Discover a place where adventures are made pristine shores are abundant and nature is close at hand.
When most people talk about the great location of the Villages of Citrus Hills, they are usually referencing the fact that it is within a short drive of Orlando, Tampa, and Gainesville.
They might also be appreciating the fact that we are located right in the heart of the Nature Coast and offer close access to dozens of Gulf Coast communities.
The part that many visitors and even some residents tend to forget is that the Villages of Citrus Hills is also located just a bit over two hours west of the Atlantic Coast as well. That means spending a fabulous weekend getaway in places like Cocoa Beach can happen as often as you like.
If you are looking to spend a weekend along the Atlantic Coast, Cocoa Beach is a fantastic option. Known as one of the better places in Florida for surfing, Cocoa Beach is also home to a famous pier, a historic shopping village, and the largest surf shop in the world!
Let’s take a closer look at how you might plan your weekend in Cocoa Beach!
Where to Stay in Cocoa Beach
If you’re planning to spend a weekend in Cocoa Beach, you are almost certainly going to be looking to stay right on the beach. That’s no problem at all here. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
If you are more comfortable booking a name-brand hotel, you will have a great time staying at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, the Four Points By Sheraton Cocoa Beach, or the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cocoa Beach.
However, if you are looking for an experience that is more unique to Cocoa Beach, you might want to try the Beach Island Resort, Resort on Cocoa Beach, or the Inn at Cocoa Beach. Each of these hotels has great reviews and will also cost a bit less than the national brands.
What to Do in Cocoa Beach
Of course, if you’re making the two-hour drive to Cocoa Beach, there has to be plenty of things to see and do there, right?
The most popular way to spend your weekend in Cocoa Beach is going to be relaxing on the beach. But this isn’t going to be anything like the Gulf Coast beaches that you are used to. The waves can be serious here, so bring your boogey boards!
While you are hanging out on the beach, take a stroll up to the Cocoa Beach pier. You’ll find multiple options for eating, drinking, shopping, and having a good time here. Our favorite spot is the Rikki Tiki Tavern all the way out at the end of the pier!
If shopping is your thing, then Cocoa Village is the place for you. This historic shopping district is packed with specialty stores of all kinds. There is also a great sunset paddleboat cruise.
While you are out on the east coast, you might also want to check out Kennedy Space Center, which is located, just a stone’s throw north of Cocoa Beach. This is the ultimate experience for any space junkie!
Where to Eat in Cocoa Beach
Looking for good food in Cocoa Beach, you really can’t go wrong with any of the restaurants located at the pier or in Cocoa Village. But there are a few other places that will absolutely blow your mind!
In order to start your day off right, you’ll definitely want to visit Simply Delicious Cafe & Bakery. Just grab a few pastries from the counter and you’re sure to be impressed, but if you really want to be blown away you should have a seat and enjoy their full brunch menu.
For casual seafood, one the best spots in town is Jazzy’s Mainly Lobster and Seafood. You will feel like you have been teleported straight to New England after ordering clam chowder or a lobster roll here! They also have full lobster dinners, crab legs, and lots of shellfish options!
Another great seafood restaurant in Cocoa Beach The Fat Snook. This awesome little restaurant is located in South Cocoa Beach and serves some of the most unique and interesting seafood dishes you will find anywhere!
Whether you prefer name-brand hotels, boutique shopping, and creative seafood, or independent hotels, sitting on the beach, and lobster rolls, there is something for everyone in Cocoa Beach. And you are free to pick and choose whatever pieces fit best for your preferences!