Surfing - Even though our part of the ocean is not well known for big waves, Cocoa Beach is all about surfing. There are all kinds of surfing: in addition to the long board and short boards we traditionally think of, there's also wind surfing and kite surfing. You can rent surf boards at most of the local surf shops and most of them have instructors on staff if you want some lessons.
Parasailing - Lift off from a speed boat and fly open air above the ocean and get a truly unique view of the ocean and the coast line. The only company I know that offers parasailing excursions right now is Cocoa Beach Parasail.
Cocoa Beach Pier - This has been a landmark and a fixture in the local culture. It's a fishing pier that goes 840 feet out over the Atlantic Ocean with a tiki bar at the end of it and two more bars and two restaurants in the middle. The pier has weathered many a storm in its life time and even shows it a little, but it offers unique views of the ocean and the beaches and is just a nice place to relax.
Ron Jon Surf Shop - Also a fixture in the local culture, Ron Jon's is a unique icon and synonymous with surfing in the minds of Floridians. You can't go anywhere in Florida without seeing their signs. The surf shop is huge. Its open 24 hours a day and is often used as a landmark when giving directions. The building is painted in an array of pastel colors in Florida art deco style and it is illuminated at night with the color of the building constantly changing with the changing colors of the lighting.
Paleofun - This started out as a little storefront chuck full of all kinds of fossils and prehistoric things beyond the imagination. It just recently built and opened a large shop around the corner from Ron Jon's on SR 520 (Cocoa Beach Causeway). The store has a lot of interactive displays for the kids and sells unique artifacts ranging from $1 to $25,000. Definitely worth stopping by for a curiosity break.
Jet Ski Rental on the Banana River - Just on the other side of the intra-coastal waterway that separates Cocoa Beach from Merritt Island, which is called the Banana River, you can rent jet skis to ride on the river. There are plenty of dolphins that may just challenge you to a race.
Airboat Rides - Lone Cabbage Fish Camp is a hop skip and a jump by car from Cocoa Beach and has been traditionally the place to go for airboat rides through alligator country. They also have a restaurant on site and guess what's on the menu - "gator."
Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge - Nature lovers who aren't familiar with wildlife in the subtropics should really consider a day trip to the wildlife refuge. It was established right after Kennedy Space Center as part of their complex. I've had European guests actually change their flights home to a later date after spending a day there just so they could go back before going home.
Golf - Cocoa Beach Country Club is open to the public with three 9-hole courses and a driving range. Green fees are typically $30 to $51.
Fishing Charters - We are home to some of the best fishing with charters for deep sea fishing and flats fishing. If you're into tarpon, redfish or deep sea there are plenty of choices. For deep sea excursions, the Orlando Princess and the Miss Cape Canaveral go out daily from nearby Port Canaveral.
Kennedy Space Center - Cocoa Beach is dead-center of the Florida Space Coast in a great location to watch shuttle launches. Kennedy Space Center is the primary reason some people visit here. It's open from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. You need a minimum of 6 hours there, but passes are good for 2 days in case you miss something you were hoping to see.
Watch Cruise Ships - Watch the cruise ships sail out of Port Canaveral. Ships set sail between 4:30 and 5:30 pm on every day but Tuesday and Wednesday. These are some of the largest cruise ships in the world.
Picnic at Jetty Park - Jetty Park has all kinds of picnic pavillions and open-air picnic tables and grill areas. The park offers camping, fishing, swimming and more. This is also where the cruise ships enter and exit the port.
Orlando Theme Parks - It's only 45 minutes to Orlando airport and a few more minutes to the Universal Studios and Disney theme parks.
