Planning for summer fun the whole family can enjoy is easy when you visit Cocoa Beach on the Space Coast. Cocoa Beach has a little something for everyone! Accessible beach rentals for family beach days, endless outdoor activities for active kids and teens, indoor museums for those hot days or shelter from our summer storms, and an exciting lineup of restaurants and bars to fill your bellies and your nights with unforgettable experiences.
When you take your family summer vacation to Cocoa Beach, you’ll make memories that last a lifetime. Check out a few of our favorite ways to entertain the whole family in Cocoa Beach this summer.
Take A Surf Lesson in Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is the Surfing Capital of the East Coast. Our consistent waves are the perfect place to take a lesson. Surf instructors in Cocoa Beach offer private or group lessons and are all over the area. A few we love are Ron Jon Surf School, School of Surf, and Cocoa Beach Surf School.
Paddle your way through the Indian River Lagoon
Summertime is a great time to be in the water. When you rent a kayak or paddleboard or join one of the many river tours in Cocoa Beach, you’ll get up close to manatees, dolphins, and other incredible marine wildlife. Cocoa Beach operators offer private or group tours and provide engaging commentary and information along the way.
Great Space Coast River Tour Operators:
• Wildlife Watersports
• Fin Expeditions
• Cocoa Kayaking
• BK Adventures Bioluminescent Kayaking
• Surf and Ski Water Sport
• Island Boat Lines
Outdoor Activities for the Kid in Everyone
When you’re done at the beach, but not ready to head back to the hotel, check out some of these high-flying, hole-in-one adventures everyone in the family will love.
Lighthouse Cove is a great mini-golf course. Choose from 2 courses, a whole case-full of handmade ice cream, and cold craft beers on tap.
Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures is an incredible obstacle course high above the beach. Courses range from easy to expert and it’s a great way to work out some energy and get a different perspective of this great beach town.
Beachside Grand Prix is Mario Kart in real life. Located in Golf ‘n Gator adventure park, you’ll zoom through a custom, multi-level course complete with power-ups and hairpin turns. It’s an incredible way to spend the afternoon in Cocoa Beach.
Escape to the Air Conditioning at these Space Coast Museums.
When you’re feeling a little too warm, depart from the beach and head indoors to these awesome, air-conditioned museums perfect for the whole family!
The Dinosaur Store & Museum is perfect for the little paleontologists in your group. Check out the life-size replicas of dinos, fossils, and more! Head down to the Adventure Zone where kids can play free arcade games, solve dinosaur puzzles and check out an awesome collection of reptiles.
The Florida Surf Museum is a free museum located inside Ron Jon’s Surf Shop. It’s full of surfing stories, memorabilia, and facts about how Cocoa Beach became the Surfing Capital of the East Coast.
The Exploration Tower located a short drive north of Cocoa Beach in Port Canaveral is 7-stories of interactive exhibits and the perfect view of the ships making their way in and out of Port Canaveral, and is an incredible launch viewing location. *Currently, the museum is closed to the public but the lobby and observation deck are open for breathtaking views of the Space Coast.
Kennedy Space Center is only a Short Drive Away!
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is just a short drive away from Cocoa Beach! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to inspire a love of space in your children and head north to Titusville. See real rockets, experience what a shuttle launch feels like, and explore the solar system at Planet Play!
Eats for Everyone in Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is an incredible town for family dining! While you’re in town check out o few of our favorite family-friendly establishments.
Breakfast
Tiny Turtle Cafe
Juice & Java Cafe
4th Street Fillin’ Station
Lunch/Dinner
Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier
Long Doggers Cocoa Beach
Coconuts on the Beach
Fishlips Waterfront Bar and Grill
Shark Pit Bar and Grill
Treats
The Fat Donkey
Florida Key Lime Pie Company
Ice Cream Hut
There are so many ways to enjoy your Space Coast summer vacation with your family and these are just a few ideas. To help you finish out your planning, check out the Space Coast Vacation Planner so that you and your family have the most epic time on the Space Coast.