prominent places for viewing bioluminescence in Cocoa Beach are Banana River, Indian River, and Indian River Lagoon during May through November.
Unfortunately, not only did we not have time to see it during this trip but we also were visiting during January. There are still chances to see it during off season, but it is not as prominent or active. We will definitely be returning in the future to experience it!