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Adjacent to one of the busiest pleasure cruise ports in the United States, Cocoa Beach is a popular,
Florida City. Aside from a Spring Break Destination, most people enjoy the activities in Cocoa Beach, pre
or post cruise. But what are the things to do in Cocoa Beach?

Cocoa Beach Pier
During our visit, the Coca Beach Pier was undergoing a massive renovation.

Some areas were reduced to studs, and most of the businesses were temporarily closed. It looks like it will be fun post-renovations.

I Dream of Jeannie Lane
The television show, I Dream of Jeannie, is Cocoa Beach’s claim to fame. The character Captain/Major
Tony Nelson, worked for NASA, and lived in Cocoa Beach. Though the show was actually shot in
California, Cocoa Beach is still a piece of television history. In 1969, they had a parade in the
show’s honor, and actress, Barbara Eden, pressed a button to launch a space rocket. She then gave
astronaut Buzz Aldrin a kiss on the cheek. Being a fan of all things pop-culture and roadside attractions,
seeing the I Dream of Jeannie street sign, is required.

The sign was constructed in 2012, and can be found in Lori Wilson Park.

It’s a photo opportunity, that takes five minutes, maybe ten if you encounter other tourists, who ask you to take their picture.

Canaveral National Seashore
If you just want to laze on the beach, there are plenty of free, stretches of sand, on Cocoa Beach. If you
desire to walk nature trails, see wildlife, and learn some history, Canaveral National Seashore is a worthy
visit.

It’s a non-stressful, few hours drive, from Cocoa Beach. It makes an excellent day trip.

Read about our visit to Canaveral National Seashore

Riki Tiki Tavern
One of the most obligatory things to do in Cocoa Beach, is having a drink at Riki Tiki Tavern. It is criticized by many travel writers and vloggers, for being too, “touristy.” Instead of being dissuaded, my curiosity is peaked.
The tiki hut themed bar, requires a jaunt to the end of the Cocoa Beach Pier.

The drinks are basic, and are served in plastic cups. You are here for the atmosphere. Sitting at the bar as a breeze tickles the thatch roof, and the waves gently roll below, soothes you into vacation mode.

We didn’t plan to watch the sunset from the pier, so it is a delightful, unexpected eye feast.

There is no question that Riki Tiki Tavern, is one of the more desired things to do in Cocoa Beach,
especially for pre and post cruisers. If you are in search of a “hidden gem” or that “hole in the wall,” search elsewhere, if you want a pleasant, outdoor, place, to enjoy a drink, and perhaps a bonus sunset, visit Rikki Tikki Tavern.

Cocoa Beach
If you are visiting Cocoa Beach, it’s easy to assume that you plan on a little beach time.

Our visit occurred in February, and in the morning at least, we had the beach to ourselves.

There are ample spots to rest chairs and umbrellas or rent some for the day.

Ron Jon Surf Shop
The cheerful building, beckons you to take a look inside. A surfer I am not, but I do appreciate the culture and fashion.

If you’re not in the market for a surfboard, no worries, they also have travel sized games, hair accessories, backpacks, stickers…there is something for everyone.
I spot the t-shirt from across the room. Fun fact, I’m not a jewelry, purse, or dress shoe girl, but I do have an ever- growing (some might say obsessive), collection of graphic, t-shirts. I feel a desperate need to add this t-shirt to my collection.

I chose pink.

Next to the main store, is Ron Jon’s Watersports Rental Shop and the Florida Surf Museum. The store is so fun to roam, we run out of time to check out the surf museum.

Art Walk
City street art went from novel, to trendy, to now, typical. What is not typical, is the individual
art. I still get a bubbly feeling of glee, every time I come upon a mural.

With a variety of eclectic shops and eateries, one of the great things to do in Cocoa Beach, is to take an art walk.

Have a wander, you might spy some creativity along the way.

Eat Ice Cream
Be sure to visit one of Cocoa Beach’s ice cream shops. Key Lime ice cream can be
found at The Florida Key Lime Pie Company and grabbing a scoop at The Fat Donkey, is highly
recommended.

Read more about us eating Cocoa Beach Ice Cream

Seminole Rest National Historic Site
An hour drive from Cocoa Beach, Seminole Rest National Historic Site, is considered part of Canaveral National Seashore. The site features historic shell mounds, created by the Timucua Indians.

It’s an educational experience for anyone interested in history, marine sustainability, and/or nature.

Read more about our visit to Seminole Rest National Historic Site

Kennedy Space Center
The most well- known of the things to do in the Cocoa Beach area, is Kennedy Space Center. This is a highly sought after activity for cruisers and/or those engaging in their dream, Orlando, theme park trip.
Kennedy Space Center welcomes thousands of visitors per day, to its sprawling complex.

It’s a thirty-minute drive from Cocoa Beach, and worth setting aside a full day, to explore all things space.

Read more about our visit to Kennedy Space Center

Sans spring break season, Cocoa Beach makes a relaxing, getaway. Whether you want to take a
hike at Canaveral National Seashore, or want to take a leisurely art walk, there are plenty of things to do in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

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