Things to do in/near Cocoa Beach?
September 25, 2011 8:05 AM Subscribe
Headed to Florida for two weeks (Cocoa Beach/Space Coast area), what can't-miss activities should I check out while I'm there?
So it looks like I'll probably be headed to east/central Florida for work in early November, staying for about two weeks. This is my first time in Florida, so curious about anything I should be sure to check out in my spare time while I'm there.
A few quick facts about me: I'm in my early 30s, likely traveling alone, generally a big-city person but I also enjoy hiking, climbing, etc from time to time. I'm fairly outgoing and sociable (not a partier, but I do like to check out the local bars/clubs on occasion). I don't live near a coast but I like to go out on the water (scuba diving mostly) whenever I have the chance. I also do a lot of photography and tend to be a bit of a science geek.
I'll most likely be staying somewhere near Cocoa Beach.
Some ideas I've come up with so far:
- Hit up the beaches, maybe rent a board or a jetski?
- Tour the Space Center
- Head to Orlando (not sure what there is to do there, I'm not particularly interested in the theme parks)
- Possible weekend trip down to Miami, if I have time
Any other suggestions? Thanks!
So it looks like I'll probably be headed to east/central Florida for work in early November, staying for about two weeks. This is my first time in Florida, so curious about anything I should be sure to check out in my spare time while I'm there.
A few quick facts about me: I'm in my early 30s, likely traveling alone, generally a big-city person but I also enjoy hiking, climbing, etc from time to time. I'm fairly outgoing and sociable (not a partier, but I do like to check out the local bars/clubs on occasion). I don't live near a coast but I like to go out on the water (scuba diving mostly) whenever I have the chance. I also do a lot of photography and tend to be a bit of a science geek.
I'll most likely be staying somewhere near Cocoa Beach.
Some ideas I've come up with so far:
- Hit up the beaches, maybe rent a board or a jetski?
- Tour the Space Center
- Head to Orlando (not sure what there is to do there, I'm not particularly interested in the theme parks)
- Possible weekend trip down to Miami, if I have time
Any other suggestions? Thanks!
I grew up in Brevard County and still have family there... Space Coast is definitely a bit of a sprawl but there are some really great parks in the area that you don't want to miss...
Pelican Island Refuge is one of the first wildlife refuges in the country. It is about an hour drive south down A1A but well worth the trip to the area, as you can also hit Sebastian Inlet Park... You should be able to rent canoes in this area and as long as you stay in the calmer waters, you should be great. There are tons of small islands in the Indian River Lagoon that you could explore (or even camp on) and if you like to fish... you are in some of the best waters on the east coast. Trout, Grouper, Snapper, Ladyfish, Jacks, Barracuda, Drum, Shark... all there.
Indialantic has a wonderful beach (not that Cocoa Beach isn't nice too) as mentioned above and downtown Melbourne has some really cool old antique stores, etc. You can spend a whole day in that area alone.
Closer to Cocoa Beach is Mosquito Lagoon... also an amazing place to canoe, fish, hike, and check out wildlife and Cocoa Village is somewhat of a local scene for bars & restaurants... There is also the ubiquitous and touristy Ron Jon's Surf Shop... Also noted, you can't miss Cape Canaveral.
posted by priested at 2:30 PM on September 25, 2011
Pelican Island Refuge is one of the first wildlife refuges in the country. It is about an hour drive south down A1A but well worth the trip to the area, as you can also hit Sebastian Inlet Park... You should be able to rent canoes in this area and as long as you stay in the calmer waters, you should be great. There are tons of small islands in the Indian River Lagoon that you could explore (or even camp on) and if you like to fish... you are in some of the best waters on the east coast. Trout, Grouper, Snapper, Ladyfish, Jacks, Barracuda, Drum, Shark... all there.
Indialantic has a wonderful beach (not that Cocoa Beach isn't nice too) as mentioned above and downtown Melbourne has some really cool old antique stores, etc. You can spend a whole day in that area alone.
Closer to Cocoa Beach is Mosquito Lagoon... also an amazing place to canoe, fish, hike, and check out wildlife and Cocoa Village is somewhat of a local scene for bars & restaurants... There is also the ubiquitous and touristy Ron Jon's Surf Shop... Also noted, you can't miss Cape Canaveral.
posted by priested at 2:30 PM on September 25, 2011
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In regards to local culture...you could see an illegal dogfight on a Friday night in Yee Haw Junction, but you'd probably feel pretty uncomfortable. Don't go to Orlando if you don't want to go to a theme park. Orlando is pretty much one of Dante's rings of hell.
I would definitely go to Cape Canaveral, especially if you are any sort of geek. That place is a testament to what man can accomplish (with lots of govt money). (Again, I haven't been since I was 8, so YMMV, but as an 8-year-old American boy if was f***' awesome).
Unfortunately for an urbanite most of the Space Coast is, at best, a bedroom community for folks who work in and around the defense industry bastard stepson of Cape Canaveral. Its all as-much-as-much to an outsider; especially in the off-season. I recently stayed in Indialantic (about 30 minutes south of Cocoa Beach) and it was great, but I'm sure the coast is littered w/ places like this for 100 miles.
As far as diving, I am sure there is something to see, but you'll probably have to search out some local knowledge. Perhaps where the Indialantic River empties into the ocean there might be some features worth seeing. But that coast is largely featureless and (I hate to say it) boring.
Regarding a trip to where people actually live...Miami is, of course, amazing. It will take you a solid 3.5 hours on the freeway to get to downtown Miami from Cocoa Beach. Ft. Lauderdale can have its moments, but if you are going that far you might as go all the way to Miami. For a place to stay there consider Hotel Urbano.
Enjoy
posted by pandabearjohnson at 1:33 PM on September 25, 2011