10 Best Attractions in Cocoa Beach

Swap your mundane days for the wind through your hair and sunshine on your skin this summer. Cocoa Beach has everything you could want on a vacation, including surfing, cultural attractions, and laid-back coastal charm. Start your day with a surfing lesson near the Cocoa Beach Pier, then explore quaint shops or sip tropical drinks at Rikki Tiki Tavern while watching dolphins swim by. You’ll be amazed by the life-size “Screaming Dinosaurs” and hands-on exhibits at The Dinosaur Store.

Lori Wilson Park offers peaceful nature trails and scenic beach boardwalks, while Alan Shepard Beachfront Park is perfect for picnics by the ocean. Visit Breakers Art Gallery for artistic inspiration or catch a live performance at Surfside Playhouse.

So gear up to explore the 10 best Cocoa Beach attractions!

Kick off your visit by enjoying the morning with surfing lessons or board rentals from one of the local surf schools before riding the Atlantic swells. Walk out onto the Cocoa Beach Pier, which stretches 800 feet over the ocean and is a great spot for fishing, grabbing a drink at Rikki Tiki Tavern, or watching surfers below.

A short bike ride takes you to Lori Wilson Park, where boardwalks wind through the dunes and provide beach access. You can also kayak nearby waterways to explore mangrove areas and possibly spot dolphins or manatees. For indoor fun, stop by the Museum of Dinosaurs & Ancient Cultures, and end the day shopping for surf gear at the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop.

Lori Wilson Park is a 32-acre oceanfront park that blends sun, surf, and nature. Visitors can play volleyball on sandy courts, stroll along the 3,000-plus-foot nature boardwalk through a maritime hammock, watch birds, or use one of several dune crossovers to access the beach. Picnic pavilions with grills make it a great place to relax and enjoy lunch with ocean breezes.

Stroll along the Cocoa Beach Pier, an 800-foot-long landmark extending over the Atlantic Ocean. Originally opened in 1962 as the Canaveral Pier, it’s a popular spot for sightseeing and, on occasion, viewing rocket launches from nearby Cape Canaveral.

You’ll find surf shops, souvenir stores, and dining options along the pier. Grab shaved ice at Maui J’s or enjoy tropical drinks at Rikki Tiki Tavern. Restaurants like Pier 62 and The Boardwalk Bar serve seafood favorites, and beach volleyball courts nearby stay busy year-round.

Located at the end of Cocoa Beach Pier, Rikki Tiki Tavern is a laid-back, open-air bar perched above the Atlantic Ocean. The menu features tropical favorites such as Bahama Mamas and Mai Tais, along with popular dishes like grouper sandwiches, lobster clubs, pulled pork sandwiches, and beach burgers.

After paddleboarding, walking the pier, or spending the morning at the beach, it’s an ideal place to unwind. Happy Hour is offered on weekdays from 4–7 PM, with drink specials available.

The Dinosaur Store features a ground floor packed with unique gifts and an impressive collection of authentic dinosaur fossils, including teeth, claws, bones, and meteorites from around the world. Upstairs, the Museum of Dinosaurs & Ancient Cultures spans the second and third floors, showcasing full-size skeletons, prehistoric creatures, and exhibits on ancient civilizations. Highlights include Ancient Egyptian artifacts, replicas of King Tutankhamun’s tomb, and the Terracotta Warriors.

The Adventure Zone adds hands-on fun with live reptiles, fossil panning, science stations, and interactive games.

Named after astronaut Alan Shepard, this five-acre oceanfront park is a favorite for families and beachgoers. Spread out on the sandy shoreline, enjoy lunch under one of the covered picnic pavilions, or relax with views of the Atlantic. Umbrella and chair rentals are available nearby, and designated swimming areas make it easy to enjoy the water safely.

Cocoa Beach Skate Park is a go-to spot for high-energy outdoor fun. This open-air concrete skatepark features a flow bowl with pool-style coping for carving and drop-ins, along with a street section complete with ledges, rails, and banks. It’s suitable for skaters of various skill levels, and admission is free.

Breakers Art Gallery showcases the work of more than 40 local artists. The collection includes metal and wood sculptures, sea-glass jewelry, surf-inspired artwork, and coastal-themed pieces. Visitors can request guided tours from curator Dawn Harrell, often accompanied by light refreshments.

The gallery also hosts creative classes such as glass fusion and painting workshops, as well as private paint parties for kids, adults, and couples. During summer months, sidewalk art events bring live, open-air creativity to the area. Immersive painting retreats led by surf artist Wade Koniakowsky are another standout offering.

Since opening in 1963, Surfside Playhouse has been a beloved 250-seat community theater in Cocoa Beach. The venue hosts a rotating lineup of plays, musicals, improv shows, comedy nights, and holiday-themed performances. Past productions have included classics like Our Town alongside special guest performances and locally produced shows.

Located in Cocoa Beach, the Florida Surf Museum celebrates the state’s rich surf culture. Exhibits feature vintage surfboards, trophies, photographs, and memorabilia highlighting Florida surf legends, including Kelly Slater and other Hall of Famers. Special exhibits such as “Women of the Waves” spotlight the contributions of female surfers to the sport’s history.

Make your Cocoa Beach getaway unforgettable—stay at Anthony on the Beach and enjoy oceanfront views, comfy accommodations, and the perfect home base for all the top attractions!