Coco Beach
1 / 10

Coco Beach

4.2
·6k reviews·Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Cocoa Beach offers a classic Florida beach experience with surfing, sun, and a unique nighttime bioluminescence spectacle.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more space

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Coco Beach

Coco Beach

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more space

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Cocoa Beach offers a classic Florida beach experience with surfing, sun, and a unique nighttime bioluminescence spectacle.

4.2
(6k reviews)

"Discover the magic of glowing waters on a bioluminescent kayak tour!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Parking Available

Look for street parking north of the pier for free access. Arrive early for the best spots!

✨ Kayak for Bioluminescence

Book a night kayak tour to see the water glow. It's an incredible natural wonder!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bioluminescent Bay

Bioluminescent Bay

Various tour operators

Witness the ocean glow with magical blue light at night. A truly unforgettable natural phenomenon.

Lesser-Known Beach Access

Lesser-Known Beach Access

North of Cocoa Beach Pier

Discover quieter stretches of sand away from the main crowds. Perfect for a more relaxed beach day.

Ron Jon Surf Shop

Ron Jon Surf Shop

Main Street

Iconic surf shop offering a vast selection of surf gear and beachwear. A must-visit for surf culture enthusiasts.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds

To avoid the busiest times, aim for weekdays and consider visiting lesser-known beach access points north of the main pier. Some travelers suggest arriving early to secure parking and a good spot on the sand.

Embrace the Night

Cocoa Beach offers a unique nighttime spectacle: bioluminescence! Book a kayak tour to witness the water glow. This magical experience is best enjoyed after dark, especially during certain times of the year.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more space
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings (for bioluminescence)
Why
Magical glowing waters
Crowd
Medium
When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful beach experience
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#cocoabeach #hiddenbeach #hiddengem #secretbeach #florida #travelsecrets
@nikki.travel.advisor
11.2K likes • 427.1K views

🎯 Free Parking Available

Look for street parking north of the pier for free access. Arrive early for the best spots! TikTok

✨ Kayak for Bioluminescence

Book a night kayak tour to see the water glow. It's an incredible natural wonder! TikTok+1

The best part? Parking is FREE! #cocoabeach #beach #floridabeach #localspot #beachaccess
@floridawithfive
7K likes • 201K views
The vibes, immaculate 🏝🍹💃 📍Coco Beach, Orient Bay, St. Martin, FWI Closed for the season until October & will be under new management, so it might look different when they reopen! #stmartin #sxm #cocobeach #orientbay #fwi #frenchwestindies #caribbean #beachclub #cocktails
escapeinhertravels
33 likes • 2K views

🏖️ Explore North Beaches

Head north of the pier for quieter, less crowded beach areas. TikTok

🏄 Surf Culture Hub

Visit Ron Jon Surf Shop for all your surf needs and beach vibes. TikTok

. COCO BEACH STAR 🌞🐚 . INFO & réservation : . ☎️ +216 99 752 023 ☎️ #cocobeach #hammamet #tunisia #gharelmelh #beachclub #tunisie
coco_beach_star
38.6K likes • 626.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Parking Available

Look for street parking north of the pier for free access. Arrive early for the best spots! TikTok

✨ Kayak for Bioluminescence

Book a night kayak tour to see the water glow. It's an incredible natural wonder! TikTok+1

🏖️ Explore North Beaches

Head north of the pier for quieter, less crowded beach areas. TikTok

🏄 Surf Culture Hub

Visit Ron Jon Surf Shop for all your surf needs and beach vibes. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.2
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Reviews for this Cocoa Beach resort are highly mixed, with significant complaints about poor service, inconsistent room cleaning, and disappointing food quality. While some guests enjoyed the beachfront location and specific events like weddings, many felt the value for money was low due to these issues. The resort's management and staff training appear to be areas needing substantial improvement.

"I will start with your taking your vacation and at times it’s a long journey getting to the resort leaving your house getting your suitcase going through customs and when you get to your resort, you don’t wanna be greeted unhappily no negativity no !! NO NO We wanted to make a reservation based on what they had said and this receptionist Tania said that we couldn’t because it was late!! it was 3pm ,and she immediately told the gentleman that was assisting us that there was no way we can make a reservation. They should at least keep some type of exceptions for people that are coming in at a later flights and not get a NO right off the bat getting to the resort listening to people say no to you and giving you the option of snack Bar.. buffet or the tacos at 10 PM is unacceptable . Then trying to sell the Gold Big turn off …That was my highlight from the beginning more training with employees . On clients satisfaction…along with communicating throughout the resort…also did not know that they can make fresh juices in the morning at the buffet entry at the bar until the very last day of our stay. the resort also lacks more structure on the pool side the kids are running everywhere and no parent supervision.i do have to say 10/10 with helding food waste at the snack bar however there should be an adult with the kids ordering food .. Also the pool needs work and when you’re coming from the beach, there was a wooden stand there my husband poked his foot with some type of nail it was very lightly ..that was loose .,so it does needs updating .. I also would recommend for at least one to give out some type of bottled gift to at least one per room so that if you’re not giving out bottles of water and you have only one in the room, you have to go out and get your own thermal or even buy water to bring into the resort since it’s environmental Friendly, which I’m all about that ,but a heads up would be good and if not at least give one per room as complementary meaning you know a very either a thermal or some type of something that you can give the guest there was three bottles in the front desk and I was never told that they were for sale or anything Yes we could have asked, but again, no communication. Options

Reservations on Mexican overall 0/10
Reservations on the Italian overall 0/10"

Esther Ramirez

"Save your hard-earned money and book a different resort! We had the worst experience with them! Their service is terrible. Our poolside room kept condensing water all over the floor during the daytime. We called the front desk and the housekeeping for hours to get the floor mopped, and nobody would answer! There was housekeeping in the room next to us, but she wouldn’t clean our room because it was supposed to be cleaned by a different person. She said she has reported, but to no avail! We had no cleaning done the whole day! What hotel doesn’t answer the front desk phone? Mind you, we paid $500 per night for our 2 nights stay with them, and the value for money was zero! The food was not worth it either! Vegetarian options are so limited, and they are so inconsiderate of it when requested. The servers and bartenders had no courtesy, and behaved like they were doing charity. They couldn’t even give me a banana for the baby when the buffet was closed, and were even arrogant and unapologetic about it! Being an all inclusive resort, they don’t have self-help laundry facility! And expect us to pay additional for laundry. When we raised all these concerns at checkout, they promised to waive off our laundry charges as a courtesy, but guess what! They did charge us after all! This resort is such a shame! We regret choosing them for our vacation!"

Ramya Gupta

"We had a great stay, slightly disturbed by a terrible experience with the night receptionnist. I had hurt my leg and couldn't go down to eat. He didn't like being kindly asked to bring food upstairs and wouldn't let anyone do it either. He was quite rude, probably because we didn't want to eat the hotel food, which by the way, need to be avoided.

The rest of the team was generally nice and helpful. The hotel is well located and the restaurants around are decent. The rotting seaweed smell was ever present, but we heard it's always like that this time of the year.

All in all, we didn't feel welcome and not being able to enjoy the food or get the room cleaned even once a day made the holiday more stressful than it should have been. We will not be going back."

Scarlett Pavlova

What People Like

Beautiful beachfront location
Wedding events
Food waste management

What People Dislike

Poor customer service
Inconsistent room cleaning
Disappointing food quality

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cocoa Beach is accessible by car via State Road 528 (Beachline Expressway) or U.S. Route 1. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest major airport, about a 45-minute drive away. Many visitors also opt for rental cars to explore the area.

Parking can be found along the streets, especially north of the Cocoa Beach Pier, where it's often free. Paid parking lots are also available near popular access points and attractions. TikTokReddit

Yes, Cocoa Beach is about an hour's drive east of Orlando, making it a popular day trip destination. The Beachline Expressway (SR 528) provides a direct route.

Public transportation directly to Cocoa Beach is limited. Most visitors rely on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services from nearby cities or airports.

There are numerous beach access points along the coast. The Cocoa Beach Pier area is popular, but for a quieter experience, explore access points further north on Arthur Avenue or other side streets. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, general access to Cocoa Beach itself is free. There are no admission tickets required to walk on the sand or swim in the ocean. TikTok

While the beach is free, some parking areas may have fees. Street parking north of the pier is often free, as mentioned by travelers. TikTokReddit

Cocoa Beach is open 24/7, as it's a public beach. However, amenities like lifeguard services and parking facilities may have specific operating hours.

Yes, for popular activities like bioluminescence kayak tours, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season or when the phenomenon is active. TikTok

Standard beach rules apply, such as no glass containers and respecting local ordinances. During bioluminescence events, be mindful of tour group areas and private property.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Beyond the sand, explore the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop, take a bioluminescence kayak tour at night, visit the Cocoa Beach Pier for dining and entertainment, or check out the nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. TikTok

Yes, Cocoa Beach offers a family-friendly atmosphere with gentle waves suitable for swimming and playing. Many find the beach access points and nearby attractions enjoyable for all ages. TikTok

Essentials include sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, towels, beach chairs, and plenty of water. For nighttime bioluminescence tours, bring a light jacket and insect repellent. Reddit

Lifeguards are typically on duty at designated areas during daylight hours. It's always advisable to swim in areas with lifeguard supervision.

The Atlantic Ocean waters can vary. Generally, expect moderate waves suitable for surfing and swimming. The water temperature is pleasant for most of the year.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Cocoa Beach offers a range of dining options, from casual beachfront cafes and seafood restaurants to bars and eateries along the pier. Many visitors also enjoy exploring local spots just off the main drag. Reddit

Yes, being a coastal town, Cocoa Beach has several restaurants specializing in fresh seafood. Look for local favorites near the pier or along A1A.

The pier itself has several dining options, including casual spots for snacks and drinks. Nearby, you'll find a variety of restaurants catering to different tastes and budgets.

Most restaurants in Cocoa Beach offer some vegetarian options, especially those with broader menus. It's always a good idea to check menus online or ask your server.

While Cocoa Beach itself is a public beach, some resorts in the wider Cocoa Beach area offer all-inclusive packages that include dining. However, the beach itself does not have all-inclusive dining.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots at sunrise over the Atlantic, the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier, and especially during the magical bioluminescence tours at night. The vibrant surf culture also offers unique photo opportunities. TikTok

Yes, photographing bioluminescence is possible but challenging. Use a tripod, a wide-angle lens, and a high ISO with a long exposure. It's best to practice beforehand or go with a tour that offers guidance. TikTok+1

Sunrise offers beautiful soft light and fewer crowds. Golden hour just before sunset also provides stunning light for beach photography. TikTok

Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local ordinances. It's essential to check current rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Cocoa Beach.

A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing beach scenes and wildlife. For bioluminescence, a camera with good low-light performance and manual settings is crucial. A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cocoa Beach is a fantastic destination for families. The relatively calm waters are great for swimming and playing, and the wide sandy beaches offer plenty of space for building sandcastles. Many beach access points are easily navigable with strollers, and the presence of lifeguards provides an added layer of security. TikTok

Beyond the beach, consider visiting the Ron Jon Surf Shop for a fun browse, or pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many public access points. For a truly memorable experience, look into family-friendly bioluminescence tours, which can be magical for children, though it's best to check age recommendations for specific tours. The nearby Kennedy Space Center is also a huge hit with kids interested in space exploration.

🏄 Surfers and Beach Lovers

Cocoa Beach is famously known as the 'Surf Capital of the East Coast,' and for good reason. The consistent waves make it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced surfers. You can rent boards or take lessons from numerous surf schools along the coast. TikTok

For those who prefer lounging, the expansive beaches offer ample space to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the ocean breeze. Exploring the less crowded beach access points north of the pier can provide a more serene experience. Don't miss the chance to witness the unique bioluminescence at night for an unforgettable aquatic adventure. TikTok+1

🌌 Stargazers and Nature Enthusiasts

Cocoa Beach offers a dual natural wonder: the ocean and the night sky. While the bioluminescence provides a magical underwater light show, the coastal location also offers opportunities for stargazing away from city lights. TikTok

For a truly unique nature experience, the bioluminescent kayak tours are a must-do. Witnessing the water come alive with light is an awe-inspiring event. Beyond the immediate beach area, the proximity to the Kennedy Space Center also appeals to those interested in the cosmos and scientific exploration.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Experiencing Cocoa Beach's Bioluminescence

Cocoa Beach is renowned for its spectacular bioluminescent displays, a natural phenomenon that transforms the nighttime waters into a glowing spectacle. This ethereal blue light is caused by microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates, which emit light when disturbed. The best way to witness this magic is by joining a guided kayak tour. Companies like Cocoa Kayaking Inc. offer specialized tours that take you into the heart of the glowing waters. TikTok+1

To maximize your chances of seeing the bioluminescence, plan your visit during the warmer months, typically from late spring through fall, with peak activity often occurring in August and September. While the glow can be seen on any dark night, moonless nights offer the most dramatic effect. Remember to book your tour in advance, as they are very popular and can sell out quickly, especially when the bioluminescence is reported to be particularly strong. TikTok

When photographing the bioluminescence, patience and the right equipment are key. A tripod is essential for long exposures, and a camera with good low-light capabilities will yield the best results. While it can be challenging, capturing this natural wonder is an incredibly rewarding experience. TikTok

Navigating Cocoa Beach Parking and Access

Finding parking and accessing the beach in Cocoa Beach is a common concern for visitors. While the main areas near the pier can get crowded, travelers often recommend exploring the beach access points located north of the pier. Many of these streets, such as Arthur Avenue, offer free street parking, allowing for a more relaxed and less expensive beach day. TikTokReddit+1

It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends or during peak season, to secure a good parking spot. Some beach access points might have small parking lots that fill up quickly. Always be mindful of local parking regulations to avoid tickets. For those looking to avoid the main hustle, venturing further north can lead to quieter, more secluded stretches of sand. TikTok

Beyond the main beach, some unique access points exist. For instance, certain private clubs or resorts might offer day passes or have specific access rules. However, for general public access, focusing on the numerous public beach access points along the coastline is your best bet. TikTok

Beyond the Beach: Cocoa Beach Activities

While Cocoa Beach is synonymous with its sandy shores, there's a vibrant array of activities to explore. For surf enthusiasts, a visit to the legendary Ron Jon Surf Shop is a pilgrimage. This iconic store offers an extensive collection of surf gear, apparel, and beach lifestyle products, embodying the spirit of the town. TikTok

For a dose of space exploration, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a short drive away and offers an immersive experience into the history and future of space travel. Back in Cocoa Beach, consider a visit to the historic Cocoa Beach Pier, which provides dining, entertainment, and panoramic ocean views. TikTok

Don't forget the unique nighttime attraction: the bioluminescence. Kayak tours offer an unforgettable way to see the ocean light up. These excursions provide a different perspective of the coastal environment and are a highlight for many visitors. TikTok+1

You may also like

1 of 2