Cocoa Beach Pier
Iconic pier offering ocean views, dining, fishing, and a classic Florida beach experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Cocoa Beach Pier
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic pier offering ocean views, dining, fishing, and a classic Florida beach experience.
"The beach is nice and never seems full even on the weekends, but the pier itself can be a disappointment."
🎯 Parking Savings
Look for free street parking nearby to avoid high pier parking fees.
☀️ Check Weather Before
Rain can close outdoor bars and shops, so check forecasts before you go.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Pier
Stretches over 800 feet into the Atlantic
Walk the historic pier, enjoy ocean views, and soak in the classic Florida beach town atmosphere.
Oceanfront Dining
Pier 62 Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar
Savor fresh seafood and classic American fare with stunning ocean vistas from the pier's restaurants.
Surfing & Beach Activities
Cocoa Beach
Catch some waves at this renowned surf spot, perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers.
Bioluminescence Tours
Nearby waters (seasonal)
Experience the magical glow of bioluminescent organisms lighting up the ocean waves during specific months.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking and Access
Operating Hours & Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Parking Savings
Look for free street parking nearby to avoid high pier parking fees.
☀️ Check Weather Before
Rain can close outdoor bars and shops, so check forecasts before you go.
🍤 Best Seafood Deals
Discover hidden gems for affordable and delicious seafood boils.
🚀 Rocket Launch Views
Catch a rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center nearby for an unforgettable experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Parking Savings
Look for free street parking nearby to avoid high pier parking fees.
☀️ Check Weather Before
Rain can close outdoor bars and shops, so check forecasts before you go.
🍤 Best Seafood Deals
Discover hidden gems for affordable and delicious seafood boils.
🚀 Rocket Launch Views
Catch a rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center nearby for an unforgettable experience.
🌊 Bioluminescent Magic
Witness the ocean glow from June to October for a natural wonder.
🏄♀️ Surf's Up!
Cocoa Beach is ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers; rent boards and take lessons.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the beach itself to be nice and often uncrowded, but many reviews point to issues with the pier's operations, including closed shops, inconsistent restaurant hours, and poor customer service. While the atmosphere can be pleasant, the value proposition is questioned by some.
"It is a complete waste of time and nothing like the other piers in Florida. You pay $15 -$25 for parking to then find out all most all the shops are closed, so you've lost your money because there is nothing within walking distance. 2 restaurants which may or may not be open depending on how they feel for the day and what the weather like. 2 small stores for shopping and 2 outdoor bars that won't be open if there is any rain at all. The beach is nice and never seems full even on the weekends I'm assuming because the pier sucks. If you're coming for the beach its a nice one but there really isn't anything to do around that. So many other really good piers to visit in Florida I would suggest skipping this one."
Kristal Ingersoll
"Had a question to ask and more curious I guess. I understand that there are times when the weather may not permit . You have one indoor restaurant yes! Why do they always close early? I mean there are times they are closed at 8 830. Why when you have a restaurant that is inside. I can see closing the outside venues but to close the pier all the way down. I mean they close it if it’s just sprinkling . How do you make money if your staff doesnt care if you stay open or not? Yall are some of the only game in town. How do you explain this to the tourists? And the staff, they act like college buddies. Meaning it’s all about goofing around not caring about the customers."
Hoser Hoser
"Great atmosphere & Service!"
Earl Moore
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cocoa Beach Pier is approximately a 1-hour drive from Orlando, making it a popular day trip destination. You can drive directly to the pier, with parking available for a fee. 
Parking at the pier can cost between $15-$25 per day. Some visitors suggest looking for free street parking in the surrounding areas to save money.
Public transportation options directly to the pier are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Cocoa Beach Pier.
The official address for Cocoa Beach Pier is 401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931.
Yes, there are several hotels near Cocoa Beach Pier, including Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier resort and other options like La Quinta and Best Western.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no admission fee to walk onto the Cocoa Beach Pier itself, but parking fees apply. Individual attractions or restaurants on the pier may have their own costs.
The pier is generally open daily, but hours for shops and restaurants can vary. Some venues may close early, especially due to weather.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity on Cocoa Beach Pier. You can rent fishing gear and enjoy casting a line into the Atlantic.
While specific event schedules can vary, the pier often hosts live music and has a lively atmosphere, especially at its bars and restaurants.
There is no direct entry fee to walk on the pier, but parking fees can range from $15 to $25.
🎫 🏄♂️ Onsite Experience
The pier features a few small shops selling souvenirs, beachwear, and essentials. However, some visitors note that many shops may be closed.
Pier 62 Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar is a highlight, offering seafood and burgers with ocean views. Other dining options are available, though hours can be inconsistent.
Cocoa Beach is famous for its surf, and the waves near the pier are suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers. Board rentals and lessons are available.
Yes, the pier often features live music at its bars, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
The pier offers a classic Florida beach vibe with ocean views, dining, shopping, and opportunities for surfing and fishing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find seafood, burgers, and other American fare at the pier's restaurants. Some visitors also highlight great seafood boil spots nearby.
Yes, there are outdoor bars on the pier, such as the Rikki Tiki Tavern, offering drinks with ocean views. +1
Beyond the pier's restaurants, there are highly-rated local spots known for excellent and affordable seafood boils.
Some visitors report that indoor restaurants on the pier can close as early as 8 or 8:30 PM, even if the pier itself remains open.
Prices can vary, but some visitors find the seafood boil spots off the pier to offer the best value.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning sunrise shots from the pier, the iconic pier sign, and panoramic ocean views. Drone photography can also yield unique perspectives.
Absolutely! The pier offers fantastic vantage points for capturing beautiful sunrise moments over the Atlantic Ocean.
Drone photography is possible and can offer unique aerial views of the pier and coastline, as seen in some social media content.
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for golden hour offer the best lighting for photography.
Look for the historic architecture of the pier, the vibrant beach scene, and potentially even rocket launches from nearby Kennedy Space Center. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the pier's restaurants can be a bit pricey, looking for more casual seafood spots off the pier can be a budget-friendly option. Keep an eye on the weather, as sudden rain showers can impact outdoor activities.
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
The pier's restaurants offer oceanfront dining, perfect for a special meal. Consider a nighttime bioluminescence tour for a truly unique and magical experience together. 🚀 Space Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Cocoa Beach Pier
+1Originally built in 1962, the pier has undergone renovations and management changes over the years, most recently associated with Westgate Resorts. Despite some reviews mentioning closures of shops or restaurants, the pier remains a popular destination for its oceanfront views, fishing opportunities, and proximity to other attractions like Kennedy Space Center. It's a place where visitors can experience a slice of classic Florida beach life.
For those interested in the historical aspect, the pier represents a bygone era of seaside entertainment while continuing to adapt to modern tourism. Its enduring presence makes it a must-visit for understanding the local character of Cocoa Beach.
Experiencing Cocoa Beach's Bioluminescence
To best experience this, consider taking a guided kayak or boat tour after dark. These tours are specifically designed to navigate the waters where the bioluminescence is most active, allowing you to witness the glowing plankton as you paddle or cruise. It's an unforgettable experience that feels otherworldly.
While the pier itself is a daytime attraction, the surrounding waters provide this unique nighttime spectacle. It's a reminder of the diverse natural wonders Florida has to offer beyond its theme parks and beaches.
Surfing Culture in Cocoa Beach
+1Numerous surf schools and rental shops operate in the vicinity, making it easy for visitors to try their hand at surfing. You can rent a board for the day or sign up for lessons to learn the basics. The atmosphere on the beach is often energetic, with surfers catching waves and spectators enjoying the scene.
Even if you're not a surfer, watching the skilled riders navigate the waves from the pier or the beach is an enjoyable experience. The pier itself provides a great vantage point to observe the surf action.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit