Surf, Space & Sand Beckon In Cocoa Beach
Discover idyllic destinations on the Space Coast.
©Jason Hook
With Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center in close proximity to Central Florida, Cocoa Beach is a great way to get lost in space.
But it’s also an excellent place to explore by land or by sea. With its consistent waves and shallow waters, Cocoa Beach is one of the world’s best surfing destinations. The seafood is fresh. Sunrises and sunsets are mesmerizing. And the hospitality of the local hotels and resorts is comforting.
One of the better options—especially for families—is the Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort. Whether you want to take a relaxing dip in the pool or venture into the kid-friendly confines of a water park, the resort offers a wonderful getaway experience.
“Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort is just about an hour outside of Orlando. This makes the area and our resort a wonderfully convenient option as your downtime destination to recharge on the relaxing beach after visiting Florida’s famous theme parks,” says Jorge Rodriguez, general manager at Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort.
“Beyond the Cape and surfing environment, Cocoa Beach has a unique and diverse array of experiences true to the authentic Florida lifestyle, all while catering to various interests,” he adds.
The suites feature a master bedroom with king beds, two twin beds in the second bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious living area.
The water park has a pool, lazy river and a splash pad. The lazy river encompasses a 335-foot loop at a maximum depth of three feet, allowing kids and those young at heart to meander through a tropical landscape.
You can get the best of both worlds here. Visiting in conjunction with a rocket launch? Just step outside your room, grab a drink from the Aloha Tiki Bar and walk a few steps to watch the space flight.
“Simply look up to watch as a rocket travels 47,000-plus mph right before your eyes, leaving a trail of fiery orange to tell the tale,” says Rodriguez.
Westgate has partnered with the Visit Space Coast team to provide guests with additional welcome amenities and private transportation to tour the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, located just 12 miles north of the resort.
Photos Courtesy of Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort And Florida’s Space Coast Office Of Tourism
If the beach vibe is more your style, head on over to Westgate’s exclusive private beach at the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier.
The pier is just a three-minute drive away and is considered a historic landmark. It has been a local favorite for more than 50 years and underwent a $3 million renovation in 2023. Upgrades include a new souvenir shop, upscale waterfront dining with a sushi bar, customizable grab-and-go options and a new daiquiri bar. Get your Kelly Slater vibe on at the Cocoa Beach Surf School by Flohana. Experienced instructors are available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for lessons.
You might eventually carve out your name in the “East Coast Surfing Capital,” which has featured a contingent of legendary surfers—Todd Holland, Gary Propper, Dick Catri, Claude Codgen, Mike Tabeling, Bob Freeman, Bruce Valuzzi, Jack “Murph the Surf” Murphy and, of course, Slater, an 11-time world champion.
Back on land, the dining options are plentiful and yummy. A few places we recommend:
Kick-start the day at The Surfinista (86 N. Orlando Ave.) The menu leans toward the organic, gluten free and vegan side, but the flavors will appeal to most palates. The Avo Toast comes prepared in different ways. One of the favorites is The Blue Crush, organic multi-grain bread filled with crushed avocado and topped with blueberries, goat cheese and drizzled with honey.
Favorites at the Cocoa Beach Fish Camp Grill (5602 N. Atlantic Ave.) include Beer Can Chicken and Fried Gator Bites. There are live bands and line dancing on selected nights.
Want to get fancy and creative? Known for its contemporary cuisine, The Pompano Grill (110 N. Brevard Ave.) has a splendid reputation for upscale dining. The Grouper and the Lobster Deviled Eggs are among customer favorites on the expansive menu. The most eclectic offering may be the Psychedelic Phish Burger; the burger blends cobia, Scottish salmon and roasted cremini mushrooms and is served with Sesame Fries.
To learn more about Cocoa Beach, visit cocoabeach.com
