VLOG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN4ewLtYHUQ&t=10s
We went to Cocoa Beach with the goal of seeing the SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink rocket launch. Tickets to see it up close and personal were sold out, so we saw it from Cocoa Beach and the view was honestly amazing. We observed it launch and felt and heard the rumble. While we were already there, it would not make sense to turn around and go home, therefore we stayed a couple of days to revel in the beauty Cocoa Beach has to offer.
Hotel:
We stayed at the Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites and at first glance, it did not appear to be much but it was actually pretty nice. The rooms were spacious, clean, and comfortable and the location is undeniable unbeatable (it is walking distance from the beach and pier). I would stay here again in a heartbeat especially since it is a beach hotel without that musty smell. The hotel warrants the 4.1 stars and 1.4K reviews on Google. Although I did not utilize it (besides morning coffee), the hotel does offer complimentary breakfast.
Dining/Drinks:
Pelican’s does not have stellar reviews on Google/Yelp/Trip Advisor (Average 3 stars) but everything we had was pretty darn good considering it is just one of the restaurants on the pier. It was so good (and well, mainly convenient) that we ate there twice (on our first and last nights). For starters, we tried the Oysters and the Crab & Seafood Dip – both were excellent, especially the Crab & Seafood Dip (big chunks of crab & seafood!). I enjoyed the Blackened Fish Tacos on my first night and the Crab Cake Sandwich on my last night. Just like most of the places I have been to in Cocoa Beach, Pelican’s is big on saving the environment – instead of plastic or paper straws; they use pasta (first time I have seen a restaurant do this and it is brilliant).
Darci’s Bacon Blues features sinful breakfast dishes filled with gravy, biscuits, waffles, and BACON (hence the name). I was still trying to eat somewhat healthy, so I played it safe with their soul food special. I did not know there were so many different types of bacon but Darci’s has them all.
I love this spot in Cocoa Village (probably because I was in dire need of an iced coffee). Ossorio offers coffee, ice cream, and baked goods, among other things. I was obsessed with the colorful flowers painted on the walls; they made me feel like Alice in Wonderland.
I did not try any eats here but I did have two Watermelon Mint Lemonades! The vibe is cheerful and relaxing (plus, you cannot beat the view). Rikki’s served as our pre game spot.
A bartender from Rikki Tiki Tavern recommended this restaurant and I am glad she did – Rising Tide did not disappoint. I loved my drink (Straw-Basil Mule) and my dish (Ahi Tuna). The appetizers were also both delicious, as well (mussels and calamari). All of the flavors and spices were spectacular – I practically licked all of the plates.
I loved this breakfast spot and apparently so do a lot of people (1.2K reviews on Trip Advisor and 4.5 stars). The iced coffee was huge (almost bigger than me) and the Salmon Eggs Benedict was spectacular (they do not skimp out on the salmon). I must warn you, the bread here is phenomenal and irresistible (they even offer complimentary jams).
Things to do:
- View a rocket launch
We went to Cocoa Beach with the intention of seeing a launch, so naturally that is what we did. We stood in the sand and watched as the SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink rocket launched. In the picture, it may not seem like much, but it was a spectacular sight. Check out the vlog I linked above to see footage of the rocket launching.
- Go to Cocoa Beach Pier
The pier was walking distance from out hotel and we took advantage of it. I did not take part in any of the activities they offer (fishing, surfing, shopping, etc.) but I did relax, eat, and drink.
- Chill at the beach
I am picky when it comes to water temperature, therefore I did not go in the ocean but plenty of people did! I prefer to kickback and relax on a chair under an umbrella with a book.
- Shop at Cocoa Village
I had a jolly time walking around Cocoa Village. I went in all of the stores and scooped up an iced coffee from Ossorio’s. The area is picturesque and spirited featuring live music for all to enjoy. I did not leave the village empty handed; I got a purple 70s inspired romper at one of the antique stores.
- I Dream of Jeannie Lane
This street was named in 1996, and is next to the entrance for the Lori Wilson Park. I did not drive into (nor explore) the scenic coastline park featuring beach access but I did take a picture of the street sign that commemorated one of actress Barbara Eden’s visits.
Overall, it was a successful mini getaway to Cocoa Beach. I briefly strolled through Cocoa Beach during my trip to the Kennedy Space Center a couple of years ago, but this time I actually got to explore the area.
XO,
Caylin
Caylin Jimenez 