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 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Cocoa Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $410,000, down 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Cocoa Beach Riverfront with Boat Slips! You can update the interior, but you cannot beat this Prime Cocoa Beach Location! This 2-story end-unit townhome-style condo offers 1,627 sq ft of riverfront living on the NAVIGABLE Banana River with views of the Thousand Islands from your private balcony. Features 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, plus a flex/family room perfect as a 3rd bedroom or office. Enjoy
This is a rare opportunity to own in sought after Snug Harbor in unincorporated Cocoa Beach on nearly a 1⁄2 acre corner canal lot w/boat dock, large screen-enclosed saltwater pool, tons of living space (3376 sqft), 6 bedrooms, 4 w/ensuite baths and 2 first floor all with water views. A private, wheelchair accessible in-law suite has pool access and water views. Bonus room can be a bedroom,
Discover your dream coastal getaway with this move-in ready, VA-approved 1-bedroom, 1-bath oceanfront condo—perfect for a retirement retreat, vacation home, or investment property. Located in a small, pet-friendly beachfront community, this beautifully updated condo offers stunning direct ocean views, a peaceful atmosphere, and unbeatable access to the sand and surf. The building features a newer
Located in the heart of Cocoa Beach and just a block either direction from the beach and river is this 3 bed 2 bath 1 car garage pool home. Pulling up you have more than enough parking with the oversized paver circular driveway. Bringing you nothing short of the true Cocoa Beach vibe is an original GE (General Electric) full metal kitchen with one piece stainless countetops and all stainless
This is your chance to own an affordable condo on the Atlantic Ocean in Cocoa Beach! Large balcony faces south with a 4th floor view of the ocean! This furnished condo comes equipped with easy hurricane shutters, allows 3 month rentals and is great for snowbirds, investors, or anyone who wants to live on the beach! Amenities include pool, patio/grill, clubhouse with billiards, kitchen, pool
SPACE COAST FIND in FAMOUS COCOA BEACH just blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. NO HOA or FEES for this prime location! The street is lined with beautiful shade trees and tropical flowers boasting pride of ownership. This is a perfect house for a large family located on a corner lot with no rear neighbor and parking on two sides. The fenced rear yard has plenty of privacy and grassy area for
PRICE IMPROVEMENT!! Don't miss this opportunity for a great condo in a great location! Come today to see this beachside condo. A very well maintained Cocoa Beach complex steps from a sparkling community pool and 2 blocks from the beach! This 2/1 condo features spacious kitchen with double SS sink, beautiful countertops and ample cabinetry. Carpeted floors with tile in kitchen and bath.
RIVERFRONT!! The view from this condo is amazing!! Here is your opportunity to live on the Banana River with a view directly out your window! This beautiful 2 bedroom 2 bath end unit condo is waiting for you. Ground floor with carport right outside the front door. Easy access to the condo. New carpet in the primary bedroom and tile throughout the rest of the unit. Washer and dryer inside
Welcome to Crossway Beach! Direct oceanfront complex in the heart of Cocoa Beach! This beautiful 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit offers breathtaking views of the ocean from the private balcony. Very bright and spacious with washer and dryer in unit. Step outside and enjoy direct beach access, take a dip in the heated pool, or unwind in the community clubhouse. The complex offers a barbeque area, vehicle
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