3----2-----1-----Liftoff! We have liftoff! These
familiar words and a roar that will take your breath away can be heard in this
small east coast Florida town located near the Kennedy Space Center. What better
way to see technology in action then to experience the liftoff of a space
shuttle? Cocoa Beach offers this possibility and a whole lot more.
Located
on Merritt Island, a barrier island nestled between the great Atlantic Ocean and
the Banana River Lagoon on Florida’s central east coast, Cocoa Beach continues
to link the birth of the Space Age with the wonders of the future. Orlando is
only an hour away and can further enhance a vacation in the Sunshine State.
The
sandy shore is one of the main attractions of Cocoa Beach. The beach, along with
the weather, brings many people to the area. Many arrive initially as visitors
and eventually settle there.
Just
six miles long and less than one mile wide along most of its length, Cocoa Beach
is known as the surfing capital of the East coast with ocean beachfront running
almost the entire length of its city limits.
Fishing,
surfing, boating, sightseeing, shopping, excellent dining, golfing, nightlife,
and cruises are just a few of the many things to do in the area. The Space Coast
is the place to visit the Kennedy Space Center),to go deep sea fishing, surf,
windsurf, rent a jet-ski, swim in the crystal clear waters, and take a river
tour to have a look at the Florida gators, panthers, sea turtles and other
awesome wildlife. Or you can drive the short distance to Orlando, and visit Walt
Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, and other Central Florida
attractions. Dinner will be waiting in Cocoa Beach at one of the many dining
spots on the beach, ranging from elegant to casual. After dark, enjoy the
nightlife activities from cool jazz clubs to beach side cafes.
The
Space Complexes of the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral are situated to
the north, and Patrick Air Force Base is to the south. Cocoa Beach is just
minutes from Florida's fastest growing port : Port Canaveral, offering world
class cruise terminals, affordable cruises to exotic Caribbean destinations, and
day cruises aboard casino ships. Deep-sea fishing boats and day sails are also
available. Merritt Island with its Wildlife Refuge is close by.
Where
else is it possible to choose whether to watch a space launch from the beach or
to observe a wide range of marine and bird species in their natural habitats? Or
to opt for a swim in the ocean, a quiet kayak exploration off the Banana River
islands, a round of golf at the 27-hole golf course, surf casting from the beach
for dinner, or just a day at the beach watching dolphins at play and watching
for a whale in migration.
Of
course, the primary attraction to Cocoa Beach is the weather. With its coastal
location and positioning between sub-tropical and temperate zones, the weather
is amazingly stable year round. This location attracts wildlife indigenous to
both climatic zones as well as coastal and migratory species. So, bring your
binoculars!
The
city enjoys an average temperature of 61 F in January and 81.6 F in July and
August, making any time of year beach weather.
While
strolling on the beach, many visit the historic Cocoa Beach Pier. Stretching 840
feet over the Atlantic, it features a wide array of restaurants and shopping.
Whether
you are just thinking about visiting Cocoa Beach or you have been here before
and are planning a return visit, this small beach community welcomes you with
great fun and a wide variety of activities, any time of year. With Orlando,
Titusville, and Melborne nearby, there are additional opportunities for
exploring more of the Sunshine State.
Whether
traveling to the Cocoa Beach area for a family beach vacation, Spring Break,
leisure travel, a weekend getaway, or just a day trip, you'll find everything
you need to make your visit one to remember. |