Cocoa Beach is the closest classic Atlantic surf town to Orlando and the traditional beach day for families staying near the theme parks. The 800-foot Cocoa Beach Pier at 401 Meade Ave has restaurants, bars and a surf shop, and the beach on either side is wide, flat and firm. It pairs easily with a morning at Kennedy Space Center. The trip is about 55 miles (88 km) east from Orlando, roughly 1 hour by car. Take SR-528 (Beachline Expressway, toll) east to SR-520 or SR-A1A and follow signs to the pier at Meade Ave. Costs: Beach access is free; metered parking and pier-lot parking about $2-$4 per hour; surf lessons about $75-$100 per person. Before going, confirm hours and any closures with the operator at 321-783-7549 or www.cocoabeachpier.com.
| Distance | About 55 miles (88 km) east |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour by car |
| Getting there | Drive: Take SR-528 (Beachline Expressway, toll) east to SR-520 or SR-A1A and follow signs to the pier at Meade Ave. No LYNX or SunRail service reaches this destination, so rent a car, book a tour or use rideshare. |
| Cost | Beach access is free; metered parking and pier-lot parking about $2-$4 per hour; surf lessons about $75-$100 per person |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | 401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 |
How to get there
- Mode
- Rental car
- Cost
- Gas plus about $3-$6 in tolls each way; pier parking is paid
- Frequency
- Any time; leave early to beat I-4 traffic
- Operator
- Rental agencies at MCO or Orlando hotels
- Departure point
- Anywhere in Orlando
- Mode
- Guided tour or coach
- Cost
- Combined Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach tours cost about $120-$190 per person from Orlando hotels
- Frequency
- Daily departures where available
- Operator
- Orlando tour operators (book via Viator or GetYourGuide)
- Departure point
- Selected Orlando, I-Drive and Disney area hotels
- Mode
- Rideshare one way
- Cost
- About $85-$130 each way
- Frequency
- Any time
- Operator
- Uber / Lyft
- Departure point
- Anywhere in Orlando
Location
401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
28.3677, -80.6008 View on map
Highlights
- Walk the Cocoa Beach Pier and watch surfers from the railings
- Take a first surf lesson on gentle waves near the pier
- Watch rocket launches from the beach on launch days
- Browse Ron Jon Surf Shop on A1A at 4151 N Atlantic Ave
Tips for visiting
- Go early on weekends; the pier lots fill by 11:00 AM
- Check lifeguard flags before swimming; rip currents form near the pier
- Combine with Kennedy Space Center in one long day, 25 minutes apart
- Bring sunscreen; the Atlantic sun is strong year-round
When to visit
April to October for warm water; year-round for surfing. Arrive in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms in summer.
Accessibility
The pier deck is flat and wheelchair accessible; several beach walkovers have mats. Confirm beach wheelchair availability with the City of Cocoa Beach.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How far is Cocoa Beach from Orlando?
About 55 miles, roughly 1 hour via SR-528.
Is parking free?
Beach access is free but parking is mostly metered or paid in pier lots.
Can I surf there as a beginner?
Yes. Several schools near the pier give lessons for about $75-$100.