With so many fun Cocoa Beach attractions nearby, it's no wonder that the ultimate Florida beach vacation starts at the Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Resort, the leader of fun, pet-friendly oceanfront hotels in Cocoa Beach, Florida. From a generous selection of four Cocoa Beach restaurants and lounges on-site to our exclusive KidSuites offering bunk beds and other kid-friendly accommodations, no other Florida beach lodging does more for every possible customer.
One thing you're sure to discover on your Florida beach vacation is that there are more Cocoa Beach, Florida attractions than you could possibly experience in a single trip, so it's a great idea to go in with a plan. Here's a top ten of our favorite Cocoa Beach, Florida attractions for you to enjoy.
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#10 – Cocoa Beach – It would hardly be a Cocoa Beach vacation if you didn't actually hit the beach, and our Florida beach lodging is right on the oceanfront. Having a great time on the beach is up to you, but it's not hard. Build a sandcastle (Cocoa's soft sand is perfect for it), enjoy a revitalizing swim, start up a friendly game of volleyball, take a romantic stroll down the beachfront, tackle that book you've been neglecting, or simply lay down and soak up the glorious South Florida sun. At Cocoa Beach, the time is always right.
The beach is open 24/7 however lifeguards are only available at specific areas and times, so swim safely, never swim beyond your skill level and never swim alone. Domestic animals (pets) are not allowed on Cocoa Beach, however a dog park is located next to our Cocoa Beach hotel.
#9 – Kennedy Space Center – The thrill of the Kennedy Space Center Launch Experience is truly like no other, and Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Resort is one of the top hotels near the Kenney Space Center. Located only 17 miles from our Port Canaveral hotel, in fact, the Space Center gives you the opportunity to train in a spaceflight simulator, study ten-story rockets, and tour America's busiest launch facility. It's an attraction that's sure to please the whole family.
The Kennedy Space Center is located in Port, Canaveral Florida and open to visitors from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily except Christmas and certain launch days. For more information, click here.
#8 – Port Canaveral – The second busiest port in the world, Port Canaveral offers more recreation ideas than you'll know what to do with. Anglers, or those who want to be anglers, have a world of first-class Cocoa Beach fishing options to choose from. Charter a boat for an exhilarating nighttime excursion, or simply bring your tackle and fish right off the pier. For something truly special, Port Canaveral's single-day cruises offer all the on-board entertainment of 5 or 7-day cruises much faster and for much less money. What better way to highlight that Florida family vacation?
Fishing restrictions are diligently enforced, so read signs carefully and ask questions when in doubt. Most day cruises are offered in Full-Day or Evening-Only packages.
#7 – Cocoa Village – This enchanting complex in Cocoa Beach stands out today as one of the most exciting Cocoa Beach shopping, dining, and recreation destinations. A beautifully-restored historic community along the Indian River, at Cocoa Village you'll find eclectic antiquing, specialty boutiques, over a dozen family and fine dining restaurants, and a gazebo where a live band entertains the night away. For something a little different, stop by Friday or Saturday night for the Village Ghost Tour where they add a little mystery to the history.
Please make reservations for the Village Ghost Tour by calling Vickie at 321-536-3951. Tours are available Friday and Saturday nights starting at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. For more information, click here (third-party site).
#5 – Ron Jon's Surf Shop – Only world-class surf spots like Cocoa Beach could be home to a megastore like Ron Jon's Surf Shop. More than a reliable place to check out the latest surf boards, duds, and gear, Ron Jon's is a Cocoa Beach landmark, a 52,000 sq. ft., 24-hour paradise devoted to the sport and lifestyle of surfing. Even if you're not ready to hit the waves, Ron Jon's Surf Shop is still an exciting place to be, with live music, local celebrity sightings, and demonstrations on a daily basis. Don't just visit Cocoa Beach, live it!
Ron Jon's Surf Shop is open all day, every day. Beach rentals available, parking is free. For more information, click here.
Like swimming, surfing in the ocean can be risky and should never be attempted alone or at a level beyond your skill. When in doubt, ask a more experienced surfer for help. He or she will be more than happy to oblige.
#3 – Cocoa Beach Pier – When staying at one of the Cocoa Beach hotels right on the oceanfront, why not take a trip to Cocoa Beach Pier? Over a million visitors and locals flock to the Pier annually to get an unrivaled view of the great Atlantic and the Space Coast and, since 1983, to experience the remarkable retail district that has sprung up. Fabulous Pier-front restaurants, rowdy bars, an arcade, and numerous shops make sure there's always something fun going on. No doubt it's one of the best things to do in Cocoa Beach.
Cocoa Beach Pier is open 24/7, however the businesses are closed after late evening. For more information, click here.
#2 – Jungle Adventures – Another "can't miss" for Florida beach family vacations, Jungle Adventures Nature Park & Zoo promises Florida as real as it gets, and it doesn't disappoint. More than a zoo, Jungle Adventures is a live guided exploration in which you'll encounter every manner of wildlife including Florida Panthers, Black Bears, White-Tailed Deer, Tropical Birds, and literally hundreds of alligators. You'll also see replicas of a 16th-century Spanish fort and a Native American Village as you would have found them so many years ago. Gather up the family and get ready for a wildlife adventure like no other.
Jungle Adventure Nature Park & Zoo is open daily, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., rain or shine. Advanced reservation discounts available for groups of 15 or more.
#1 – Theme Parks – The Space Coast is famous for its terrific theme parks, and Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Resort is your best choice among Cocoa Beach hotels to visit them all. The many parks of Walt Disney World® in Orlando, Florida offer a lifetime's worth of fun, so choose where to go carefully (not that you won't love them all!). The Magic Kingdom® is the original and most famous of the parks where you'll see nightly fireworks and the beloved castle. Disney – MGM Studios® gives a behind-the-scenes look at movie and TV production with plenty of thrilling rides along the way. And Disney's Animal Kingdom® will have your jaw dropping with an open safari ride through an African savannah. For more information, click here. |
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If sea life is more your thing, Sea World Orlando is only a short trip from our Cocoa Beach Florida lodging. Marvel up close at the ocean's most spectacular creatures including stingrays, sharks, sea turtles, penguins and dolphins. Be sure to check out their world-famous water shows. For more information, click here.
Walt Disney World® hours vary by park. For your safety, please be advised of all park entry restrictions. Sea World Orlando hours vary by the season but run generally from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
