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

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: Beachside Hotel and Suites • 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. 

Beachside Hotel and Suites is a well-rated hotel that has family rooms, breakfast included, a lazy river pool, and an easy walk to the beach. 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

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

Cape Canaveral is where you’ll want to be if you’re planning on doing a cruise or visiting NASA attractions like Kennedy Space Center. This town is located directly north of Cocoa Beach.

Cape Canaveral 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.

There are fewer beachfront hotels in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral Beach Resort, however, is a great option for families. It has a water park and great amenities, and it’s close to the beach.

Most of the popular hotels here face the Banana River rather than the Atlantic Ocean. 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

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 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. 

Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront is located right on the beach and has an on-site restaurant and a couple of bars. Paradise Beach Club is a good choice if you’re looking for more privacy. These beachfront vacation rentals are highly rated and the property offers amenities.

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

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 and 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

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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!