LIVE WEBCAMS FOR COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA

Relax and watch the surf with one of the webcams of beautiful Cocoa Beach. We have three webcams that will show you how the current conditions are for Cocoa Beach.

COCOA BEACH LIVE WEBCAM (BEACHSIDE HOTEL)

Relax while taking in the stunning vista of Cocoa Beach with this webcam located at The Beachside Hotel. Situated just south of the causeway and next to the famous Ron Jon Surf shop, this hotel is next to all the actin in Cocoa Beach. Check at the waves here. https://maps.app.goo.gl/TUhfNfQMT9dsmxZQ7

COCOA BEACH LIVE WEBCAM (PIER)

The renowned Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, a historic landmark on Florida's Space Coast, is 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and features eateries, bars, retail stores, and live musical performances. Beach rentals, freshwater showers, regulation beach volleyball courts, year-round lifeguards, and some of the greatest surfing on the East Coast are all available at the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier! https://maps.app.goo.gl/NRy744UWtPAJu2gd9

COCOA BEACH LIVE WEBCAM

Take in a unique view of the Cocoa Beach coastline while watching the surf in real time. Additionally, the webcam provides a clear view of Kennedy Space Center, the site of rocket launches, and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Imagine taking in the soothing murmur of the waves while you see the brilliance of a rocket ascending into the sky! https://maps.app.goo.gl/6vUVap874pNvWW2n8

LIVE WEBCAMS OF COCOA BEACH

Cocoa Beach, located on Florida's Space Coast, is a picturesque destination known for its stunning sandy shores and vibrant atmosphere. With its warm, sunny weather year-round, it's an ideal spot for beachgoers, surfers, and families looking to enjoy a relaxing getaway.

The beach stretches for miles, offering plenty of space to soak up the sun, build sandcastles, or take a leisurely stroll along the coastline. In addition to its natural beauty, Cocoa Beach is famous for its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in space exploration. Visitors can explore the rich history of space travel at the center, with interactive exhibits and rocket launches that ignite the imagination.

The beach is also home to the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier, where guests can enjoy dining, shopping, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. As the sun sets, Cocoa Beach into a lively hub of entertainment. From beachside bars to live music venues, there's always something happening after dark. Whether you're unwinding with a cocktail while watching the waves or dancing the night away, Cocoa Beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for everyone.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN COCOA BEACH

Cocoa Beach Pier: With eateries, bars, stores, and live music, Cocoa Beach Pier is a famous 800-foot promenade that spans the Atlantic Ocean. It's a great place to eat, fish, and take in views of the ocean.

Surfing: Both beginner and expert surfers will love Cocoa Beach because of its mild waves. To ride the waves, think about renting a board or taking a class.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding: With guided tours from local outfitters like Fin Expeditions, discover the mangrove tunnels of the Thousand Islands and see manatees, dolphins, and a variety of bird species.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Features displays on space travel, astronaut interactions, and the Space Shuttle Atlantis, is a must-see for space fans.

Astronaut Memorial Planetarium & Observatory: Discover laser light displays and star shows in Florida's largest planetarium.

Lori Wilson Park is a park by the shore that offers picnic spaces, free parking, and a nature trail that winds through a maritime hammock.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge: A sanctuary for nature lovers and birdwatchers, providing chances to observe a variety of wildlife in their native environments.

Bioluminescent Kayak Tours: Take in the enchanted radiance of bioluminescent organisms in the lagoon waters at specific times of the year.

The largest surf shop in the world, Ron Jon Surf Shop is open around-the-clock and has a huge assortment of surfboards and beach gear.

Museum of Dinosaurs and Ancient Cultures: This 26,000-square-foot museum features displays on ancient civilizations and prehistoric animals.

HISTORY OF COCOA BEACH

Cocoa Beach, located on Florida's Space Coast in Brevard County, has a fascinating history that blends indigenous heritage, pioneer settlement, mid-century space exploration, and surf culture. Once a quiet coastal town, it grew into a world-famous beach destination thanks to its proximity to Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center.

Indigenous and Early European Era

The Ais tribe, a coastal Native American people, inhabited the area for centuries before European arrival.

Spanish explorers arrived in the 1500s, charting the coastline, but established no major settlements here.

Over time, disease and conflict decimated the native populations.

19th Century: Pioneer Settlement

The area remained mostly uninhabited through the early 1800s due to poor accessibility and the threat of mosquito-borne illness.

After the Second Seminole War (1835–1842), a few settlers began homesteading in the Cocoa Beach area.

A small number of residents fished, farmed, and harvested palmetto berries and sea grapes.

Early 20th Century Development

Cocoa Beach was officially incorporated in 1925.

Development was slow due to the Great Depression, hurricanes, and lack of infrastructure.

The area began to grow modestly in the 1940s with road and bridge improvements.

Space Age Boom (1950s–70s)

The greatest transformation of Cocoa Beach came with the rise of the U.S. space program.

The establishment of Cape Canaveral (then Cape Kennedy) and NASA's Kennedy Space Center just to the north brought thousands of engineers, scientists, and workers to the area.

Cocoa Beach became the home base for many astronauts, including legends like John Glenn and Alan Shepard.

During the 1960s, the population exploded, and the city thrived with motels, surf shops, bars, and restaurants.

Surf Culture

Cocoa Beach is also famous as the surfing capital of the East Coast.

It’s the hometown of Kelly Slater, 11-time world surfing champion.

The Ron Jon Surf Shop, founded in 1959, grew into a massive 24-hour surf retail destination and tourist attraction.

Surf competitions and beach festivals continue to be a big part of the local culture.

Challenges and Resilience

The area has faced several hurricanes and tropical storms, including Hurricane Frances and Hurricane Irma, but has consistently rebuilt.

Efforts to combat beach erosion and support eco-friendly tourism have become more prominent in recent decades.

Modern Cocoa Beach

Today, Cocoa Beach is a thriving coastal city known for:

Rocket launches visible from the beach
Surfing and water sports
Eco-tourism on the Banana River Lagoon
Proximity to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Vibrant beach town vibe with history, art, and nightlife