Cape Canaveral isn’t just about rockets reaching for the stars—it’s also the gateway to Florida’s pristine beachfront gems.
From the tranquil shores of Tables Beach to the bustling vibes of Cocoa Beach, this coastal region promises sun, surf, and unforgettable beachside experiences.
And for those chasing the thrill of both natural beauty and human achievement, these beaches offer unparalleled views of rocket launches.
Dive into this list and discover the best spots to soak up the Floridian sun, just a stone’s throw from Cape Canaveral.
1. Cherie Down Park
- Distance from Cape Canaveral: 1 mile
- Activities: walking, parasailing, surfing, watching rockets launch, kayaking
- Facilities: restrooms, limited parking, picnic tables, lifeguards
Nestled between Jetty Park and the Cocoa Beach pier, Cherie Down Park emerges as a favored spot in Cape Canaveral.
With its expansive sandy stretch, the beach offers a haven for families and individuals alike, and the absence of seaweed adds to its appeal.
Amenities such as public restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic spots ensure a comfortable day out.
The park’s proximity to Cape Canaveral provides an unmatched vantage point for rocket launches, making it a magnet for spectators.
Beachgoers can indulge in a plethora of activities from parasailing, surfing, and paddleboarding to the simple joys of shellcombing.
And while shade might be scanty, the cleanliness, lifeguard presence, and free parking make Cherie Down Park a must-visit gem on Florida’s coast.
2. Jetty Park
- Distance from Cape Canaveral: 2 miles
- Activities: fishing, hiking, swimming, sunbathing, kayaking
- Facilities: picnic tables, restrooms, playground, rentals, lifeguards
Overlooking the picturesque Cocoa Beach, Jetty Park is a celebrated spot not just for its calming shoreline but also for its inviting fishing pier that extends an open invitation to anglers and casual visitors alike.
Offering more than just sandy escapades, the park boasts a spectrum of activities — from spotting dolphins and ships to catching a rare glimpse of a rocket launch.
The park’s modern conveniences include umbrella and chair rentals, well-maintained restrooms, a children’s playground, and lifeguards ensuring safety all year round.
However, visitors are encouraged to arrive prepared, especially with sun protection, given the park’s limited shade.
And, with the bustling cruise port terminal in proximity, the sight of majestic cruise ships passing close by adds a touch of magic to any visit.
Whether you’re looking to relax, fish, or simply be enthralled by nature and technology’s marvels, Jetty Park promises a memorable experience.
3. Cocoa Beach
- Distance from Cape Canaveral: 5 miles
- Activities: swimming, surfing, sunbathing, volleyball, kayaking, fishing
- Facilities: restrooms, parking, boardwalk, nearby restaurants, rentals
Just 5 miles from Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach stands out as a pristine jewel.
This well-maintained haven, easily accessible from the bustling amusement parks of Orlando, ensures a delightful experience for both locals and visitors.
Patrolling crews maintain the beach’s cleanliness, reinforcing its reputation as one of the state’s finest sandy stretches.
The gently sloping shores beckon swimmers, though the waves call for caution, especially with younger ones.
Convenience is a hallmark, with ample parking and nearby restaurants amplifying its allure.
Beyond the allure of its medium-sized waves and soft sands, Cocoa Beach offers chair and umbrella rentals, making it the perfect spot to bask under the Floridian sun.
Whether for a day trip or family reunion, this town and its extensive beachfront guarantee a memorable outing.
4. Shepard Park
- Distance from Cape Canaveral: 3 miles
- Activities: surfing, swimming, sunbathing, fishing
- Facilities: dog-friendly, restrooms, picnic tables, grills, lifeguards, showers, boardwalk
Shepard Park, an exquisite section of Cocoa Beach, offers visitors a tranquil oceanfront experience replete with picturesque views and amenities.
A prime destination, particularly for those seeking a serene beach atmosphere, it boasts pristine sands and clear waters that beckon both the casual visitor and the avid beachgoer.
Conveniently nestled beside the iconic and world-largest surf shop – Ron Jon’s, parking is a breeze, with a picturesque wooden boardwalk providing direct access to the shoreline.
Paying homage to its namesake, Astronaut Alan Shepard, the park spans 5 acres, providing an unrivaled vantage point for space rocket launches.
This coastal haven complements its natural allure with a plethora of amenities, from convenient parking and boardwalk access to a myriad of facilities like pavilions, BBQ grills, and a playground.
Whether it’s basking in the sun or catching a mesmerizing sunrise, Shepard Park remains a must-visit gem on Florida’s coast.
5. Sidney Fischer Park
- Distance from Cape Canaveral: 3 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, kayaking, volleyball
- Facilities: showers, restrooms, lifeguards, boardwalk, volleyball nets, pavilion
Sidney Fischer Park, an illustrious segment of Cocoa Beach, encapsulates 10 acres of pure coastal delight.
Renowned for its family-friendly ambiance, Fischer offers a hassle-free beach experience just a stone’s throw from Cape Canaveral.
Visitors are advised to don sandals, as the sun-kissed sands can be scorching.
The shores brim with exquisite shells, awaiting keen-eyed collectors.
Beyond the beach’s natural allure, amenities are abundant.
Showers ensure sand-free departures, while chair and umbrella rentals guarantee a relaxed day out.
Families cherish the park area for picnics, ensuring fun continues even off the sand.
With its pristine condition and easy accessibility, Sidney Fischer Park stands as a cherished Cocoa Beach treasure.
6. Lori Wilson Park
- Distance from Cape Canaveral: 4 miles
- Activities: fishing, walking, surfing, swimming, sunbathing
- Facilities: restroom, picnic tables, playground, pavillion, grills
Lori Wilson Park, a vibrant corner of Cocoa Beach, is a beacon for beach enthusiasts.
Parking, entirely complimentary, might require a bit of patience during peak hours, but with two lots available, visitors usually find a spot.
The beach is known for its pristine condition and is easily accessed via a charming wooden walkway.
Lifeguards, ever vigilant, ensure swimmers’ safety.
Beyond the lure of the gentle waves, amenities abound: restrooms, outdoor showers, and rental options, from loungers to boogie boards.
An enterprising mobile cart offers icy treats, while a dedicated dog park keeps the canine companions entertained.
The sand, while delightful, can get toasty in summer, prompting visitors to opt for sturdy footwear.
Whether it’s a family day out or a surfing adventure, Lori Wilson Park promises a day of sun-soaked memories.
7. Tables Beach
- Distance from Cape Canaveral: 9 miles
- Activities: fishing, walking, surfing, swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing
- Facilities: restroom, showers, volleyball nets, picnic tables, free parking
Situated just three miles south of the bustling Cocoa Beach pier lies Tables Beach, a hidden gem cherished by locals and savvy visitors alike.
This picturesque beach is favored for its spacious sandy expanse, offering a sense of serenity often absent from more commercialized spots.
Visitors can bask in the warmth of a sunny July day without battling crowds, while the spotless sands beneath them are perfect for laying out or collecting seashells.
Boasting ample free parking, an added boon for beachgoers, Tables Beach also provides amenities such as restrooms, volleyball courts, and picnic areas.
While it may have been marred slightly by the sargassum invasion in May 2023, its essence remains untainted.
As a refuge from Cocoa Beach’s frenetic pace, Tables Beach stands as a tranquil haven, perfect for families, couples, and surfers in search of calm and community.
- Distance from Cape Canaveral: 33 miles
- Activities: fishing, surfing, hiking, swimming, sunbathing
- Facilities: parking, boat ramps, restrooms
Situated just north of the renowned Kennedy Space Center, Canaveral National Seashore offers a pristine, unspoiled coastline that captures the essence of natural Florida.
A haven for both beachgoers and wildlife, this expansive beach is graced by crushed shell white sands and a dynamic tidal dance, which, while enthralling, reminds visitors to swim responsibly in the absence of lifeguards.
With a plethora of trails to trek, it’s not just the sun and surf that beckons.
Birdwatchers, turtle spotters, and fishing aficionados find their slice of paradise here.
While the amenities lean towards the rustic—with only primitive bathrooms and a lack of running water—the captivating sunrises, unique body surfing experiences, and the rare opportunity for a spiritual connection with nature at its clothing-optional section, make Canaveral National Seashore a true Floridian treasure.
9. Playalinda Beach
- Distance from Cape Canaveral: 37 miles
- Activities: swimming, watching rockets launch, sunbathing, surfing, picnics
- Facilities: restrooms, parking
Part of the Canaveral National Seashore, Playalinda Beach boasts pristine stretches of sand and crystal-clear waters, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.
It’s not just the natural beauty that captivates its visitors; it’s also the best vantage point to witness awe-inspiring rocket launches.
While the beach is a haven of tranquility, offering breathtaking sunrises and abundant wildlife, visitors should plan ahead.
The absence of running water and concessions ensures an undisturbed communion with nature.
Elevated boardwalks provide accessibility and scenic views, making it welcoming for all.
Those seeking a unique experience can venture to the last beach sections for a clothing-optional spot.
Remember to check the launch schedule, as combining a beach day with a rocket launch viewing is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
10. Hightower Beach Park
- Distance from Cape Canaveral: 14 miles
- Activities: fishing, kayaking, swimming, sunbathing, surfing
- Facilities: restroom, showers, pavilions, playground, picnic tables
Hightower Beach Park provides both locals and tourists a picturesque blend of leisure and education.
This tranquil beach spot is not only ideal for basking in the sun’s warmth or catching an awe-inspiring sunrise, but it also offers a unique learning experience about the coastal dune system.
Strategically placed educational signs foster a deep appreciation for the ecosystem’s fragility.
Amenities like a pavilion, restrooms, showers, and a pier/boardwalk ensure a comfortable visit.
Those wanting a panoramic view without the sand can enjoy seating on the upper boardwalk.
The park’s location, near the 404 bridge intersection of A1A and Shearwater Parkway, and its free parking, albeit limited, makes it a preferred destination.
Whether you’re keen on surfing, paddleboarding, or simply absorbing nature’s beauty, Hightower Beach Park is a must-visit.
11. Pelican Beach Park
- Distance from Cape Canaveral: 16 miles
- Activities: fishing, kayaking, swimming, sunbathing, surfing
- Facilities: restroom, showers, pavilions, playground, picnic tables
Located in Satellite Beach, Pelican Beach Park stands out as a prime beachside destination ideal for family outings, company picnics, and cherished gatherings.
Following its comprehensive renovation in 2007, the park now boasts six pavilions equipped with grills, each accommodating between 12 to a whopping 70 people.
While weekdays offer community access to two sand volleyball courts, weekend enthusiasts need to reserve them via pavilion rentals.
Inclusivity is a hallmark of the park, with amenities including ADA-compliant restrooms, showers, parking, and dune crossovers.
Parents can unwind on the park’s retaining wall, doubling as a seat, overseeing their young ones play at the adjacent playground.
With abundant parking, pristine beaches, and the promise of an old-fashioned beach picnic, Pelican Beach Park guarantees a memorable sun-soaked day.
