Hello From

Cocoa Beach!

 

 

“Surf Town at Heart”

Anna Maria Island

Cocoa Beach

A City in Brevard County, Florida

 

Cocoa Beach is a laid-back coastal city in Brevard County, Florida, famous for its surf culture, space history, and relaxed seaside atmosphere. With its wide sandy beaches, proximity to Cape Canaveral, and iconic surf shops, Cocoa Beach is both a favorite vacation spot and a vibrant local community. It blends small-town charm with big attractions, offering a lifestyle centered on the ocean, outdoor activities, and Florida sunshine.

Cocoa Beach, Florida

Boardwalk on Cocoa Beach, Florida
Photo by Raul Rodriguez via Canva

Location & Size

Cocoa Beach sits on a barrier island along Florida’s central east Atlantic coast, just east of Orlando and adjacent to Cape Canaveral.

The city covers about 15 square miles, much of which is water.

Founded

Cocoa Beach’s history began in the late 1800s when a group of settlers from nearby Cocoa purchased land on what was then a largely undeveloped barrier island. The first attempt at establishing a community came in 1888, when a group of Cocoa men bought the property, but progress was slow due to the area’s remote location and frequent storms. In 1923, a group of local investors formed the Cocoa Beach Improvement Company to encourage development, laying out streets and parcels for homes and businesses. Just two years later, in 1925, Cocoa Beach was officially incorporated as a city.

The small seaside town remained sparsely populated until the 1950s and 1960s, when the rise of the U.S. space program at nearby Cape Canaveral brought rapid growth. Engineers, astronauts, and their families moved to the area, transforming Cocoa Beach into the heart of Florida’s “Space Coast” and giving it the vibrant surf-and-space culture it is still known for today.

COCOA BEACH WEATHER

Population

Approximately 11,500 residents (2023 estimate).

Known For

  • Being the Surfing Capital of the East Coast

  • The Ron Jon Surf Shop, the largest surf shop in the world

  • Proximity to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and rocket launches

  • A laid-back beach town vibe with strong ties to space exploration

Cost of living

  • Median Household Income: About $64,000

  • Median Home Price: Around $420,000

  • Median Rent: About $2,000/month for a 2-bedroom


  • Overall, Cocoa Beach is more affordable than South Florida’s luxury beaches but higher than average for Brevard County.

 

 

Things to do

  • Surf at the Cocoa Beach Pier or watch pros at Shepard Park

  • Visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

  • Shop and explore at the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop

  • Kayak or paddleboard through the Banana River Lagoon

  • Enjoy dining, nightlife, and live music at the pier and in town

  • Take eco-tours to see dolphins, manatees, and coastal wildlife

Fun Facts

  • Cocoa Beach was home to astronauts during the Apollo era, earning it the nickname “Space Coast.”

  • The TV show I Dream of Jeannie (1965–1970) was set in Cocoa Beach, highlighting its space-age connection.

  • It hosts the Annual Easter Surf Festival, one of the largest and longest-running surf contests on the East Coast.

  • Surfer Kelly Slater, 11-time World Surf League champion, was born and raised here.

Nearby Cities

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