Bustling Beach

Cocoa Beach - Home Of Genies Astronauts and Surfers

By Gretchen Losi

Cocoa Beach is a place where genies dream, astronauts fly and surf legends are born. Once known as ‘Oceaus’ the town wasn’t established until 1925. It had a bit of a slow start thanks to the Great Depression followed by the war. In fact, around 1942 our government realized the city lights created a backdrop making the area a sitting target for German U-boats. They stepped in and asked for a blackout until the end of the war. But by the 60’s it was popping. The world’s biggest surf shop, Ron Jon, had established itself in what is now a bustling city thanks to Kennedy Space Center that set-up just a few miles down the road, earning this side of Florida the title of ‘Space Coast.” Today the world-famous Cocoa Beach pier is a popular tourist destination drawing in over a million visitors a year. You can’t miss the colorful pier lined with gift shops and restaurants that allow you to dine 800 feet out and above the Atlantic. Locals sell their community as a place to see stunning views of the Atlantic with its gorgeous waves hitting sandy beaches under a warm sunny sky making it perfect for sunrises or sunsets. They aren’t wrong. Surfers don’t have to sell it. They already know the consistent waves and warm shallow waters out past the breakers is why it has earned another title as ‘Surf Capital of the USA.’ This title also comes with some real meat. One doesn’t have to look far for a spot to blast -off on their board. Cocoa Beach is home to over 100 of the best surfing spots in the East Coast. Not a surfer? Cocoa Beach has you covered. Private surf lessons for all ages can run about $65 an hour and group lessons at $40. A short walk down the beach and your confidence will start to rise as you see kids as young as 3 learning alongside their grandparents in their 60s. If surfing isn’t your thing - no fear. There’s plenty to do in this iconic town including watching a space launch from the beach, observing animal species in their natural habitat, kayaking off the Banana River Islands, golf, shopping and of course great dining. If you like Americana and have an affinity for nostalgia you’ll want to stop by ‘I Dream of Jeanie’ Lane. About a mile from the iconic pier is Lori Wilson Park where you’ll find the famous street. While the beloved 60s tv show had Col. Nelson and Jeanie living their magical lives in Cocoa Beach, filming was all done in California. This was the city’s way to pay homage to the quintessential show. So whether you’re hoping to hit the waves, dive into your 60’s pop culture, or shoot for the moon and stars - there’s something waiting for you at Cocoa Beach. A blue heron struts the sea wall as sailboats float in the harbor in Cocoa Beach. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

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I Dream of Jeannie Lane is a short avenue within Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach. (Eryn Reddell

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