Facing the distant Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, this 35-acre coastal park is a prime spot for sunbathing, fishing and watching cruise ships set sail. Chairs, umbrellas, kayaks and paddleboards can all be rented at the beach, which is patrolled by lifeguards. There are also grills, a playground and a couple of food concessions.

Ongoing port construction has increased noise levels temporarily, though not between 7pm and 7am.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Cocoa Beach Pier

2.71 MILES

Souvenir shops, restaurants and bars stretch along this 800ft pier built as a family attraction in 1962. It remains the focus of annual events such as the…

2. Sidney Fischer Park

4.37 MILES

The closest beach to downtown Cocoa Beach, Fischer Park is crowded with surfers and cruise-ship visitors.

3. Lori Wilson Park

4.97 MILES

A 32-acre, coastal park with a mellow vibe and facilities including wheelchair access, a playground, picnic tables and grills and a small dog-play area…

4. Kennedy Space Center

9.62 MILES

Within this 140,000-acre campus, the dreams of some of the greatest scientific minds of the 20th century took flight all the way to the moon and back…

5. EFSC Planetarium & Observatory

10.33 MILES

Discover new galaxies and constellations in this 70ft domed planetarium that projects the night skies in startling detail, enhanced with laser effects and…

6. Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum

14.39 MILES

What started off as a hobby for 12 combat veterans has grown into a 1500-member-strong club and fascinating museum, which celebrates the region's aviation…

7. Brevard Zoo

14.47 MILES

For more than 22 years this community-built zoo has set standards for imaginative design, immersive wildlife experiences, education and conservation…

8. Playalinda Beach

17.29 MILES

At the southern end of Mosquito Lagoon, Playalinda is popular with surfers. Boardwalks provide beach access, but only 2 miles of park road parallel the…