Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is the closest beach town to Orlando, and as such, has a number of family-oriented settings. While surf competitions and bikini contests may not be in synch with the typical family vacation, there's ample room for families to steer clear of the wildlife.
You'll also find that Cocoa is a stopover for many people taking a cruise out of Port Canaveral. The port is home to the Disney Cruise ships Magic and Wonder. Carnival also has a number of departures from the terminal.
Many of the area's hotels are familiar chain hotels and many are located right on the beach - convenient as parking can be a hassle with beach cities in Florida.
There is a lively night scene - thanks in part to the "endless summer" surfing crowd of regulars and university students from Melbourne and Orlando.
Restaurants
Heidelberg Restaurant
With German and Austrian dishes in a traditional European setting, the mood is more romantic and intimate than you might imagine - Live entertainment on the weekends. 7 North Orlando Avenue.
The Pig and Whistle
This English Pub based restaurant has all the modern trappings for sports lovers. Classic and authentic English traditional offerings are coupled with fresh and varied seafood choices. A great place to sit and sip on a pint or two. 240 North Orlando Avenue.
Cafe Margaux
This New Orleans style restaurant serving French and Continental cuisine is located in the historic Cocoa Village and offers a romantic indoor dining and outdoor courtyard dining. 220 Brevard Avenue in the Cocoa Village.
The Black Tulip Restaurant
Affordable Continental dining for lunch and dinner inside or out. Features a full bar and all the classic menu items expected.207 Brevard Avenue in the Cocoa Village - mainland.
Places to Stay
The Resort on Cocoa Beach
And they do mean "on" Cocoa Beach. Large condominium type structure of eight stories is cheerfully appointed and offers a number of two bedroom suites with kitchen and whirlpool. Very family and child friendly - wallet friendly too, for fathers. 1600 North Atlantic Avenue.
Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
With almost 300 rooms, this seven storied hotel is situated right on the beach and is located south of the more touristy areas surrounding Ron Jon and the Cocoa Beach Pier. This is your standard beachfront Hilton and as such, unexpected surprises should be few and far between. At this point of the beach, the sands are wide. So, even with 300 rooms, it's easy to stake your claim on a sizeable plot of beach. 1550 North Atlantic Avenue.
International Palms Resort
This 13 acre oceanfront resort on North Atlantic Avenue in Cocoa Beach caters to business travelers as well as leisure and vacation travel. With over 500 rooms including many two level suites designed for families. Features an Olympic sized swimming pool and a kids pirate -ship themed pool. 1300 North Atlantic Avenue in Cocoa Beach.
Courtyard Cocoa Beach Cape Canaveral
With emphasis on business travelers, Courtyard has all the perks one would expect from this Marriott Chain Hotel. 3435 North Atlantic Avenue.
Best Western Ocean Beach Hotel
This large-scale hotel has two outdoor heated pools, free Internet access and a full breakfast - a nice collection of goodies to add to the affordable rates and oceanfront setting. 5600 North Atlantic Avenue.
Country Inn and Suites Cape Canaveral
Comfortable choice for visitors looking for something convenient to the Kennedy Space Center - a top choice for Florida visitors - 151 units with about half of them configured as one-bedroom suites (some have a Jacuzzi). 9009 Astronaut Blvd. in Cape Canaveral.
Attractions
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
This is an amazing place. Get up close to many of the nation's historic space craft - including the huge Saturn V rocket. It's about an hour from Orlando and the Disney World area and well worth the trip. The IMAX theater brings our space program up so close you'll feel as if you are in space. New thrill rides, a tour of the launch facilities and labs. A really remarkable trip that will inspire and awe.
State Road 405, Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
Brevard Zoo
This central Florida zoo is home to more than 550 wild animals from Asia, Africa, Australia, North and South America. Lots of exhibits including hand feeding the giraffes. The Brevard Zoo is located in Melbourne just south of Cocoa Beach and is a great place to bring the family. Site has rides and kayak adventures, too.
8225 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, Florida 32940
BCC Planetarium & Observatory
If the Space Center inspired you to learn more about the cosmos, the Brevard Community College (BCC) Planetarium offers shows, movies and exhibits. Also features an observatory. 1519 Clearlake Road in Cocoa.
Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science
Outside, the 22 acres of nature preserve and trails dovetail with the museums indoor exhibits that focus on local natural history and development. 2201 Michigan Avenue in Cocoa.
1000 Islands Tours
Offering nature and wildlife tours of the 1,000 Islands area of the Indian River Lagoon. Tour guide points out a number of interesting details about the dolphins, manatees, birds and other wildlife that inhabit this essential ecosystem. Departs from 500 West Cocoa Beach Causeway.
Local Resources
Florida Space Coast Office of Tourism - Cocoa Beach
Be sure to stop by and inquire about any events taking place. Knowledgeable staff can help you plot out the best places to enjoy your stay. 430 Brevard Avenue, Cocoa Village.
Cocoa Beach Area Visitors Bureau
A fully staffed Tourist Info Center can help locate local attractions and places of interest. Marked with the sign with "i", you can also pick up their Cocoa Beach Area booklet. 8501 Astronaut Blvd (A1A), in Cape Canaveral.
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