Cocoa Beach sits 60 miles east of 450 Burma on Florida’s Atlantic coast — an easy day trip. Ron Jon Surf Shop, classic beach town vibes, and often a rocket launch visible from the sand.
Quick Facts
- Distance from 450 Burma: 60 mi, 60–75 min
- Best route: 528 East (Beachline) → A1A
- Parking: Metered ($2–$3/hour) + some free beach lots
- Best for: Families, beginner surfers, rocket watchers
What to Do
Cocoa Beach Pier
Free to walk on, fishing from the pier, restaurants, live music. Great sunrise/sunset.
Ron Jon Surf Shop
52,000 sq ft, world’s largest surf shop. Open 24/7. Surfboards, clothes, souvenirs. Kids love it.
The Beach Itself
Broad sandy beach, gentle Atlantic waves, kid-friendly. Lifeguards in summer.
Surfing Lessons
- Cocoa Beach Surf School — 2-hour group lessons ~$75
- Ron Jon Surf School — similar rates
- Best surf: winter months (Nov–Mar)
Kennedy Space Center
20 min north — combine with KSC for a massive day.
Beach Essentials to Pack
- Swimsuits (wear under clothes)
- Beach towels (bring from 450 Burma)
- Sunscreen — reapply every 90 min
- Beach chairs (pack in the trunk or rent on beach)
- Umbrella (essential — Florida sun is brutal)
- Cooler with water, snacks, lunch sandwiches
- Sand toys
- Beach cover-ups
- Towels for car (for wet kids)
- Tide-pool shoes (sharp shells possible)
Best Restaurants Near Cocoa Beach
Beach-access
- Cocoa Beach Pier Restaurants (4 options, waterfront)
- Pelican’s Bar & Grill (on the sand)
- Captain J’s Dockside Bar (pier-area seafood)
Worth the short drive
- The Fat Snook (upscale seafood)
- Grills Seafood Deck (Port Canaveral)
- Florida’s Fresh Grill (breakfast)
Rocket Launch Viewing
If you time it right:
- Launches typically at dawn or late evening (check schedule)
- Best viewing from: Jetty Park, Playalinda Beach, or Cocoa Beach Pier
- Bring a tripod for photos
- Cheap launch viewing = way better than paid KSC viewing
1-Day Itinerary from 450 Burma
- 7 AM: breakfast at home, load car
- 8 AM: leave, stop at Publix for picnic supplies
- 9:45 AM: arrive at Cocoa Beach
- 10 AM – 1 PM: beach morning (swim, surf lesson, build sandcastles)
- 1 PM: lunch at Pelican’s
- 2:30 PM: Ron Jon Surf Shop
- 4 PM: depart
- 5:30 PM: back at 450 Burma
- Pool + hot tub night
Ocean Safety
- Watch for rip currents (Atlantic can be strong)
- Lifeguard areas only for kids
- Check weather before — thunderstorms can pop up fast
- Jellyfish occasional (June–September)
- Sharks: rare but present; don’t swim alone at dawn/dusk
Longer Stay Option
Cocoa Beach has hotels (Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, Westgate Cocoa Beach) if you want to split Disney and beach. Not necessary for a day trip.
