Last Updated on May 8, 2024 by Marybeth
You may be thinking of noisy spring breakers, cigarette butts in the sand, crowded bars and crawling traffic. This is not the case. And we’re here to prove Cocoa Beach is not a tourist trap. Ish.
If you choose to visit during most schools’ spring breaks, then we can’t be responsible for your experience. Spring break itself speaks volumes, but it’s not just the cliché college partiers who may be here the weeks of March 6 and March 13. Naturally, families will be traveling with their kids who are on vacation from school. There will be crowds. They may not be tossing used-up smokes (or used-up unmentionables) but there are more people here in March. Plan accordingly.
Also the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Kids are usually home from school this week as well. And all of this advice is for those of you who don’t enjoy crowds. I know some people who thrive on the excitement and vibrance of being among a lot of people. The older we get, the less we are drawn to sharing the sidewalk / sand / bar stools with a throng.
The lesser-known, less populated part of Cocoa Beach is the place to find an authentic Space Coast, surfer’s paradise, walkable vacation experience. For the longest time we didn’t realize there is an actual downtown Cocoa Beach: we’d stop at a beachside park before we got to the lovely, historic main street. Minutemen Causeway is the main street, bisecting North Atlantic Ave. and South Orlando Ave. (which, on the map, are both called Highway A1A.) Here you’ll find that exciting downtown revitalization has been happening, with shops, restaurants, bars, galleries, and a parking garage with easy pay terminals.
Everything is a block or two to the beach (or, on the beach.) You can park your car and not need it again for the duration of your visit. Unless you’d like to visit Ron Jon’s – which is a landmark: the world’s largest surf shop! – worth the drive (not far.) The Historic Cocoa Beach Pier is also a fun stop, with shops and five restaurants, including the outermost (you will be way out over the water – so cool!) Rikki Tiki Tavern.
Otherwise just park yourself in downtown Cocoa Beach.
Stay Downtown
If you love authentic, vintage, and also most importantly updated, you’ll love the Sea Aire Oceanfront Inn. Family owned and operated since 1950 – the famous Mercury 7 Astronauts stayed here! – the Sea Aire maintains that old-Florida feel, and along with its oceanfront location and gorgeous, spacious, breezy garden courtyard (you can get married here! Have a family reunion!) the stresses of modern day life will waft away as soon as you arrive. Within easy walking distance to the main street fun, this charming little inn is budget-friendly. Right now you can book 3 nights and get the 4th night free!
The Juni is a 7-unit fully renovated surfing-themed condo building a block and a half to the beach. The owners have styled the interiors and the fun back yard with a design-forward modern surfing vibe, with each unit named for local, iconic surf spots. Choose from The Shark Pit, Playalinda, 2nd Light, The Streets, and more. The Juni offers one 2/1, a 1/1, and 5 studios. Grills, yard games, outdoor seating and a cool stock tank pool beckon you to spend time “at home.” We’ve linked the VRBO listing, above, as it shows all The Juni room choices at one click. You can also book at Beachside Vacation Rentals, and some of the units are on Airbnb as well.
Stay Away From the Fray
If you heed our advice about when to stay in downtown Cocoa Beach you will most likely avoid any fray, but in case you don’t want that to be a variable during your vacation, consider these properties a short drive or trolley ride away from downtown.
This secluded oasis flies so far under the tourist radar you’ll think you’re no longer in a popular beach town. Wind your way through pathways in the lush gardens surrounded by palm trees, sea grapes, and plenty of shade. Private patios, a spacious shared oceanfront deck, BBQ areas, and hammocks spread throughout the property beckon you to hang outside even when you’re not lounging on the quiet beach.
Complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, beach towels, and boogie boards allow you to travel lighter: use theirs, leave yours at home. Yoga classes happen here, and an on-site rec room for relaxing on a rainy day. Visit their site to find current pricing for your dates. Beach Place Guesthouses is located just under 2 miles to the downtown area; take the Cocoa Beach Trolley and leave the driving to them.
We had our professional photos for this blog shot here! (Some years ago… I know, I need to update them as it’s been too long and we have gotten older. Not feeling older, but one look in the mirror… I remember my mother used to talk about the shock of walking past a mirror, catching a glimpse, “Who is THAT?”)
If you’d rather be overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and want to bring your boat, Lost Inn Paradise is your kind of place. Watch the sunsets from anywhere on the property, and the sunrises happening just across the street, from the observation deck. You can arrive by boat, or trailer your vessel and take advantage of the public boat ramp 5 minutes away. Complimentary beach towels, BBQ grills, 1- and 2-person kayaks area available. Kitchenettes include microwave, full size refrigerator, and coffee maker. Lost Inn Paradise is located approximately 3 miles from downtown. Take that Cocoa Beach Trolley.
If you’re familiar with the area and remember the old Dolphin Inn, everything has changed. The property has been beautifully and totally renovated. Banish your thoughts of that old Dolphin!
Dine & Drink
Area 142 gives this premier corner of Cocoa Beach (just down the street from Coconuts on the Beach) a modern, fun look. A two-story full liquor bar and restaurant, Area 142 offered live music, VJs, DJs, and a beautiful open-air event space.
Cheese boards, charcuterie boards, jams, honey, olives, cornichons, mustard, marmalades – or all of that on a board are Boardroom’s specialty but you can also choose Stuffed Cremini Mushrooms, Meatballs Ricotta, boiled peanuts and more. Think tapas style small plates, served in an upscale space with indoor and outdoor seating. Large selection of wines and craft beers.
Making pizza for over 25 years says success! Also being #1 on Yelp says it as well! Besides pizza Bruno’s offers calzones, strombolis, hot & cold subs, chicken wings, salads, and a few full dinner entrees. Eat in, carry out, or have your order delivered free locally.
Cool laid-back surfer vibe + healthy food that tastes amazing! Cafe Surfinista offers so much for everyone – vegan, organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian. Açai bowls, smoothies, coffee, wraps, salads, poké bowls, street tacos, burritos, and more. Their menu is way too long to give it justice here, visit the website to see all they have to offer.
Colorful Coastal Market! As I skipped around finding so many new places to share with you, what popped out the most (and just about made my eyes pop out of my head, in a good way) was how colorful downtown Cocoa Beach is. “Your local spot to stop and shop”: fresh produce, homemade treats, full service deli with grab-and-go items like house-made stuffed peppers, buffalo chicken dip, German potato salad, meat lasagna… You get the idea. Coastal Market caters, also.
We’ll admit that famous Coconuts on the Beach is not not touristy. In fact, this is where the crowds gather, and if you like people-watching, park yourself here for an afternoon. Ocean front, with plenty of breezy outdoor seating, you can watch volleyball games and a steady stream of beach goers. From their website: “The only true beach bar in Cocoa Beach that offers live music, fantastic cocktails, service to the beach and great food.” We did not know about the service to the beach! How fun and concierge-ish!
Gas station food takes on a whole new meaning here, and 4th Street is no longer a gas station. Killer food, cocktails, wine & beer (175+ beers available!), brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and breakfast daily beginning at 7:30 am. Our vegan family members are thrilled with their 100% Plant-Based Promise and the plethora of vegan choices. Our omnivores go for the Bulgogi Beef Tacos, The 2 am Burger, House-Smoked Wings and so much more. Sit inside with the breezes flowing through the big garage bays, or out back under the 100 year-old oak tree.
4th Street Fillin’ Station is in the middle of expanding their kitchen to over three times its current size. The renovation is expected to be finished in January 2024. In the meantime meals are being created in three mobile food trucks! Three menus to choose from! And who doesn’t love a food truck?
We like to take credit for finding this place before any of our friends, when we pulled in several years ago just to get gas. My husband walked in to pay and a minute later came running out “YOU SHOULD SEE HOW COOL THIS PLACE IS!” Now it’s famous. As should we be, for discovering it!
Enjoy organic wraps, sandwiches, salads, smoothies, bowls, homemade soups, juices, coffee, blended coffee drinks, beer & wine, with vegan, wheat- and gluten-free choices. The almost-secret outdoor back patio, below, is where you’ll want to spend some time!
You might think you’re in Maine – where family-owned Jazzy originated. Choose from live Maine lobsters, mussels, clams, and fresh catches from Florida waters. New England style rolls and seafood sandwiches, soups and salads, as well as burgers, chicken, and a kids’ menu.
Even just the name! We love a business who just tells it like it is. Inclusive bakery with nostalgic desserts, custom cakes (wedding cakes too), a full coffee bar featuring locally roasted beans from Axum Roastery, and displays of local art. Order a breakfast pastry, cakes by the slice, brownies, pie, cake pops, cupcakes, cookies, macaroons and more.
Don’t let the fun casual exterior fool you (plus it’s steps away from the beach, and party central, Coconuts on the Beach); Luna Food & Wine, AKA Kahuna, is upscale dining. Yes, you can wear your shorts, but expect to be wowed in the best way by the food. Chef Filadi has had 35 years of cooking experience in restaurants all around the world. Choose from delicacies like Kona Coffee Encrusted Salmon, House Specialty Lobster Ravioli, and Huli Huli Tuna.
Salty Sisters is new to the Cocoa Beach scene but the owners – two real-life, local sisters – are not new to the restaurant industry. Read their fascinating backstory! We love when a business tells us how the owners came to be doing what they do. Here you’ll find classic American favorites on the menu as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. Family-friendly, with a playground and tables for the kids! Full bar, live music.
Simply Delicious Café & Bakery
Located in a cute cottage (here I wanted to show you the tree-lined sidewalk and shady yard) Simply Delicious is just that. Come for breakfast or lunch, and you’ll find homemade breads and biscuits, omelettes, stuffed French toast, Canadian Bacon, seafood eggs Benedict, quiche, hotcakes, salads, sandwiches, and so much more.
Slow & Low Bar-b-Que Bar & Grill
Specializing in slow-cooked and smoked pork, chicken, ribs and beef since 2014. Not just meat, but shrimp, coconut shrimp and Mahi-mahi. Burgers, soup and salads as well. Indoor and outdoor seating and bars.
The Fat Donkey Ice Cream & Fine Desserts
With three locations, you can get your Fat Donkey fix several places – Cocoa Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Sarasota, and coming soon, Cocoa Village. We LOVE The Fat Donkey; my youngest daughter and her family are vegan, so taking our granddaughter out for ice cream has been challenging in the past. No longer! We all love their dairy free Cookie Crumble. Serving up soft serve, scoops, baked dessert jars, baked treats, Jack Smashers (just try it!) and more goodies.
Serving fresh Caribbean Fusion cuisine for 10 years now, The Tiny Turtle began with Chef Moises opening a food truck-style window at the annual art show in downtown Cocoa Beach. The Tiny Turtle is now lauded as one of the top full-service restaurants in Cocoa Beach, according to Yelp and TripAdvisor. The creative, extensive menu is too extensive to talk about here (we love the Sofrito Burritos) but click here to peruse lunch and dinner.
Tropics Cocktail Bar
With a happy hour that announces “DAY DRINKERS UNITE” we knew that this was the place! HH is 2-6 pm weekdays, late-night HH is 10 pm-midnight every night. Tropics offers a full cocktail menu (frozen, shaken, or stirred), beer, wine, bubbles and rosé, and shots. Good bar food menu as well with options such as Chile Lime Fries, North Shore Garlic Shrimp, sliders and wings.
Our list is a sampling of the great restaurant options you’ll find in Cocoa Beach; we’ve just shown you some here that are within walking distance. Many are a short drive (or Trolley ride) from downtown.
And here are some around the town photos, in case you need more to entice you to plan a visit to downtown Cocoa Beach:
Scrolling back through my photos I notice that there are mostly surf-related businesses, and vintage cottages, and fun and funky restaurants. Cool retro-feel places to stay. Perfect, for a beach vacation in a not tourist-trappish coastal town. Oh! I didn’t even show you the beach. Here we go-
Have you stayed in downtown Cocoa Beach? When? We’d love to get your input on avoiding – or embracing! – the crowds. Comment below or visit us, and weigh in, on Instagram.
