Aerial view of Cocoa Beach with water, sand, and buildings in one of the best areas when choosing where to stay in Cocoa Beach Florida

Where to Stay in Cocoa Beach (Best Places & Areas in 2023)

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

Cocoa Beach, Florida is a vibrant destination with the feel of a laid-back beach town. 

This makes it an ideal vacation town, but it can also be overwhelming to choose where to stay in Cocoa Beach since there are so many hotels.

In this article, I’ll guide you on the best places to stay in Cocoa Beach so you can experience all the fun things to do in Cocoa Beach.

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

Best Places to Stay in Cocoa Beach

View of a boardwalk at the Lori Wilson Park
Lori Wilson Park, right next to the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront hotel

Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Coca Beach? Here are my top picks: 

Ok, let’s do a deep dive of the best areas and neighborhoods in Cocoa Beach: 

3 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Cocoa Beach

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

Cocoa Beach

People enjoying their day at a beach in Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach hotels dot the coastline

👉 Best Area For Beaches, Surfing, and Attractions | ✨ Best Cocoa Beach Hotels: Hilton Cocoa Beach OceanfrontBest Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & SuitesHilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront 

You can’t go wrong with staying in the main Cocoa Beach area. Cocoa Beach hotels are aplenty, and most vacation rentals and hotels in Cocoa Beach are on or by the water. 

One of the most popular hotels in this area is Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront because of its views. Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel Suites, Discovery Beach Resort, and Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort are also good family-friendly options. 

If you want something more private, opt for Beach Place Guesthouse suites, Cocoa Beach. And if you’re looking for a little luxury, Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront is a beautiful beachside hotel. 

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

Pros of Staying in Cocoa Beach Neighborhood:

  • Some of the best Coca 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

✨ Best Hotels Hilton Cocoa Beach OceanfrontBest Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & SuitesHilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront 

🏠 ApartmentsBrowse Top Rentals in Cocoa Beach

🍽️ Where to Eat – Coconuts on the Beach ($$), Fillin Station ($$), Florida’s Seafood Bar & Grill ($$)

🍸 Where to Drink – Coconuts on the Beach, Beach Shack, Rikki Tiki Tavern

🎟️ Top Attractions – Ron Jon Surf Shop, Cocoa Beach Pier, Lori Wilson Park, beaches

Cape Canaveral

Aerial view of a port in Cape Canaveral
View of Cape Canaveral

👉 Best Area For Cruises and NASA Attractions | ✨ Best Cape Canaveral Hotels: Hampton Inn & Suites Cape CanaveralCape Canaveral Beach ResortCountry Inn & Suites by Radisson, Port Canaveral

If you’re planning on doing a cruise or visiting NASA attractions like Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral is where you’ll want to be. This town is located directly north of Cocoa Beach. Similar to Cocoa Beach, it has access to great beaches, and attractions are all within reach. It can however, be a little pricier because Port Canaveral makes it a tourist destination.

While there are numerous beachfront hotels in Cocoa Beach, there aren’t quite as many in Cape Canaveral. There’s Cape Canaveral Beach Resort, and it’s a great option for families. It has a water park, great amenities, and it’s close to the beach. 

But most of the popular hotels here are facing the Banana River. This includes Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Port Canaveral.

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

✨ Best HotelsHampton Inn & Suites Cape CanaveralCape Canaveral Beach ResortCountry Inn & Suites by Radisson, Port Canaveral

🏠 ApartmentsBrowse Top Rentals in Cape Canaveral

🍽️ Where to Eat – Zarrella’s Italian & Wood Fired Pizza ($$), Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar ($$), Southern Charm Cafe ($)

🍸 Where to Drink – Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar, Preacher Bar

🎟️ Top Attractions – NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Exploration Tower, cruises

Satellite Beach

View of a plane that is about to land in Satellite Beach
Nearby plane landing at Patrick Space Force Base

👉 Best Area For Less Touristy Beaches | ✨ Best Satellite Beach Hotels: Hilton Melbourne Beach OceanfrontParadise Beach ClubOceanique Resort

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. Within Satellite Beach and along Highway A1A, you’ll find that most hotels are on the beach and quieter than hotels in Cocoa Beach.

Satellite Beach is also 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. 

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

✨ Best HotelsHilton Melbourne Beach OceanfrontParadise Beach ClubOceanique Resort

🏠 ApartmentsBrowse Top Rentals in Satellite Beach

🍽️ Where to Eat – Long Doggers ($), Pappagallo’s Pizza ($), Morning Glory Eatery ($$)

🍸 Where to Drink – Hula Moon Tiki Grill, Whiskey Beach Pub

🎟️ Top Attractions – Pelican Beach Park, Hightower Beach Park

Tips for Staying in Cocoa Beach

Rent Your Surfboards and Gear

The Ron Jon Surf Shop building under the clear blue sky
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 accommodations’ average nightly price can be cheaper. Generally, the weather can still be pretty warm, too. 

Ocean Conditions May Vary

View of waves on a beach in Cocoa Beach
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, Cocoa Beach is still a beach destination. Come prepared with a comprehensive beach packing list with essentials like sunscreen, flip flops, and more. 

Be Mindful of Wildlife

Close up view of a little lizard on a wood
Little lizard
View of a turtle seen on side of the road in Cocoa Beach
Turtle on the side of the road

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

FAQs About Where to Stay in Cocoa Beach

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. 

***

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 tons of attractions to offer. I hope this guide helped you get a better sense of accommodations and hotels in Cocoa Beach!

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave feedback after clicking submit)

Help us help you travel better!

Your feedback really helps ...

What did you like about this post? Or how can we improve it to help you travel better?

Leave a Reply

All comments are moderated for compliance with our community guidelines. Most importantly be kind & be helpful!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.