One of the most popular attractions on Florida’s Space Coast is the Westgate Resorts Cocoa Beach Pier. Originally constructed in 1962 with more than 2.5 miles of boardwalk planks, the pier extends 800 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and is home to a number of shops, restaurants and bars as well as a number of beach amenities.
Located in the heart of Cocoa Beach, Florida (which is also known as”East Coast Surfing Capital”), the pier is easily accessible from the Orlando area, Port Canaveral and South Florida. Once over the Intracostal Waterway and on the barrier island, visitors will take FL A1A to Meade Avenue and head east towards the beach. Parking is available at the base of the pier with an entrance off Meade Avenue. There is a fee to park at the pier and city owned metered street parking is also available.
The Cocoa Beach Pier was acquired by Westgate Resorts in 2014 who invested more than $4 million to transform it into a first class attraction that would cater to both out-of-area visitors and locals alike.
Amenities & Things to Do
There are a number of amazing amenities and things to do at the Cocoa Beach Pier. Since the pier is right on the sand and the Atlantic Ocean, visitors can get their fill of beach and water sports.
Entertainment
Guests will enjoy live music while taking in the relaxed atmosphere and enjoying a cocktail.
Sand Volleyball
There are a number of sand volleyball courts on the south side of the pier. At select times during the year the pier features volleyball tournaments for players of all ages.
Beach Rentals & Service
Visitors can rent beach chairs & umbrellas, surfboards, bicycles and beach gear. There is also service providers that will bring food and drinks right to your beach chair.
- Beach canopy & chairs ($40 to $400)
- Beach umbrella & chairs ($10 to $350)
- Stand up paddle-boards ($20 to $60)
- Soft-top and high performance surfboards ($10 to $60)
- High performance bodyboards ($10 to $25)
Surf Lessons
Since Cocoa Beach is the “East Coast Surfing Capital”, visitors can learn how to “Hang 10” by taking a less with the Cocoa Beach Surf School by Flohana. Daily lessons are offered from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and surfboards are provided. Lesson cost varies by the length and type of instruction but starts from $60 (one-hour) to more than $500 (three hour session).
Fishing on the Pier
Fishing is one of more popular things to do on the Cocoa Beach Pier. Fishing poles and gear are available for rent and admission prices are indicated below – spectators can walk to the end of the pier for a small fee.
- Adult day pass: $7.00
- Over 55 day pass: $5.00
- Under 12 day pass: $5.00
- Weekly pass: $20.00
- Monthly pass: $40.00
- 3 month pass: $75.00
- 6 month pass: $125.00
- Annual pass: $200.00
- Bait: $5.00 per package
- Fishing rod rental: $20.00 (4-hours and includes rod, reel, bait & admission)
- Spectator fee: $2.00
Places to Eat & Drink
The Cocoa Beach Pier has a number of great bars and restaurants which are perfect for a quick snack or relaxing meal by the ocean. Visitors will find everything from grab-and-go specialties to fresh seafood and refreshing cocktails.
Sea Dogs
Get a Nathan’s Famous hot dog and fries and along with your favorite soft serve ice cream at Sea Dogs. Other favorites include nachos with cheese, chili cheese fries, smoked turkey legs and root beer floats. Sea Dogs is open daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Rikki Tiki Tavern
The Rikki Tiki Tavern is located at the very end of the Cocoa Beach Pier, well out into the ocean. Open daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, this Tiki Bar themed restaurant has some of the best views and offers a variety of appetizers, entrees and specialty cocktails.
The Boardwalk Bar
Visitors will enjoy burgers, Florida gator tail and great wings while sipping specialty cocktails at The Boardwalk Bar. Also, open daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, this casual dining restaurant is a great spot for lunch or dinner.
Pelicans Bar & Grill
If you enjoy fresh seafood, than a stop at Pelican’s Bar & Grill should be on your list. Open daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, this casual dining restaurant features calamari, oysters and seafood chowder.
Keith’s Oyster Bar
Another great casual seafood restaurant on the pier is Keith’s Oyster Bar. Open Saturday’s from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Sunday’s from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, clams, oysters and the Coca Beach Boil is on the menu.
Shopping on the Pier
Visitors to the Cocoa Beach Pier will find a number of shops which provide beach toys, apparel, accessories and more.
The Pier Shop
Grab a souvenir to remember your trip at The Pier Shop. Open daily, this boutique nautical themed boutique has a variety of apparel, gifts and home decor made by local artists.
Trader Ricks
If you need a pair of new flip flops, water floats, coolers or other beach essentials, then Trader Ricks is the place to visit. Open Sunday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Friday & Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, visitors can also rent beach cruiser style bicycles. Cost is $25.00 per bicycle (full day) which includes a helmet and a lock.
Tropical Threads Boutique
Tropical Threads Boutique carries a variety of casual apparel including sundresses, t-shirts and swimsuits as well as bags, sunglasses and accessories. Tropical Threads is open Sunday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Friday & Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Where to stay
There’s a fair amount of hotels near the Cocoa Beach Pier as well as vacation rentals from private owners including VRBO and Airbnb hosts. Following you will find some of our favorite places to stay when visiting the Cocoa Beach area.
Sheraton Four Points by Sheraton Cocoa Beach
Just a few blocks from the beach, the Four Points Sheraton Cocoa Beach is a great place to stay when visiting the area. The hotel shares a building with the Cocoa Beach Surf Company and is just next door to the world famous Ron Jon Surf Shop. Features include an outdoor pool, fitness center and an on-site restaurant.
Residence Inn by Marriott Cape Canaveral
If you plan on taking one of the cruises out of Port Canaveral, then the Residence Inn by Marriott Cape Canaveral is a perfect hotel as it’s midway between the beaches and the port. Features include a heated pool/jacuzzi tub, 24-hour fitness center, sports court, complimentary breakfast and outdoor patio bar.
Learn more at our video below.