Vacation in Cocoa Beach vs Melbourne Beach

Cocoa Beach, located on Florida’s Space Coast, is known for its world-renowned surf breaks and laid-back vibe. If you’re looking for a place to catch some waves or learn how to surf, Cocoa Beach is the place to be. In addition to surfing, you can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. If you’re a space enthusiast, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, located just a short drive away from Cocoa Beach.

On the other hand, Melbourne Beach offers a more secluded and peaceful atmosphere. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, this may be the perfect destination for you. The beaches here are less crowded, and the town itself has a small-town charm that many visitors find appealing. Melbourne Beach is also home to the Sebastian Inlet State Park, where you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

Choosing Your Beach Destination

Here’s a brief overview of each beach destination to help you make the right choice.

Cocoa Beach Overview

Cocoa Beach is a popular destination for surfing enthusiasts, with waves that are perfect for beginners and experienced surfers alike. It’s also home to the Kennedy Space Center, where you can learn about the history of space exploration and even see a rocket launch. If you’re looking for a place to relax, Lori Wilson Park is a great spot to enjoy the beach and have a picnic.

Melbourne Beach Overview

Melbourne Beach is a quieter destination that’s perfect for those who want to escape the crowds. The nearby town of Indialantic has a great selection of shops and restaurants, and Vero Beach is just a short drive away. If you’re looking for beach parks, there are several options to choose from, including Spessard Holland Park and Sebastian Inlet State Park.

Which one is better for a family vacation?

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a great option for families who want a lively atmosphere with plenty of activities during the day and night to keep everyone entertained. The beach is known for its excellent surfing conditions, so if your family loves water sports, this is the place to be. In addition to surfing, Cocoa Beach also offers other activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.

If you want to take a break from the beach, Cocoa Beach has plenty of other attractions for families. The nearby Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit for families with kids who are interested in space exploration. There are also several amusement parks and water parks in the area, such as the Brevard Zoo and the Cocoa Beach Water Park.

Melbourne Beach

Melbourne Beach, on the other hand, is a quieter and more laid-back option for families who want a more relaxed vacation. The beach is known for its soft, white sand and clear waters, making it a great place for swimming and sunbathing.

If your family loves nature, Melbourne Beach has plenty to offer. The nearby Sebastian Inlet State Park is a great place for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. There are also several nature preserves in the area, such as the Turkey Creek Sanctuary and the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary.

Attractions and Activities

Entertainment in Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is known for its beautiful beaches and surfing opportunities. If you’re into water sports, you won’t be disappointed. You can rent surfboards, paddleboards, and kayaks from local shops and explore the waves. If you’re new to surfing, you can take lessons from experienced instructors.

If you’re a space enthusiast, you can visit the Kennedy Space Center, which is only a short drive away. You can learn about the history of space exploration and see real spacecraft. The center also offers tours and interactive exhibits.

For a more relaxed experience, you can visit the Brevard Zoo. It’s a great place to see animals up close and personal. You can even feed giraffes and lorikeets. The zoo also has zip lines and a train ride.

Entertainment in Melbourne Beach

Melbourne Beach is a quieter location with plenty of natural beauty. You can visit the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to many species of birds and other wildlife. You can explore the trails and see the animals in their natural habitats.

If you’re into live music, you can check out the local bars and restaurants. Many of them have live music on the weekends. You can enjoy a drink and listen to some great tunes.

For a day trip, you can visit Daytona Beach or Miami. Daytona Beach is only an hour away and is known for its beach and boardwalk. Miami is a little farther, but it’s worth the drive. You can see the city’s famous art deco architecture and enjoy the nightlife.

Transportation and Accessibility

Getting to Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is located on Florida’s Space Coast, just 45 minutes east of Orlando. If you’re flying into the area, the closest airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is about an hour’s drive from Cocoa Beach. You can rent a car at the airport or take a shuttle or taxi to get to Cocoa Beach.

If you’re driving to Cocoa Beach, the major highways to take are I-95 or the Florida Turnpike. Once you arrive in Cocoa Beach, you can easily get around by car, bike, or on foot. Parking is available at the beach and in downtown Cocoa Beach.

If you’re arriving by cruise ship, Port Canaveral is just a few miles north of Cocoa Beach. You can take a shuttle or taxi from the port to get to Cocoa Beach.

Getting to Melbourne Beach

Melbourne Beach is located just south of Cocoa Beach, about a 20-minute drive away. If you’re flying into the area, the closest airport is Melbourne International Airport (MLB), which is about a 15-minute drive from Melbourne Beach. You can rent a car at the airport or take a shuttle or taxi to get to Melbourne Beach.

If you’re driving to Melbourne Beach, the major highways to take are I-95 or US-1. Once you arrive in Melbourne Beach, you can easily get around by car, bike, or on foot. Parking is available at the beach and in downtown Melbourne.

Local Events and Culture

Events in Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is renowned for its vibrant and diverse local events. Throughout the year, you can immerse yourself in the dynamic atmosphere of the area’s nightlife, where you’ll find an array of live music performances and entertainment options. The downtown area of Cocoa Beach comes alive with a variety of cultural festivals and art shows, providing a fantastic opportunity to experience the local arts scene.

Events in Melbourne Beach

Melbourne Beach offers a unique blend of events that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the area. From lively beachside gatherings to community events in downtown Melbourne, there’s always something exciting happening. Whether it’s surfing competitions or local art exhibitions, Melbourne Beach provides a diverse range of cultural experiences for visitors to enjoy.