The Ultimate Spring Break Guide to Cocoa Beach 2025

Imagine a spring break paradise where warm 75-degree weather meets golden sandy beaches. Cocoa Beach, a legendary surf town just an hour's drive from Orlando, draws spring breakers from across the United States each year. With daytime temperatures reaching up to 80 degrees and comfortable nighttime lows of 60 degrees, Cocoa Beach offers the ideal setting for your spring adventure. From the world's largest surf shop spanning 52,000 square feet to the 800-foot-long Cocoa Beach Pier, you'll find endless opportunities for fun and excitement. Get ready to discover 15 must-try activities that will make your Cocoa Beach spring break unforgettable.

1.Surf Lessons at Ron Jon Surf School

The oldest surfing school in Florida, Ron Jon Surf School, has taught people to ride the waves since 1993. This beginner-focused school runs lessons throughout the year with CPR/BLS-certified instructors who stay with you as you learn.

Best Time for Lessons

The best waves come at low tide, measuring 1-2 feet - ideal conditions for beginners. You'll need to book your lesson at least 10 hours ahead to make sure an instructor is available. December brings the most consistent clean waves, making winter the prime time to surf.

What to Expect

Your lesson has all the gear you need and complete instruction. The core team teaches you basic techniques while following strict safety measures. Instructors show you surf etiquette, paddling techniques, wave selection, and the right way to stand up.

2.Sunset Cruise Adventures

Make your spring break evenings special with a sunset cruise along Cocoa Beach's beautiful waterways. As the sun sets into the Atlantic Ocean, the sky bursts into orange and pink hues.

Popular Cruise Options

Several cruise operators give you different ways to enjoy the water:

• Banana River Sunset Cruise
  • 90-minute trip through Thousand Islands
  • Departs from Sunset Waterfront Bar and Grill
  • Chances to spot dolphins, manatees, and coastal birds
• Catamaran Sunset Sails
  • Two-hour sailing experience with gentle breezes
  • Departs from Island Time Marina
  • Great for special occasions or private charters

Best Viewing Spots

The best places to watch the sunset from your cruise:

1. Prime Locations

• Banana River gives clear views of the setting sun
• Port Canaveral area creates stunning backdrops
• Thousand Islands region offers unique photo spots
• Lagoon sections are home to manatees and dolphins
• Coastal bird sanctuaries along the way
• Natural mangrove tunnels let you get close to nature

2. Wildlife Viewing Areas

3.Cocoa Beach Pier Entertainment

The historic Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier stretches 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and is a buzzing entertainment destination during spring break. Visitors can enjoy an exciting mix of music, dining, and amazing photo spots that capture Florida's coastal charm.

Live Music Schedule

Spring break week comes alive with these performances:

• Sax On The Beach at Sunset Waterfront Grill
• Phoenix at Kiwi Tennis Club
• SIDE EFFECTS at Sunset Cafe
• Blue Moon Rising at Island Time Marina

Food and Drink Specials

Several dining spots along the pier feature special spring break menus:

Rikki Tiki Tavern

• Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 4 PM to 7 PM
• Location: End of the pier with panoramic ocean views
• Specialty cocktails and ice-cold beers

The Boardwalk Bar

• Cocoa Beach's favorite happy hour spot
• Signature items:
  • Crab and Seafood Dip
  • Chef's Killer Wings
  • Build Your Own Mojitos

3.Bioluminescent Kayaking Tours

Experience the magical world of bioluminescence with kayak tours along Cocoa Beach's peaceful waters. The night reveals an amazing sight as tiny organisms light up the water with their ethereal blue-green glow.

Tour Options

You can choose from several exciting packages:

• Clear Kayak Experience: See the luminescent display from every angle in see-through kayaks at $60 per person
• Sunset Combination: Watch a beautiful sunset before gliding into bioluminescent waters for $85 per person
• Family Rafting Adventure: Great for groups that need space for 8-10 people at $60 per person

Best Viewing Times

The best conditions happen when:

• Peak season runs from June through September
• July and August give you the brightest displays
• New moon phases offer maximum visibility
• "Dark sky nights" work well as the moon rises later

4.Spring Break Beach Parties

Cocoa Beach stands out from other Florida beach spots by blending family entertainment with vibrant nightlife during spring break. The destination's beachfront bars and hosted events will give you unforgettable spring break memories.

Popular Party Spots

Coconuts on the Beach leads the scene with nightly live music and excellent seafood dishes. The Beach Shack draws crowds through its live blues bands and the waterfront's relaxed vibe. Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill's indoor sports bar and outdoor Tiki bar setting provide stunning waterfront views.

Notable venues also include:

• Rikki Tiki Tavern - The perfect spot to enjoy oceanfront drinks and appetizers
• Intracoastal Brewing Company - A local favorite with unique craft beers and a relaxed atmosphere
• Heidi's Jazz Club - Live performances light up the stage Wednesday through Sunday

Event Calendar

Spring brings exciting festivities to mark on your calendar:

March Events

• Beach n Boards Surf Fest (March 6-10) - This lifestyle spring break destination features boarding events, volleyball, yoga, and running competitions

April Highlights

• Melbourne Art Festival (April 26-27) - A nationally recognized showcase of over 215 artists at Wickham Park
• East Coast Dog Surfing Contest - Dogs catch waves while learning surf techniques amid beach activities

5.Space Center Kennedy Tours

Kennedy Space Center, NASA's launch headquarters, offers visitors a fantastic spring break experience. Here, they can get up-close views of spacecraft and real space artifacts. This destination is the closest public viewing spot for rocket launches and lets people witness space exploration.

Must-See Exhibits

Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex showcases real spacecraft and deep space exploration simulations that feel incredibly real. The Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit proudly displays the actual orbiter that flew 33 missions in 26 years and circled Earth 4,000 times. The Apollo/Saturn V Center houses the biggest rocket ever flown, giving visitors an amazing look at lunar missions.

6.Parasailing Adventures

Experience the thrill of flying above crystal-clear waters with Cocoa Beach Parasail. This 25-year-old company offers exciting aerial adventures along Florida's Space Coast.

Each flight keeps you in the air for 8-10 minutes. The complete boat trip takes about 1.5 hours. Make sure you show up 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Groups of five or more can save USD 10.00 per person using the code "GROUP."

7.Beach Bar Hopping

Make your spring break unforgettable with a tour of Cocoa Beach's best waterfront spots. The area boasts everything from oceanfront lounges to hidden local gems, each with its own unique atmosphere.

Happy Hour Specials

These prime deals help you stretch your spring break budget:

• Coconuts on the Beach
• Island Time Marina
• Sunset Waterfront Bar & Grill
• Squid Lips

Local Favorites

The real Cocoa Beach charm lives in its beloved local establishments. The Beach Shack attracts loyal locals with its simple atmosphere and live music. Heidi's Jazz Club provides a sophisticated option with nightly jazz performances in a cozy setting.

Cocktail lovers will appreciate Hunkerdown Hideaway, a hidden gem known for its handcrafted drinks and strong local following. The Fourth Street Fillin Station is a converted gas station. This unique spot features over 175 beer selections and a charming outdoor garden with fire pits.

8.Aerial Adventures Park

Experience the thrill at one of Cocoa Beach's most exciting attractions. This aerial adventure park features 49 unique obstacles among beautiful live oak trees. Visitors can climb up to 45 feet above ground and explore seven courses against Florida's natural backdrop.

9.Manatee Watching Tours

The Indian River Lagoon draws spring break adventurers who want to see West Indian Manatees in their natural habitat. These gentle giants swim in Cocoa Beach's waters yearly under strict conservation laws. Nature lovers can get close to these amazing creatures.

Tour Options

You can watch these marine mammals on several eco-friendly tours:

• Wildside Tours: Take a trip through Banana River Lagoon with guides who know all about local wildlife and ecosystems
• BK Adventure Tours:
  • Kayak adventures led by experts
  • Learn about conservation
  • Follow strict 'no touch' rules to respect wildlife

You'll see the most manatees from November through April. The warm waters of the Indian River Lagoon make it possible to spot them year-round.

10.Cocoa Beach Art Walk

The vibrant art scene in Cocoa Beach comes alive through festivals and exhibitions that showcase local talent. Artists create everything from traditional paintings to innovative surf-inspired pieces that capture this coastal community's artistic spirit.

Event Dates

Your next art celebration awaits:

The Art Wave Festival returns March 22-23, 2025, running from 10 AM to 4 PM. Artists will create masterpieces on unique surfaces like surfboards and rain barrels at this dynamic event.

11.Local Brewery Tours

The craft beer scene along Florida's Space Coast lets you find unique flavors inspired by coastal living. Local breweries have transformed everything from historic hardware stores to modern taprooms into places that give visitors a distinctive spring break experience.

Popular Breweries

Playalinda Brewing Company operates from a century-old hardware store in Historic Downtown Titusville and creates signature brews like Belgian Strong Ale and Robonaut Red. Their second location, The Brix Project, is a restaurant, brewpub, and beer garden.

Intracoastal Brewing Company is located in Melbourne's Eau Gallie Arts District and offers rotating seasonal selections. Their creative menu includes Lemon Shandy, Brewschetta, and Oatmeal Pale Ale. Hell 'N Blazes is located in a renovated bank building and serves bold creations like Causeway IPA and Orange Blossom Honey Wheat Ale.

12.Mini Golf Adventures

Spring break becomes more exciting with mini golf adventures at two amazing destinations in Cocoa Beach. These venues are perfect for families and blend tropical landscapes with challenging courses that players of all skill levels will enjoy.

Course Options

Golf N Gator features two exciting 18-hole courses: Gator Mountain and Swamp Cave. The Gator Mountain course takes you on an exciting path to its peak with stunning waterfall views. The Swamp Cave course lets you explore mysterious passages and wind through ponds in an atmospheric setting.

Lighthouse Cove Adventure Golf also has two fantastic 18-hole courses. Paradise Falls delights players with winding paths and dramatic water features. Lost Lagoon challenges your skills with rolling terrain and cave obstacles. The venue captures a tropical fishing village theme with sea life displays, boats, waterfalls and a vibrant aquarium.

13.Beach Clean-Up Initiatives

Spring break becomes more meaningful when you join community-driven beach clean-up initiatives to protect Cocoa Beach's beautiful shoreline. These activities improve the beach's condition and encourage environmental awareness among everyone involved.

Schedule

March offers several clean-up events:

• Alternative Spring Break Program (March 17-21) with multiple volunteer sessions
• Trash Bash at Shepard Park
• Monthly clean-ups happen on the first Saturday after the first Thursday, from 9 AM to 11 AM

New volunteers should come 30 minutes early to get briefed by site captains. Remember to bring these items:

• Reusable water bottle
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Student volunteer forms if needed

14.Spring Music Festivals

Cocoa Beach's music festivals will get you moving with amazing live performances this spring break. The vibrant music scene features everything from jazz melodies to contemporary Christian tunes, catering to every musical taste.

Event Calendar

The Montreux Jazz Festival Miami kicks off from February 28 to March 2 with stellar performances by Jon Batiste and Janelle Monáe. Music lovers can enjoy the Books, Bands & Bites outdoor concert at the Cocoa Beach Public Library on March 19 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Country music fans can catch Chris Janson performing with The Marshall Tucker Band at the "Party in the Park" on April 19. The show starts at 5:30 PM in Cocoa Riverfront Park.

15.Late Night Beach Activities

The magic of Cocoa Beach truly comes alive after dark. The shoreline becomes a peaceful haven where waves whisper under starlit skies. Spring break memories feel extra special during these quiet evening hours.

Safe Spots

You'll find free parking and beach access near 16th Street during evening hours. Night visitors can easily park by Nolans Irish Pub or at the 24-hour CVS/Walgreens lot opposite Ron Jon's. Jetty Park welcomes visitors all day and night with its ocean-reaching fishing pier.

Group Activities

The night sky sets the stage for amazing experiences:

Stargazing and Photography: Find a quiet spot away from city lights to see the stars clearly. Light painting with glow sticks creates stunning long-exposure shots against the night sky.

Movie Screenings: The beach makes a perfect natural theater. Bring portable screens and blankets for an unforgettable outdoor movie experience.

Social Gatherings: Jonathan's Pub and Fish Camp Grill welcome night visitors with spacious outdoor decks and entertainment. Coconuts on the Beach has been a local favorite for 40 years. Their extensive cocktail menu and live music make it perfect for evening fun.

Conclusion

Cocoa Beach is more than just another spring break spot. This coastal paradise lets you do way more than lounge on the beach. You'll find amazing activities, from surf lessons at Ron Jon's to bioluminescent kayak tours and sunset cruises along crystal-clear waters. Book direct with Vacation Central Florida now and secure your perfect oceanfront escape. Our stunning collection of beachfront properties offers unparalleled access to the sun, sand, and surf for an unforgettable spring break adventure.