Experience The Ultimate Beach Destination

Florida is one of the top travel destinations to visit for its exciting theme parks in the Orlando area, beautiful lush nature across the state, and of course its incredible sunny beaches. Cocoa Beach Florida is located just an hour away from Orlando on Florida’s Space Coast. This vacation spot offers everything from fun area attractions, shopping, museums, dining, nightlife, and most importantly, beaches!

If you are planning a fun day with your family or friends in the Cocoa Beach area, we recommend visiting the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier. For years, the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier has been welcoming guests to a family-friendly atmosphere to enjoy delicious food, shopping, live entertainment, and surfing! This beachside day trip destination has everything you need for a memorable vacation. Here is our list of the top things to do when you visit the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier:

#1. Pelican’s Bar & Grill

Start your day enjoying fresh seafood, delicious burgers, and specialty cocktails at the casual dining restaurant, Pelican’s Bar & Grill. This oceanside restaurant has it all – incredible views, a relaxing atmosphere, and exquisite food! Watch the waves or your favorite sports team on one of many TVs available while enjoying their famous clam chowder.


Photo: Pelican’s Bar & Grill

#2. Trader Ricks

Trader Rick’s Marketplace has everything you need for an exciting action-packed day at Cocoa Beach. From beach gear, including water floats, goggles for the kids, coolers to keep all your drinks and foods cool, and cups for your refreshments to watersports equipment, such as bodyboards – they have it all! At Trader Ricks, you may also find rentals for surfboards, beach volleyball, chairs, umbrellas, and even bicycles to cruise around the Pier during your visit.

#3. Rikki Tiki Tavern

If you want to enjoy the cool breeze and salty air while enjoying a delicious cocktail, Rikki Tiki Tavern is the place to go! Located at the end of the Pier, this oceanfront open-air bar provides you with 360-degree views of the stunning Atlantic Ocean. Perfect for an Instagram-worthy picture of your family or refreshing cocktail!


Photo: Rikki Tiki Tavern

#4. Sea Dogs

Looking for a quick bite to eat from your day at the beach? Sea Dogs is the perfect location for a delicious snack before continuing your beach getaway. Here you will find sweet treats like frozen chocolate bananas, velvety soft-serve ice cream, fruit smoothies, and savory hot snacks, including Nathan’s hot dogs and gooey cheese-topped nachos.


Photo: Sea Dogs

#5. Surf Lessons

Surfs up! Did you know that Cocoa Beach is known for having some of the best surfing on the East Coast? For the surfers in the making, the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier offers surf lessons daily! The Cocoa Beach Surf School by Flohana provides private, semi-private, and group lessons – depending on what dynamic you prefer! The experienced instructors will cover everything from safety in the water to basic board skills for beginners.

#6. The Boardwalk Bar

Trying to find the best happy hour on Cocoa Beach with the best ocean views? Look no further! The Boardwalk Bar is a seafood restaurant at the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier that offers a great selection of refreshing drinks, including their incredible Build Your Own Mojitos. If you are not a big drinker, they also provide heavenly non-alcoholic smoothies. This is a spot that you can’t skip!


Photo: The Boardwalk Bar

#7. Tropical Threads Boutique

To find your best beach outfit, we recommend checking out the Tropical Threads Boutique! Here you will find swimsuits, tropical attire, sunglasses, hats, jewelry, and locally made accessories. There are plenty of options for gifts to bring back home or apparel for your beach vacation.


Photo: Tropical Threads Boutique

#8. The Pier Shop

You can’t forget to stop by the Pier Shop to find unique gifts and souvenirs for your loved ones at home. In this gift shop, you can find locally crafted pottery and handmade decorations. Here you will also find the Pier Gear clothing line that carries the best beach apparel to continue your Florida vacation at home.

Check this out! Did you know you can watch the Cocoa Beach Pier LIVE?

Cocoa Beach, Florida offers all kinds of fun things to experience. From surfing, watersports, live music, the Kennedy Space Center, the world-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop, the Exploration Tower, and the iconic Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, it is easy to understand why Cocoa Beach is one of the top destinations to visit. Whether you are looking for your next thrilling adventure or looking for some necessary R & R, we recommend visiting Cocoa Beach.

Let BestVacationDealz help plan your next Cocoa Beach Florida vacation today!