Cocoa Beach is an hour’s drive from Orlando, sitting on the celestial-sounding Space Coast. As the name implies, the Space Coast is near Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. That’s one draw of the area. The other attraction is beaches, of course. Cocoa Beach features gentle waves and shallow waters —in other words, primo real estate for novice surfers. There’s also the Cocoa Beach Pier, an 800-foot boardwalk filled with shops and dining.
If the combination of sea and space sounds ethereally enticing, we’ve chosen five great hotels in the area for you to consider. All of them offer easy access to the shore, so surfer dads, rejoice! These are perfect places to rear your kids on the waves.
Sea Aire Motel
From $120/ night
Speaking of outer space, this property is only a 15 minute drive from Cape Canaveral. Location is one reason guests enjoy this value-friendly motel. It’s seven minutes from Cocoa Beach Pier and boasts its own private beach. A full kitchen, flatscreen TV, private bathroom and wifi access are included with each suite. Beyond BBQ facilities and an outdoor patio, there aren’t many amenities. But guests praise the staff’s friendliness. The motel has been family-owned since 1950, so this is the place for you if you’re seeking family-friendly comfort.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cocoa Beach
From $156/night
This Hilton-owned property is only a minute’s walk from a private beach. It’s also close to dining and, if you need some cheap beach toys, a Dollar Tree. Fridges and microwaves come with each room. If you find yourself eating too much junk food, a fitness center, tennis court and outdoor pool are available for some light exercise. Or are you still hungry? The on-site eatery 3 Wishes is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m everyday, serving three meals from breakfast platters to coconut shrimp to teriyaki salmon.
La Quinta Inn & Suites
From $89 / night
This beachfront property provides an ample start to your presumably sun-filled day with an included breakfast of waffles, eggs and sausage. After breakfast, amble a few steps to the inviting beach. An outdoor pool and sun terrace provide further options for fun in the sun, as does Cocoa Beach Pier, which is only minutes away. Past customers have praised this hotel for its friendly service and front-desk clerks. Couples seem to like this location, rating it highly —and the on-site bar promises cocktails to liven up any date.
Hilton Cocoa Beach
From $169 / night
We mentioned that Cocoa Beach is an ideal vacation spot for nascent surfers. Well, this oceanfront Hilton offers on-site surfing lessons —along with easy beach access, a heated pool and a fitness center. All those options for fitness are appealing, sure, but there’s also a host of on-site dining options, from a 24-hour coffee shop to a tiki bar and lounge to Salt Restaurant, which serves breakfast and dinner. The menu sounds appetizing, with yummy options like citrus infused salmon or ahi tuna steak. A breakfast buffet is available at two price options.
Resort on Cocoa Beach
From $270 / night
Past guests have recommended this hotel for its spacious, clean rooms and generously sized outdoor areas. It’s also stocked with facilities to keep you entertained: an on-site cinema, game room, outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, tennis and basketball courts and kids’ play area. Sailing, deep-sea fishing and of course more swimming are only minutes away. The on-site Mexican restaurant Azteca 2 has been operating for 25 years, serving up quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas and other Mexican staples. There’s even a menu for “gringo” specialties like chicken fingers if you can’t handle spice!