Cocoa Beach, Florida, is a vibrant coastal city located in Brevard County, on Florida's "Space Coast," approximately an hour's drive east of Orlando [1] [2] [3]. Known as a quintessential beach town, it offers a blend of recreation, leisure, and proximity to significant historical and technological landmarks [2]. The city's population was 11,354 at the 2020 United States census [3].

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Cocoa Beach is a city in Brevard County, Florida, renowned for its beaches, surfing culture, and close proximity to the Kennedy Space Center, allowing visitors to experience both coastal relaxation and space exploration.

The history of Cocoa Beach dates back to its establishment as the Town of Cocoa Beach on June 5, 1925, though the first non-native settlement was by freed slaves after the American Civil War [3]. Originally known as Oceanus, the area was developed by Gus Edwards, who bought the land in 1923 [3]. Significant growth occurred in the 1960s, largely due to the U.S. space program and its associated job opportunities, with NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center located about 15 miles north [3]. The city transitioned to a Commission-Manager government in 1958 [3].

Cocoa Beach offers a wide array of activities and attractions. Its beaches are a major draw, providing opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing, with the city being a well-known surfing hot spot on the Space Coast [2] [6]. The Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, built in 1962, extends 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and features restaurants, bars, gift shops, and live music [7] [8]. It also offers beach rentals, fresh water showers, and volleyball courts [7].

For shopping and unique experiences, the Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach is notable as the world's largest surf shop, encompassing 52,000 square feet and open 24 hours a day [6] [8]. Downtown Cocoa Beach and Cocoa Village offer a variety of businesses, boutiques, restaurants, and art studios [4] [6].

Beyond the beach, visitors can explore the Thousand Islands by kayak or paddleboard, observing local wildlife such as manatees and dolphins [2] [6] [8]. The city is also home to the Florida Surf Museum and the unique Wizard of Oz Museum [6] [8]. For those interested in space, the proximity to the Kennedy Space Center allows for tours of launch pads, astronaut encounters, and even witnessing rocket launches from the beach or pier [2] [6].

Cocoa Beach is also known for its pet-friendly amenities, including a designated dog-friendly section of the beach [6]. The city hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Ron Jon Easter Surfing Festival and the National Kidney Foundation Pro-Am Surfing Festival [3].

The city's infrastructure includes State Road A1A as the main thoroughfare and State Road 520 providing access from the mainland [3]. Public transportation is available through Space Coast Area Transit [3].

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