Destination Staycation: Cocoa Beach

Sometimes it’s nice to feel like you’re on vacation. Maybe you don’t have the time or the money to get away, but, in a town like Cocoa Beach, you don’t need to travel far to get in the vacation mindset. Here are a few ways to have a weekend getaway without having to leave town. If you are coming to Cocoa Beach from out-of-town, this is a great starter guide to relaxing like a local.

Have a Cold One

There are numerous bars around Cocoa Beach. If you throw a rock in any given area, the rock will probably land near a bar. Down Minutemen alone has at least six to stop at and enjoy a beverage. Hunker Down Hideaway is located behind Fat Kahunas and Coconuts. They have an open courtyard with a stage for live music. Minuteman Tavern has a dark wood bar with a full liquor wall that runs along the entire hall-like room. Twin Finnegan’s is a newer bar across from the Cocoa Beach City Hall that is a mix between an Irish pub and a surfer hotspot. They have a great variety of craft beers and wines. On Sunday mornings they have mimosas and micheladas. Heidi’s Jazz Club has been a Downtown staple since 1992, and a great spot to wind down an evening. Enjoy the atmosphere and live music while you sip your favorite drink and reflect over your weekend out on the town.

Beach It

No vacation in Cocoa Beach would be complete without catching rays on the sand near the ocean. There are beach accesses lining the coast that you can take your pick from. The newly renovated Minutemen Causeway ends at the sand with Coconuts on the Beach on one side and Beach Shack on the other side for refreshments between trips into the sea. Shore Things is also right around the corner from Minutemen if you need beach gear, beer, or snacks for your fun in the sun. The beach accesses in Shepard Park behind Sandbar Sports Grill and Captain J’s are a close walk to Ron Jon’s Surf Shop and Cocoa Beach Surf Company, in case you need any new beach toys or bathing suits.

Time for Grub

After getting your dose of Vitamin Sea, you’ll need food to continue on your adventure. If you went to the beach around Cocoa Beach Pier, then you’re walking distance to a few great spots to eat. Keith’s Oyster Bar, Pelican’s Bar and Grill, and Sea Dogs are all located along the boardwalk. If you’re an early bird, then you could visit Salt Restaurant and Lounge in the Cocoa Beach Hilton for some breakfast or brunch from 6 a.m. – 11 a.m. Downtown Cocoa Beach is home to many great restaurants. Some local favorites are The Pig & Whistle, Jenna’s Breezeway, and Fat Kahunas. Make sure to order the mushy peas at The Pig & Whistle to go with some bread. Jenna’s Breezeway has a wide variety, but their daily specials are awesome if you can’t quite decide. Fat Kahuna’s has everything from burgers to seafood to a fantastic slice of Key Lime pie. In Port Canaveral, Fishlips or Rusty’s are both great restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating with beautiful views of the harbor. Throughout our area we have great selection of different kinds of food; Taco City for tex-mex on the south side of town, Papa Vito’s past the pier for a giant slice of pizza, and much more in between.

Get Out and Play

Playtime isn’t just for kids. Cocoa Beach has a great array of outside activities.

If golf is your game, the Cocoa Beach Country Club at the western end of Minutemen Causeway has three nine hole courses open to locals and visitors alike. With a fantastic panoramic view of the Banana River, each of the 27 golf holes is named after birds and waterfowl that call the golf course home. There are also putting greens and a driving range. Wildlife Watersports rents kayaks and paddle boards along with pontoon and craigcat boats. They also have guided tours of the thousands islands. Ron Jon’s Surf Shop has a variety of surfboards and other water sports equipment to rent to enjoy the waves.