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
Guy Newman,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Cocoa Beach, FL sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Cocoa Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $519,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to The Topless Turtle - Where Riverfront Luxury Meets Coastal Charm. Discover the ultimate Cocoa Beach lifestyle in this stunning riverfront condo at River Bend, where Banana River views, ocean breezes, and front-row rocket launches are part of your everyday backdrop. Step inside and feel the calm of coastal elegance. The open, sunlit floor plan flows seamlessly from the kitchen to the
Like New, this classic CANALFRONT Cocoa Beach POOL home was remodeled down to the drywall with EVERYTHING UPDATED ~ Plumbing, Electrical, Impact Windows & Doors, HVAC & AC Ducts, Flooring, Bathrooms, & an absolutely Stunning Kitchen with Quartz counters, Viking gas range & more! Fully furnished too with thoughtful, luxury & quality finishes in mind. An impeccable turn key property along the
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
Highly sought-after 2100 Tower building, unit 110 is a ground floor unit, located in the heart of world-famous Cocoa Beach. Buyers can rest easy knowing the building's structural integrity, reserves, and assessments are in excellent standing. This beautifully updated unit offers modern touches throughout, including stainless steel appliances, nicely updated kitchen and baths plus wood-look tile
Oceanfront Living at Its Best!Wake up to stunning, unobstructed ocean views from this beautifully updated Cocoa Beach condo. Perfectly located just steps from Ron Jon Surf Shop, Starbucks, and the Cocoa Beach Pier, with shopping, supermarkets, and restaurants all within walking distance.Inside, enjoy tile flooring throughout, fully renovated bathrooms, and brand-new PGT impact windows and
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offering comfort and convenience in a desirable location. Step inside to find a well-designed floor plan with bright living spaces and plenty of natural light. The property features a large, fully fenced backyard, perfect for outdoor gatherings, pets, or simply enjoying your own private retreat. For added relaxation, unwind in the spacious hot tub,
Oceanfront Living at Its Best!Wake up to stunning, unobstructed ocean views from this beautifully updated Cocoa Beach condo. Perfectly located just steps from Ron Jon Surf Shop, Starbucks, and the Cocoa Beach Pier, with shopping, supermarkets, and restaurants all within walking distance.Inside, enjoy tile flooring throughout, fully renovated bathrooms, and brand-new PGT impact windows and
Beautiful renovated duplex available November 1st just one block from the sand and ocean! Water, sewer, trash included. Pet friendly with deposit. Washer & dryer for both sides to share out back. More work is being done to the property. Backyard will be fenced in. Kitchen is brand new with brand new appliances that have never been used!! New flooring, new bathrooms as well as new ac units to
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