Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach & the Space Coast: history

The first rocket was launched from Cape Canaveral in 1950. NASA built the Kennedy Space Center next door in the 1960s, and on 16 July 1969 Apollo 11 left from here for the Moon. The Space Shuttle flew from 1981 to 2011.

Rockets now launch from the Cape more often than ever, so there is a fair chance of seeing one. Cocoa Beach, the nearest beach town, is known for surfing. Port Canaveral is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.

Cocoa Beach & the Space Coast: tourist attractions

• Kennedy Space CenterA real Saturn V Moon rocket, the Space Shuttle Atlantis and the Rocket Garden.
• Launch viewingWe check the schedule for you. Launches often move at short notice.
• Cocoa Beach PierAn 800-foot pier with food and music.
• Ron Jon Surf ShopA famous surf shop, open day and night.
• Jetty ParkA beach where you can watch cruise ships sail out.
• Merritt Island Wildlife RefugeA wildlife drive with birds, alligators and manatees.
• Cocoa VillageOld streets with small shops and cafés.

Cocoa Beach & the Space Coast: excursions nearby

• Brevard Zoo about 20 milesA small, well-kept zoo with kayaking.
• Canaveral National Seashore about 35 milesA wild beach in sight of the launch pads.
• Orlando theme parks about 60 milesDisney and Universal.
• Daytona Beach about 75 milesThe speedway and a beach you can drive on.

Distances are approximate. Tell us which excursions you want and we add them to your quote.