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.
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Best Places to Stay in Cocoa Beach

Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Coca Beach? Here are my top picks:
- 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
- ✨ Best Luxury Hotel – Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
- 👪 Best for Families – Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites
- 👔 Best for Business – Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
- 🛎️ Best Boutique – Beach Place Guesthouses
- 🚀 Best Near Kennedy Space Center – Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Port Canaveral
- 💵 Best Budget – Days Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach Port Canaveral
- 🏖️ Best Beach Hotel – Chateau by the Sea
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

👉 Best Area For Beaches, Surfing, and Attractions | ✨ Best Cocoa Beach Hotels: Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront • Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites • Hilton 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 Oceanfront • Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites • Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
🏠 Apartments – Browse 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

👉 Best Area For Cruises and NASA Attractions | ✨ Best Cape Canaveral Hotels: Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral • Cape Canaveral Beach Resort • Country 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 Hotels – Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral • Cape Canaveral Beach Resort • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Port Canaveral
🏠 Apartments – Browse 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

👉 Best Area For Less Touristy Beaches | ✨ Best Satellite Beach Hotels: Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront • Paradise Beach Club • Oceanique 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 Hotels – Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront • Paradise Beach Club • Oceanique Resort
🏠 Apartments – Browse 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

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

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


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