Things To Do

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The Kennedy Space Center has been one of the main hubs of North American aerospace development since the 1960s. The KSC Visitor Complex has a variety of fun, interactive displays, including the Atlantis Shuttle, Rocket Garden, Mission to Mars, and more on site. Admission also provides access to a bus tour that includes the Vehicle Assembly Building, SpaceX and Blue Origins hangars, launch pads, and ends in the Apollo/Saturn V Center which has a simulation of the Apollo Launch Control Room and a full-length Saturn V rocket. It is approximately 30 minutes from Cocoa Beach and is appropriate for all age groups.

Walt Disney World® Resort

Disney World is an easy one-hour drive from Cocoa Beach. Parks include Magic Kingdom (Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Cinderella's Castle, princesses, and all the other classics), EPCOT, Animal Planet (Avatar), and Hollywood Studios (Starwars Galaxy). For those that enjoy cold water in November, there are also two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. After a long day at the parks, Disney's Boardwalk offers a variety of restaurants and a view of the nightly firework show over the castle. A variety of one- and multi-park passes are available on their website.

Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios is perfect for any other rollercoaster/adrenaline junkies! The two parks include Universal Studios (all of the movie classics with a mix of rides and experiences) and Islands of Adventure (more rollercoaster heavy and Marvel Universe). Both parks feature different parts of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal is also an easy one-hour drive from Cocoa Beach, and one- and two- park passes are available on their website.

Historic Cocoa Village Association

Historic Cocoa Village was founded in the 1860s by the first fishermen who settled the area. The area began to expand into a small economic center in the 1890s when the East coast rail lines made the town their last stop and the perfect destination for northerners escaping the cold, hence the New England influence in many of the homes in the area. Today, it is a quaint downtown area with a variety of shops and restaurants and a riverfront park. Our recommendations include lunch at Ossorio's (Jenny's personal favorite), ice cream from the Village Ice Cream & Sandwich, pizza or other dishes from Ryan's, a stroll through the many shops, a play at the Cocoa Village Play House, or bar hopping through the Village's many pubs.

Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier

The newly renovated Cocoa Beach Pier has a variety of shops and restaurants worth checking out, including Boardwalk Bar!

Twister Airboat Rides

Twister Airboat Rides offers a look at our local wildlife, including gators, and marsh land. It is run out of a local dive, Lone Cabbage, which may be a culture shock to some (think a mix of Florida redneck and bikers) but offers Florida classics like fried gator and frog legs.

Brevard Zoo

The Brevard Zoo offers an awesome display of wildlife, including local wildlife and ecologic conservation education. The Brevard Zoo has lots to offer for all ages. In addition to many typical zoo exhibits (including Florida panthers), the Brevard Zoo also offers guided kayaking, aquatic experiences, and Treetop Trek (a ropes course/areal adventure).

4th Street Fillin Station

A former gas station turned restaurant, Fourth Street Fillin Station offers delicious American classics with a twist, a wide selection of local beers, and an over-the-top dessert menu. They offer indoor and outdoor seating with a fun atmosphere. We highly recommend!

Cocoa Beach Surf Company

A local favorite and competitor to the neighboring, world-famous Ron Jon's Surf Shop, Cocoa Beach Surf Company offers a variety of Cocoa Beach classics.

Ron Jon Surf Shop

Coconuts on the Beach

Coconuts on the Beach is a fun, beach front bar with a great atmosphere, and they often have live music. The menu has a wide variety with something for everyone.

Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar

Grills is a casual restaurant for seafood dishes including sushi, sandwiches & chowders plus tiki-style drinks, and one of the Ryan Family's favorites! It overlooks Port Canaveral, where you can see fishermen bringing in their catch of the day and cruises coming in and out of the port. Grill’s has a unique island atmosphere with live entertainment. We highly recommend!