Here in Dallas we’re already having days in the hundreds (with heat indexes in the mid-thousands), so a splash in the ocean and a light coastal breeze are sounding pretty good right about now. Yep, it’s definitely time for USA Travel Guide to hit the beach, and we’re dragging the family along so that means Cocoa Beach, Florida.
A favorite for summer family beach vacations, Cocoa Beach on Florida’s eastern coast combines copious beachfront entertainment with enough area attractions to keep the trip interesting for several days. All the while, and most impressively, it remains a real place and not some resort-driven tourist trap. There’s a local flavor that’s missing from so many other beach vacation destinations, and doubtless that’s why we keep going back.
We let the beach itself be the star. Miles long and blanketed with light beige sand, Cocoa Beach is a versatile place that will accommodate just about any beachgoer. The sand is soft and comfortable, and it’s castle-friendly for you building enthusiasts. The water is ripe for a good time as well, with gentle and challenging currents for any skill level of swimmer, body boarder or surfer.
In fact, surfing is much more than a passing interest in Cocoa Beach, it’s a local pastime. Ron Jon Surf Shop, a popular 24-hour surf and beach supply store with locations dotting the east coast, has its flagship store in Cocoa Beach, which at 52,000 square feet happens to be the largest surf shop in the world. Visiting Ron Jon is simply a must for surf fans.
Pristine sand, killer waves, a soft breeze, what more do you need? Oh, something to do on day three? Well, might we recommend a few drive market attractions?
- Kennedy Space Center – the visitor attraction of the nearby NASA launch center is a major area attraction. We say buy up for the complex tour.
- Jungle Adventures – previously featured as one of out “Top American Zoos”, Jungle Adventures is home to 200 alligators as well as dozens of other Florida natives. Check out the “Dinner after Dark in the Jungle” program.
- Cocoa Village – historic charm is why most people go, but being the fan of ghost tours that I am, I head out on Friday or Saturday evening for the Cocoa Village Ghost Tour.
For family beach vacations in Cocoa Beach, FL, we like the Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Resort. The rates are always approachable, and the hotel is definitely geared towards families with a “Kids Eat Free” program, on-site arcade, awesome kids’ play pool featuring a pirate ship, unique KidsSuites rooms and generous pet policy.
Have fun!
First Image by Mike Russell available under GNU license.
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One Comment
Nothing is better than riding a bike along the beach. As a native floridian, this is something I have truly come to appreciate.
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[...] Cocoa Beach Better known as home to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, this beach is one of the coast’s most scenic stretches of white sand. A visit to the Space Center is a superfun family friendly spot, and after learning about our white-suited, moon-walking friends, you can find your own thrills only a little ways away. The Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Resort features a number of specials for a superb location with access to all the greatest Cocoa Beach has to offer – find yourself with two tickets to Sea World for heart-stropping thrills and shows, or an extensive beach package to provide all the things you might need to make your day at the beach a blast. [...]
[...] 1899, sand dunes stretch out beneath beach cruisers, wildflowers and homey households. Daytona and Cocoa Beach can’t compete with the serene sand and warm waters perfectly packed for biking or the surfers [...]