Where to Stay in Cocoa Beach (Best Places & Areas)

👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Cocoa Beach | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ

I stayed with family for a couple of months in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and loved the laid-back beach town vibes. In this article, I’ll be sharing my insights on the best areas and hotels.

If you’re a first-time visitor, Cocoa Beach itself is the best place to stay. This is the main hub for shopping, dining, and beach activities like surfing. I recommend the apartment-style hotel, Discovery Beach Resort for its great location right on the beach. Plus, it’s just a short walk from Cocoa Beach Pier.

Other areas around Cocoa Beach may be more suited for different trips, though. Cape Canaveral is good for cruise-goers and Satellite Beach is better for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. I break everything down in this article.

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Best Places to Stay in Cocoa Beach Lori Wilson Park, right next to the

If you’re short on time, these are my top hotel picks:

🏆 Best Overall Hotel – 📍Best Location – Chateau by the Sea ✨ Best Luxury Hotel –   👪 Best for Families – 👔 Best for Business – 🛎️ Best Boutique – 🚀 Best Near Kennedy Space Center – 🏖️ Best Beach Hotel – 💵 Best Budget –

Click here to see all top Cocoa Beach hotels or here for apartments.

Ok, now scroll down for a deep dive into the pros (and cons) of each area of Cocoa Beach:

3 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Cocoa Beach Get a free custom Google Map of all my recommendations (instructions) Best for Beaches, Surfing, and Attractions Best for Cruises and NASA Attractions Best for Less Touristy Beaches

Cocoa Beach is located on a barrier island off the east coast of central Florida, about one hour east of Orlando. Attractions like NASA’s Kennedy Space Center are located northwest of Cocoa Beach on Merritt Island, and Ron Jon Surf Shop and Cocoa Beach Pier are right in beautiful Cocoa Beach. Satellite Beach lies just south.

Cocoa Beach Cocoa Beach hotels dot the coastline

👉 Best Area For Beaches, Surfing, and Attractions | ✨ Best Cocoa Beach Hotels: • • •  

You can’t go wrong with staying in the main Cocoa Beach area. Accommodations are aplenty and most vacation rentals and hotels are on or by the water. It’s the best place to stay if you’re a first-time visitor.

I recommend booking a stay at , a well-rated apartment-style hotel that’s right on the beach and a short walk to Cocoa Beach Pier.

and are good family-friendly options. And if you’re looking for a little luxury, is a beachside hotel with private beach access, an on-site restaurant, and amenities like bike rentals.

If you want something more private, opt for , which are villa-style properties right on the beach!

This area of Cocoa Beach is filled with restaurants and bars to enjoy. It’s also easy to access attractions like Cocoa Beach Pier and Ron Jon Surf Shop on Atlantic Ave. Overall,  you can expect a buzzing but laidback atmosphere with tons of fun in the sun.

Pros of Staying in Cocoa Beach Neighborhood: Some of the best Cocoa Beach beaches Central location Close to attractions Lots of beachfront accommodations Variety of vacation rentals Lots of restaurants and bars Cons of Staying in Cocoa Beach Neighborhood: More touristy  Can be noisy Need a car to get around

📚 Cocoa Beach Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Beaches, Surfing, and Attractions
Google Map

Cape Canaveral View of Cape Canaveral

👉 Best Area For Cruises and NASA Attractions | ✨ Best Cape Canaveral Hotels: • •

Cape Canaveral is where you’ll want to be if you’re planning on doing a cruise or visiting NASA attractions like Kennedy Space Center. This town is located directly north of Cocoa Beach.

Beaches and attractions are all within reach at Cape Canaveral. Things can, however, be a little pricier because Port Canaveral makes the area a tourist hub for cruises.

There are fewer beachfront hotels in this area. However, is a great option for families. It has a water park and plenty of amenities, and it’s close to the beach.

Most of the popular hotels here face the Banana River rather than the Atlantic Ocean. This includes and .

Pros of Staying in Cape Canaveral Neighborhood: Convenient access to cruise port Closer to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Lots of restaurants and bars Cons of Staying in Cape Canaveral Neighborhood: Can be pricey Less beachfront hotels Farther from Cocoa Beach attractions Need a car to get around

📚 Cape Canaveral Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Cruises and NASA Attractions
Google Map

Satellite Beach Nearby plane landing at Patrick Space Force Base

👉 Best Area For Less Touristy Beaches | ✨ Best Satellite Beach Hotels: • •

Satellite Beach is located south of Cocoa Beach, just below Patrick Space Force Base. If Cocoa Beach hotels are too crowded and touristy for your liking, Satellite Beach is a great alternative. Along Highway A1A, you’ll find that most hotels are on the beach and quieter than hotels in Cocoa Beach.

Satellite Beach is close to other beach towns and areas like Indian Harbour Beach and Melbourne. You’ll get a more local vibe here and there are still plenty of restaurants, bars, and things to do. 

is located right on the beach and has an on-site restaurant and a couple of bars. is a good choice if you’re looking for more privacy. These beachfront vacation rentals are highly rated and the property offers amenities.

Pros of Staying in Satellite Beach Neighborhood: Less touristy  Quieter beaches Closer to various beach towns More laid-back feel  Cons of Staying in Satellite Beach Neighborhood: More limited hotel options Farther from Cocoa Beach attractions Need a car to get around

📚 Satellite Beach Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Less Touristy Beaches
Google Map

Tips for Staying in Cocoa Beach Rent Your Surfboards and Gear Ron Jon Surf Shop

Unless you’re a long-time surfer with your own gear, I recommend renting a surfboard and any other gear you might need. You can do this at just about any Cocoa Beach surf shop, including Ron Jon’s. 

Visit During the Off-season

There are many advantages to visiting Cocoa Beach in the off-season (winter). Crowds are lessened and average nightly accommodation prices can be cheaper. Generally, the weather can still be pretty warm, too, so you can still enjoy all of the fun activities around Cocoa Beach.

Ocean Conditions May Vary Waves can be choppy in Cocoa Beach

The waves at Cocoa Beach can be choppy because it’s directly facing the Atlantic Ocean. However, these beaches are on the shallow side and still swimmable. Use your best judgment when it comes to water safety.

Dress and Pack Appropriately

No matter what time of year you visit, come prepared with all your beach essentials like sunscreen, flip-flops, and more. And if you’re just passing through Cocoa Beach to catch a cruise at Port Canaveral, see Allie’s ultimate cruise packing list.

Be Mindful of Wildlife A little lizard Turtle on the side of the road

Cocoa Beach is a tropical destination after all. So, expect to see things like small lizards (maybe even inside), turtles, gators, and other animals. 

FAQs Is Cocoa Beach, Florida walkable?

Parts of Cocoa Beach, FL are walkable. This includes historic Cocoa Village and some of the main dining and shopping areas off of Highway A1A. In addition, most hotels in Cocoa Beach are located on the water, so you can walk the beach easily. 

What is the best time of year to go to Cocoa Beach, Florida?

Spring is one of the best times to visit Cocoa Beach, FL. The weather is pleasant and warm, and it’s not as rainy as hurricane season in the fall. However, Cocoa Beach is pretty sunny year-round. 

Which is better, Daytona Beach, Florida or Cocoa Beach, Florida?

Cocoa Beach is a better option for families and those wanting a relaxing beach vacation. Daytona Beach has more of a party vibe. 

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That’s it for where to stay in Cocoa Beach, Florida! This laid-back beach town has some of the best beaches in Florida and you’re sure to have a good time. If you’re headed to Orlando next, see our guide to the best areas & hotels to stay in Orlando.

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