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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GreatSchools:
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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 $506,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A must see for nature lovers and anyone seeking the beach lifestyle. This fully renovated 4 bedroom 2 bath canal front home (with a shaded dock and deck) is situated on a lovely wooded and quiet street in the heart of Cocoa Beach. The home is move-in ready and features a new roof , new hot water heater and updated electrical , a 7 year transferable warranty on a 2021 Daikin a/c system with all
This home checks all the boxes! No HOA, No Rental Restrictions, 2 blocks from the beach, meticulously maintained - 921 S Brevard Ave puts you close to everything. Walk to the beach, enjoy dinner downtown and finish with a gorgeous Banana River sunset - your new coastal lifestyle start here! This 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home is very well maintained, featuring tile throughout, bright natural light,
Buena Vista Condos! Community is located directly on the beach with private access! This spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath home has been thoughtfully updated from top to bottom. The fully remodeled kitchen offers modern finishes and plenty of space to cook and entertain, while both bathrooms have been beautifully renovated. Updated flooring flows throughout, creating a fresh and inviting feel. Major
Have you been dreaming of an affordable, updated home on the Cocoa Beach Golf Course? Look no further! This spacious 3 bedroom, 3 FULL BATH, 2 CAR GARAGE with golf course views has everything you want! The renovated kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and new cabinetry. A butcher block counter provides a warm contrast. Beautiful vinyl plank flooring flows throughout
Location! Location! Location!Nestled in a serene cul-de-sac neighborhood, surrounded by Florida's natural beauty. Take a swim in the large pool while watching the dolphins in this waterfront home. Navigate the waterways of Cocoa Beach using your own personal boat lift. This home sits nestled in the heart of downtown, and blocks away from the elementary school, and the Jr/Sr Highschool. Lots
Come live the luxury Cocoa Beach lifestyle right on the Banana River!! Gaze out onto the panoramic mangrove views or watch the dolphins swim by from your new private boat dock with a boat lift & deep water access. 250 ft of riverfront!! Relax by the saltwater pool with spa planning your day at the beach only a few blocks away. This showstopper of a home has plenty of space with 7 bedrooms (2 on
Beautiful oceanfront 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo available in the Constellation Condo Community. Watch rocket launches and sunrise over the ocean on the east side patio and stunning sunsets from the west facing terrace. This kitchen has a ton of counter space for the avid cooks. Large bedrooms and bathrooms. Home has a washer and dryer in the unit. There is a nice entryway area with lots of storage!
AMAZING Water Views in a wonderful building! Enjoy being a part of vibrant Cocoa Beach while having your own piece of tranquility, This lovely 2 bdrm 2.5 bath condo has a beautifully updated kitchen with plenty of counter/cabinet space and newer refrigerator. Opening onto the living space which has expansive, unobstructed views of the Banana River. This home is made to entertain! Your large
This ground floor corner unit comes with an assigned boat slip. Boat slip includes electric boat lift with security on/off switch. After a fun filled day on your boat, come home and take a dip in the pool which is just steps from your condo. Relax on your back porch and watch the sunset. Includes private one car garage plus additional assigned parking space. Walking distance to Publix,
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