Residents of Cocoa Beach often feel the earth rumble beneath their feet and see fireworks in the sky. That's because this small Florida town of about 11,000 is positioned between Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Patrick Space Force Base and Kennedy Space Center in what is aptly nicknamed “The Space Coast.”
“The beach is a great place to watch the rockets launch,” says Kenne Wells, executive director of Cocoa Beach Main Street. “It never gets old.” The town is on a barrier island between the Banana River and the Atlantic Ocean. Residents frequently explore the creeks and canals, while everyone seems to appreciate Cocoa Beach’s downtown district, which has everything from wellness spas and massage studios to wine bars and cafes.
Watch a rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island.
NASA's 1960s Cape Canaveral operations made Titusville part of the Space Coast.
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Beachfront condos and single-family homes with canal access
Tourism is a huge industry in Cocoa Beach. Many homes in the city are being converted to vacation rentals. Condos outnumber single-family homes, especially oceanside. On the river side, creeks break the land into smaller islands and peninsulas, making waterfront views more common. Most homes here were built between 1950 and 1980, but condos lean newer. The median home price is $475,000, slightly higher than the national average.
Riverfront homes in Cocoa Beach offer stunning views, peaceful waters, and a relaxing coastal lifestyle.
Large, high-rise condominiums line the beachfront in Satellite Beach.
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Beaches on the east and golfing on the west
Cocoa Beach has several public beach access points. Lori Park allows free parking and has a dog park. The Mansfield Maritime Hammock within the park is a section of hardwood forest great for hiking. The city runs the Cocoa Isles Country Club, which has an 18-hole golf course, and the Cocoa Beach Skatepark, located behind the high school. Anyone can explore the town’s rivers and canals via boat tours or fishing charters.
The large, colorful playground at Lori Wilson Park features a fun slide, swings, and climbing areas for kids to enjoy.
The Mansfield Maritime Hammock offers a quiet coastal habitat with shaded paths, perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll in Cocoa Beach.
The Cocoa Beach Skatepark offers smooth ramps, bowls and rails for skaters of all levels to enjoy.
Cocoa Isles Country Club offers lush fairways, scenic views and a relaxing golfing experience in Cocoa Beach.
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Burgeoning downtown with unique local shops and markets
The downtown section of Cocoa Beach is located right at its center, with small businesses ranging from bakeries to jazz clubs and seafood spots lined up on a Main Street-style thoroughfare. "You could spend the day shopping, eating, and having a cocktail here and there," Wells says. "There's just such a variety." Every third Friday of the month, Cocoa Beach Main Street organizes the Friday Fest, complete with music, food trucks, and artisan vendors.
Officials are keeping up with the tourism demands by building resorts and hotels. The 502-room Westin Cocoa Beach Resort and Spa broke ground in 2024 and aims to be one of Brevard County’s most upscale options. The city’s comprehensive plan also outlines areas of improvement for coastal management, infrastructure and housing.
Downtown Cocoa Beach is a vibrant area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment near the beach.
Junk Food Bakery in Cocoa Beach offers custom cakes, craft coffee, and nostalgic desserts. Everything is scratch made in house using the best quality ingredients.
Downtown Cocoa Beach features live music with local bands, great energy and a fun beachside vibe.
Friday Fest in Cocoa Beach brings live music, local vendors and a fun community vibe every 3rd Friday of the month.
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Space Coast Area Transit from the barrier islands to the mainland
State Road 1A1, or the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, runs the entire length of the barrier islands, and connects to the mainland via State Roads 520 and 528 to the north and 404 to the south. Space Coast Area Transit can take Cocoa Beach locals north to Cape Canaveral and south to Canova Beach. The Cocoa Beach Express shuttle service travels to Orlando International Airport, 50 miles away. Health First’s Cape Canaveral Hospital is about 4 miles away.
Specialty aquatic program at Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School
Cocoa Beach is part of the Brevard County Public Schools, which receives a B-plus overall rating from Niche. The system serves over 74,300 students across 111 schools and specialty centers. Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School offers an aquatic science program where students can get experience studying water quality chemistry and aquarium maintenance.
Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High School guides students to success in their education and personal growth.
Roosevelt Elementary School helps students grow and succeed in a supportive learning evironment.
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Community crime prevention programs and flood-related evacuation zones
The Cocoa Beach Police Department reports 83 incidences of violent crime and 230 incidents of property crime in 2024. Reports of violent crime tend to be higher around areas with high foot traffic and along the beach. The City of Cocoa Beach has City Watch and Business Watch programs aimed at limiting crime. Because of its location on a barrier island, the city is susceptible to high winds and storms, and is generally among the first Brevard County town to be evacuated.
Written By
Leilia Magee
Photography Contributed By
Rodrigo Betancor
Video By
Alex Jacobsen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Cocoa Beach, FL sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Cocoa Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $500,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Incredible Income Opportunity - Oceanfront Community Short-Term Rental with Future Bookings! This remodeled 6th-floor 2BR/2BA condo in the desirable Sandcastles Resort offers ocean views and is a proven income-producer with bookings already in place. Fully furnished and spacious, this unit offers, updated kitchen with breakfast bar, pantry, and in-unit laundry with full-size washer/dryer. The
Nestled in the heart of Cocoa Beach— minutes from the world-famous Kennedy Space Center, Ron Jon Surf Shop & the brand-new Downtown Cocoa Beach Food Hall—this condo blends style, space, & unbeatable location. Set in one of the most architecturally striking buildings on the coast, its unique semi-circle design surrounds a round, resort-style pool that gives the community its signature charm.
Beautiful MOVE IN READY, 2nd Floor End Unit in Cocoa Beach. These Owners Updated for Thier own Living Comfort; it was done Right! Not to Fix it Up in order to Flip. Throughout, you will Love the Bathroom Remodel, The View from The Kitchen, The Cabinets, Brand New AC gives you future peace of mind. Located in One of the Best positions in St. Lucie Gardens, this Southwest Top Floor (Second) Corner
Welcome home to this updated ranch blocks away from The beach, Ron Jon Surf shop & cocoa beach pier. This 5 bed 3 bath home has been completely remodeled. Drain pipes (2023) electric panel (2023) roof,windows & flooring. 2 master suites with private entrances (potential rental income/ airbnbs). Excellent investment opportunity or multi generational living. 2 car garage, fenced in yard. Central
Wake up to breathtaking Banana River views in this spacious 2 bed, 2 bath condo offering over 1,300 sq ft of living space! Enjoy water views from the moment you enter, flowing through the living room, kitchen, and dining area. Step onto the expansive balcony to take in stunning sunsets and spectacular launches over the river, with views of the pool and private beach access below. A community deck
How would you like to wake up to the sounds of the waves rolling in along with the breathtaking sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean? If so, then this gorgeous 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo overlooking the shoreline of Cocoa Beach is for YOU!! This beachfront retreat features a 36 ft. private balcony where you can sip your morning coffee while watching the waves roll in and dolphins playing offshore.
TOP FLOOR condo w/ amazing DIRECT EAST FACING views of the Ocean & Pier! Located in the heart of Cocoa Beach just steps to the beach. This spacious condo offers the ultimate coastal living, situated directly across from the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier. Watch the waves roll in, sunrises, and even rocket launches. This fully furnished abode features 3 bedrooms each with en-suite bathrooms and walk-in
DIRECT OCEAN 4th FLOOR Spacious open floor plan with your own large private balcony awaits. Fully furnished 2 bedroom/2 bath condo in a gated community with stellar views! Make it your own 1,602 sq. ft. of paradise. There is an extra nook space when you enter the condo. The large kitchen has stainless steel appliances. The bedroom with a view has a King sized bed and the other has a double. Your
Lovely furnished condo in the heart of Cocoa Beach located on the ocean. Windrush 113 is a ground floor & side unit where you can enjoy your own private patio and grass area. All on one level, 2 bed, 2 bath. Tastefully decorated with a European flair includes a full size washer and dryer, close to shopping, restaurants and the pier. Comes with shared garage. Seeking1 year term. Applicant must
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