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A Day (or Two, or Three, or More) at the Beach
If it’s sand, sun, and surf that you seek - or if you’ve simply come to your senses after having experienced the intensity of Orlando (and now require rest and relaxation) Florida’s Space Coast is the place for you. Breaking waves, sparkling blue waters, and miles of white sandy beaches all speckled with shells and sea creatures – it’s all here.
Nearby are nature preserves, state parks, and zoos all waiting to be explored, there’s even a small array of attractions (none of which overwhelming, though one in particular is simply out of this world) sprinkled in for good measure.
Much of the area surrounding Cocoa Beach and Port Canaveral is dedicated to the preservation and protection of the local coastal wildlife. This of course translates into an area that is relatively undisturbed and undeveloped – and the perfect place to relax (not to mention experience the areas incredibly unique eco-attractions). Thankfully, these small coastal communities are substantially less developed, far less touristy, and considerably calmer than the more publicized vacation spots that found along Florida’s east coast (including the likes of Daytona Beach, Miami, and others). This, however, in combination with an incredibly laidback lifestyle that resonates throughout the area, is the very reason for its popularity (and what makes it an especially good destination for families). Even at the height of the tourist season the area remains incredibly manageable, maintaining its relaxed laidback feel.
It should come as no great surprise that Cocoa Beach is a surfer’s paradise - touted as one of the best spots in the country to catch a wave (and home to more than just a few worldclass surfers). In fact, you’ll find over 100 of the hottest surfing spots on the East coast all right here (which may also explain why the two largest buildings in town [save a select few resorts] are dedicated to the sport).
Because the surf crashes in from the open ocean, the waves are more intense (though not overly so), and the water slightly cooler, than on the Gulf side of the state – this however is what draws the surfing set. There is of course the occasional jelly fish to contend with, though in general they’re not menacing enough to keep you out of the water – sharks however are ever present (but this, of course, is the case along almost any coastline).
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Highlights & Hot Spots:
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| 1 |
The Sun, Sand, and Surf |
2 |
The Kennedy Space Center |
| 3 |
The Canaveral National Seashore |
4 |
The Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge |
| 5 |
Port Canaveral (and its Cruise Ships) |
6 |
The Surfing Hall of Fame |
| 7 |
The Ron Jon Surf Shop |
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The Stress-Free Laidback Lifestyle |
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Topping the “To Do” List
(Unique Experiences, Interesting Activities & Special Events at the Space Coast) |
| 1 |
Experience Florida’s eco-tourism at it’s best
See sea turtles, manatees, alligators, birds, and the native coastal wildlife |
| 2 |
Learn to surf at the Ron Jon Surf School
Hang ten and ride the waves at one of the best surf spots in the country |
| 3 |
Watch a shuttle launch
Feel the earth rumble beneath you as the shuttle takes off |
| 4 |
Explore space at The Kennedy Space Center |
| 5 |
Reel in the catch-of-the-day
Fish off the Cocoa Beach Pier or aboard ship on the open ocean |
| 6 |
Relax at the beach - build a sandcastle and squish your toes in the warm white sand |
| 7 |
Skim along the shoreline and body surf the waves |
| 8 |
Check out the cruise ships at the Port (in Port Canaveral) |
| Click Here for all the details – along with more great places to play! |
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The Best Places to Stay While You Play
(Close to the beach) |
| 1 |
The Resort on Cocoa Beach |
2 |
The Four-Points by Sheraton |
| 3 |
The Holiday Inn Oceanfront Resort |
4 |
The Ron Jon Resort Cape Caribe |
| 5 |
The Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront |
6 |
The Doubletree Hotel |
| 7 |
The Courtyard by Marriott |
8 |
The Hampton by Marriott |
| Click Here for all the details – and even more great places to stay! |
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For additional visitor information surf on over to the official Space Coast site at
www.space-coast.com
or call 877-572-3224
Another site worth a look is Florida’s official Travel Planning site - Visit Florida. Just go online to www.visitflorida.com, click on “Destinations”, then either look down the list or click on the map where you see “Cocoa Beach Area”. Information is also available at www.cocoabeachchamber.com
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