There is something unique about Cocoa Beach at night that makes it a must explore If you’re within the area.
It is a perfect getaway to have some dinner with family and friends, or soak up the night sea air.
Additionally, you can watch the sunset as you relax after a busy day.
This beach destination has additionally many other fun activities that you can engage in.
The good thing about most of these activities is that they are free.
From exploring the beach pier and its breathtaking views to listening to live jazz music, you will definitely find something unique to engage in as the sun sets.
In this post, I will go over the best things to do in Cocoa Beach at night.
Things to Do in Cocoa Beach at Night
Take a Stroll Along the Beach
Taking a walk along the beach at night is among the best things to do in Cocoa Beach at night.
The beach is famed for its pristine white sands and turquoise waters that offer amazing views as the sun sets down.
As you walk along the beach, the feeling of the soft sand interacting with your feet and the waves gently making their way to the beach will leave you mesmerized.
This setting is ideal for couples looking for a romantic beach getaway as a walk hand-in-hand with your loved one is definitely among the best romantic things to do in Cocoa Beach.
Occasionally, while walking along the beach at night, you may spot crabs scuttling across the beach or sea turtles coming ashore to nest.
Enjoy a Drink and Dance at the Coconuts on the Beach
One of the locals’ fan favorite spots that you definitely don’t want to miss checking out is the Coconuts on the Beach.
This spot prides itself as the only true beach bar in Cocoa Beach that offers a great blend of live music, great foot, fantastic service and cocktails.
Once you land at this spot, you may be lucky to catch bikini contests, casual shows in addition to the live music.
The place is popular among young people in the area and those visiting.
If you’re a fan of seafood, then you will get a chance to enjoy some of the finger licking southern seafood dishes on their menu such as sesame tuna, bacon wrapped shrimp & scallops, coconut crusted shrimp and smoked fish dip among others.
The bar also has a diverse drink menu with a variety of drinks and cocktails for you.
As the sun sets, you will definitely have the best time under the night sky and you will enjoy your favorite drink and interact with the best crowd in the beachside town.
Physical Address: 2 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States
Contact: +1 321-784-1422
Take a Trip to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a must visit attraction in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
It is a visitor’s center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida.
The complex features exhibits, shows, historic spacecraft, two IMAX theaters and a number of bus tours of the spaceport.
If you happen to visit, ensure you check out the “Space Shuttle Atlantis”.
This is one of my favorite attractions at this space center.
This is an exhibit containing the Atlantis orbiter and the Shuttle Launch Experience, which is a simulated ride into space.
The complex is managed and operated by Delaware North for NASA and is entirely visitor-funded.
Some of the attractions you can enjoy at this facility once you visit include launch viewing, a Saturn V Rocket, the real Space Shuttle Atlantis among others.
The Space Center has different Mission Zones with each zone having attractions and tours grouped by chronological era.
If you’re feeling adventurous and looking for a unique experience, then do not miss checking out this center.
Indeed, exploring the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex is one of the best things to do in Cocoa Beach at night.
Physical Address: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, United States
Contact: +1 855-433-4210
Watch the Rockets Launch from the Sands of Cocoa Beach
If there is one spectacle that you should not miss while in Cocoa Beach is the rockets’ launch.
Watching the rockets launch from the sands of Cocoa Beach is definitely a unique and unforgettable experience.
The Cocoa Beach Pier is a historic landmark on the Florida Space Coast that stretches out into the ocean.
This pier offers spectacular views of the rocket launches but you can also catch the launches from several parks along the Cocoa Beach coastline.
Playa Linda Beach, located in the Canaveral National Seashore, is one of the closest locations to experience rocket launches on the Space Coast.
This location is a short walk down the beach placing you within 5 miles of the launch.
However, it is important to note that the viewing locations may vary depending on the launch pad and the direction of the launch.
For an enhanced experience, you can arrive early to secure a good viewing spot but ensure you check the launch schedule beforehand.
Enjoy a Tropical Drink at Mai Tiki Bar
The Mai Tiki Bar is a great place to sip on a tropical drink in Cocoa Beach at night.
The bar offers a variety of Tiki drinks, often rum-based drinks with origins in the Caribbean and Polynesia.
Mai Tai is one of the most famous Tiki drinks in the world, and Mai Tiki Bar offers a delicious version of it.
The classic Mai Tai is composed of rum, orange curacao, fresh lime juice and orgeat, which is a nuanced almond syrup.
The drink is shaken and served over ice and it’s often garnished with a lime, pineapple wedge or cherries.
In addition to this drink, the bar has other Tiki drinks that you can enjoy such as the Singapore Sling and the Blue Hawaiian.
If you’re feeling creative and adventurous, you can go wild with the garnish and add your own touch to the drink.
Enjoying a drink at Mai Tiki Bar is definitely one of the best things to do in Cocoa Beach at night as it offers a great way to relax and enjoy the island vibe of Cocoa Beach.
Enjoy a Night of Comedy at Gregory’s Upstairs Comedy Club
Gregory’s upstairs comedy club is a popular venue in cocoa beach that offers a night of laughter and entertainment.
The club headlines national touring comedians, so you can expect to see some top-notch talent.
The shows at this comedy club start at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.
You can enjoy dinner before the show or you can come out for a fun-filled night of comedy and drinks.
The club is located upstairs and there’s no elevator, so keep that in mind if you have mobility challenges.
Tickets for the show can be purchased on Eventbrite and it is recommended to buy them in advance to ensure availability.
The club is renowned throughout Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast as the best comedy club in the area.
The club offers a great atmosphere for a night out with friends or a date night.
Indeed, enjoying a night of comedy at Gregory’s upstairs comedy club is a great way to have some fun and laughter during your visit to cocoa beach.
Physical Address: 900 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States
Contact: +1 321-799-2557
Play Mini-Golf at Lighthouse Cove Adventure Golf
Playing competitive mini golf with friends or family members at Lighthouse Cove Adventure Golf is one of the best fun activities you can do in Cocoa Beach at night.
Lighthouse Cove offers two 18-hole courses namely Paradise Falls and Lost Lagoon.
The courses are set in a tropical fishing village-themed environment complete with dramatic sea life, boats, waterfalls, caves and a tropical fish-filled aquarium.
These courses focus on the same variety and strategy used in full size golf courses to create a unique and fun experience for all ages.
The cost per round is $15.99 for 18 holes, $20.99 for 36 holes and $22.99 for unlimited play.
If you’re hungry and you would like to grab some food, the Dune Dog Cafe Food Truck offers a variety of food options for mini golfers.
The facility is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is located a few steps away from the world class beaches of Cocoa, making it a great attraction to visitors and locals as well.
Once you finish challenging yourself at this golf course, you can grab a bite at the ice-cream and refreshment bar in the clubhouse.
This bar offers a great selection of ice cream, craft beers and drinks.
Physical Address: 3811 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States
Contact: +1 321-613-0701
Go on a Date Night at Stumpy’s Hatchet House – Cocoa Village
If you’re looking for a fun-filled adventure, then head over to Stumpy’s Hatchet house- cocoa Village.
This destination offers a unique and exciting experience if you are looking for a one-of-a-kind date night with your loved one.
You can visit this house with your loved ones and throw axes together.
The Venue is perfect for team building, birthday celebrations, date nights and many more.
It offers a unique and exciting atmosphere and an alternative form of Recreation.
Thursday nights at this ax throwing facility are Ladies Night and, on these days, ladies get to enjoy a discounted rate.
It costs approximately $25 for a 1.5-hour session per person and you may need to make early reservations.
The Venue provides a coach to guide you through the process of throwing an ax.
Stumpy’s Hatchet House also offers a variety of food and drink options if you are looking to grab a bite of your favorite meal or drink.
Physical Address: 210 King St, Cocoa, FL 32922, United States
Contact: +1 321-735-8578
Listen to Live Jazz Music at Heidi’s Jazz Club
There is something unique about jazz music and if you are a jazz music lover, then Heidi’s Jazz Club should be on the top of the must visit places.
The club features talented local and international musicians nightly.
It is an upscale hangout connected to an Austrian restaurant featuring live music, jam sessions and comedy.
The club features live music every Wednesday through Sunday with featured performers on selected Friday and Saturday evenings.
Heidi’s Open Jam sessions take place every Sunday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and it is open to all musicians.
The club offers a great atmosphere for a night out with friends or a date night.
The cover charge varies depending on the night and the performer, and it is typically between $10 and $20.
In addition, the club offers a full bar and a menu of light bites and entrees.
You can check out the calendar on the club’s website to see who is performing and when. Indeed, enjoying live jazz music at Heidi jazz club is one of the best things to do in cocoa beach at night.
Physical Address: 7 N Orlando Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States
Contact: +1 321-783-4559
Go on a Night Fishing Trip with Fin and Fly Fishing Charters
Going on a night Fishing trip with Fin and Fly Fishing Charters is a unique and exciting way to experience the waters of cocoa beach.
Fin and Fly Fishing Charters offer multiple fishing charters, including shark fishing, nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, offshore deep-sea fishing and bioluminescence tours.
The charters are led by experienced and professional guides who know the local waters and can help you catch a variety of fish species.
Additionally, they provide all the necessary equipment including roads, reels, bait and tackle.
The cost of the charters varies depending on the type of trip and the duration, and it typically ranges from $400 to $1200.
The charters can accommodate groups of up to six people.
This makes it a great activity for families or groups of Friends.
These charters depart from various locations in the Cocoa Beach area, and the departure time varies depending on the type of trip and the season.
Going on a light fishing trip with Fin and Fly Fishing Charters is a great way to experience the waters of Cocoa Beach and catch some fish under the stars.
Enjoy a Night of Karaoke at Sandbar Sports Grill Restaurant
Enjoying a night of karaoke at the Sandbar Sports Grill Restaurant is a fun and lovely way to spend an evening in Cocoa Beach.
This restaurant offers karaoke on certain nights of the week, typically on Fridays and Saturdays.
Sandbar Sports Grill is a smaller venue that offers both indoor and outdoor dining options.
The venue offers a variety of food and drink options, including seafood, cocktails and burgers.
The karaoke nights at Sandbar Sports Grill are a fun and lovely way to spend an evening with friends or family.
It has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that makes it a great place to sing your heart out. The restaurant is conveniently located near the beach and other attractions in cocoa beach.
Physical Address: 4301 Ocean Beach Blvd, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States
Contact: +1 321-799-2577
Go on a Bioluminescence Kayak Tour
There is nothing quite breathtaking as the sight of the most spectacular phenomena in the sea referred to as bioluminescence in Cocoa Beach.
Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon in which organisms produce and emit light due to a chemical reaction and it’s often seen in the water at night.
Taking a nighttime bioluminescence kayak tour with A Day Away Kayak Tours is definitely a unique and exciting way to experience this natural phenomenon.
A Day Away Kayak Tours offers a variety of bioluminescence tours, including dinoflagellate bioluminescence tours and clear kayak bioluminescence tours.
The tours are available from May to early November, and the cost ranges from $55 to $75 per individual.
The tours are led by experienced and knowledgeable guides who can help you navigate the waters and spot in the bioluminescence.
They use clear kayaks, which allows you to see the bioluminescence in the water beneath you.
The bioluminescence tours are a great way to experience the natural beauty of cocoa beach and see the water light up with luminous sea life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Drink Alcohol on Cocoa Beach at Night?
YES, you can drink alcohol on Cocoa Beach. However, there are a few rules you need to follow:
- Authorities do not allow glass bottles on the beach.
- It’s important to note that you should avoid swimming under the influence of alcohol.
- Please remember to clean up after yourself and leave only your footprints behind.
What is the Red Light Room in Cocoa Beach?
The “Red Light Room” in Cocoa Beach is actually an office in the Cape Royal building on State Road A1A.
It belongs to a company called Ward Photonics, which is developing and testing a weight-loss device that uses simple red light to trick fat cells in the body.
The red light is left on day and night to test the longevity of the light bulbs. The light is not aimed at the windows but rather at the floor and ceiling.
It stands out because it contrasts with its surroundings but is no brighter than a traffic stop light.
The red light does not break any laws, according to city officials.
What Time of the Year Does Cocoa Beach Glow in the Dark?
Cocoa Beach is known for its bioluminescence, which is the production and emission of light by a living organism.
This natural phenomenon can be observed throughout the year in the waters around Cocoa Beach.
However, the intensity and type of bioluminescence you’ll see can vary depending on the time of year:
- January – March: You will mostly see comb jellies if you go on a kayaking tour. There is also likely to be fireflies along the shore.
- April-May: This is a transition season. You may see some glowing comb jellies and a faint glow of bioluminescent plankton.
- June – October: This is the famous “bio season”. During this time, you are sure to see a spectacular glow from the bioluminescent dinoflagellates that blanket the water. This is when most tour companies in Florida sell-out due to throngs of people coming to see the neon glowing water
- November – December: The dinoflagellates have dissipated and we are in full on comb jelly bioluminescence season.
So, if you’re looking for that magical glow in the dark experience at Cocoa Beach, plan your visit accordingly.
Can You Smoke on the Beach in Cocoa Beach?
YES, you can smoke on the beach in Cocoa Beach.
Please note that smoking is prohibited in all city parks except for the Ocean Beach.
Is Cocoa Beach Pier Free?
Yes, the Cocoa Beach Pier is free to visit.
However, there might be a parking fee if you choose to park in certain areas.
The pier is home to restaurants, bars, gift shops, and live musical entertainment.
It also offers beach rentals, fresh water showers, regulation beach volleyball courts, and lifeguards year-round.
How Late Can You Stay on Cocoa Beach?
Cocoa Beach is open 24 hours.
However, public parks are closed from sunset to sunrise, and this only applies to the part west of the dunes (parking lot, restrooms, playgrounds, etc.).
There are plenty of other beach accesses throughout the city that can be accessed around the clock.
Can You Sleep on the Beach in Florida at Night?
In Florida, it is generally against the law to sleep on the beach at night.
This includes sleeping in a vehicle parked on a Florida beach.
Several areas, including Fort Lauderdale, enforce these laws and perform predawn sweeps making arrests under city ordinances prohibiting people from sleeping on the beach between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Authorities often recommend that you a find designated camping areas or nearby campgrounds that allow overnight stays.
Are Bonfires Allowed on Cocoa Beach?
Yes, bonfires are allowed on Cocoa Beach, but there are some rules and regulations you need to follow:
- Beach Fire Permit: You must obtain a Beach Fire Permit. The permit costs $30.
- Size of the Fire: The Beach Fire can be a maximum of 3’ x 3’ x 3’. Anything greater in size and height will be considered a bonfire which is prohibited.
- Location of the Fire: Please protect our dunes and keep the fire away from dunes. Specifically, it should be at least 30 feet in any direction from the dune or any beach vegetation and 100 feet from the stub end street or boardwalk/ dune crossover.
- Sea Turtle Nesting Season: Authorities do not issue permits from the beginning of March through October 31st due to Sea Turtle Nesting Season
Is it Safe to Swim in Bioluminescent Water?
While bioluminescent water is a beautiful sight to behold, it’s generally not recommended to swim in it.
Some bioluminescent algae can produce toxins that are harmful to marine wildlife, humans, and anything that comes in contact with them.
These toxins can make people and animals sick if they swim in, breathe in, or consume the affected water.
In fact, at the most famous bioluminescence location in the world, the Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico, authorities do not allow people to swim.
So, while it might be tempting to take a dip in the glowing waters, it’s best to enjoy the spectacle from a safe distance.