When visiting this beautiful 32.43-acre oceanfront park it is to picture that this was once an…read moreunofficial city dump. Standing among the sea oats and beach, it's almost impossible to imagine that this land was neglected until the mid 1970s. The park owes its transformation to the vision and determination of Lori Wilson, an attorney, Florida State Senator, and passionate environmental advocate. After moving to Florida in 1960, Wilson served in the Florida Senate from 1973 to 1978, becoming only the third woman and the first Independent to hold the office. She was a strong supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment and championed numerous environmental causes, working with organizations such as Save Our Waterways, the National Association of County Officials Environmental Steering Committee, and the Central Florida Zoological Society. Senator Wilson was a visionary and she was determined to restore this stretch of coastline organized a massive community cleanup. Local youth organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, spent weeks removing trash, planting native vegetation, and restoring it back to its natural condition. In appreciation for her leadership and dedication, the grateful community voted to name the restored park in her honor. Today, Lori Wilson Park is one of Cocoa Beach's most popular beach parks. The Mansfield Maritime Hammock which is stop on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, features a .6-mile interpretive boardwalk through a protected coastal canopy filled with native plants. It is an important stopover for migratory birds. Dog lovers will appreciate the spacious 32,000-square-foot fenced off-leash dog park, which opened in 2006 through a partnership between Cocoa Beach and Brevard County. More recent improvements include upgraded dune crossovers built with durable composite materials, a renovated dog park, and modernized restrooms and outdoor shower facilities. The park also is where you can find I Dream of Jeannie Lane named in 1996 in honor of the TV show I Dream of Jeannie, a TV show about a genie in love with an astronaut that aired from 1965 to 1970 and was fictionally set in Cocoa Beach. The historical marker was added in 2012. I appreciated that the parking is free and there is easy beach access. I also enjoyed my time exploring the maritime Hammock. Thanks to Lori Wilson residents and visitors can enjoy ocean access, nature walks, and a place for off leash dog play. Lori Wilson Park is an inspiring example of what a community can accomplish when they pull together.

My favorite beach in Central Florida. Bathrooms and shower available. They do have a lot of events…read morehere so sometimes parking can be rough

Robert P. Murkshe served as mayor from 1963 to 1972. During that time he guided the city through an…read moreextraordinary period of growth and transformation. At the beginning of his tenure, Cocoa Beach was a small community of just 3,475 residents and lacked many essential public facilities, including a hospital, high school, junior high school, and municipal recreation facilities. it lacked the infrastructure you would find in a modern city. By the time he left office, the population had grown to more than 12,000. He established and expanded these important community resources and his leadership also helped lay the groundwork for the environmental preservation efforts that continue to protect Cocoa Beach's natural resources and coastal beauty. Named in his honor, Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park is a 2.5 acre beachfront park located at 16th Street South. A paved walkway leads from the parking area and restrooms over the dunes to the beach. Amenities include an outdoor shower, a covered picnic pavilion with tables and a grill, and free parking. A cool find in this park was the artwork that Guy Harvey lent to the Creative Cans in the Sand project, a not-for-profit with the mission to help encourage beach goers to dispose of their trash responsibly. Guy Harvey is an artist, scientist, diver, angler, conservationist, explorer and entrepreneur who is famous for his coastal artwork. The cans bring art to the park in the hopes that it will encourage visitors to dispose of garbage in the cans, not on the beach. When I visited the park I noticed that this beach is popular with surfers and saltwater fishermen. I appreciated the convenient beach access and relaxed vibe. When you are looking looking for a quieter stretch of Cocoa Beach to enjoy the waves, Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park is a great choice.

This has moved up to our go to beach. There's free parking, showers, and bathroom…read more If you go to the left when u get to the beach, that is the dog side in the morning and after 6 pm. If you go to the right of the life guard side, you can go there with your dog. It's so spacious and nice and clean. The water feels amazing during the summer. We live by Tampa and come this way. We have been here almost a handful of times now. It's never packed to the rim with people. It's pretty awesome to see the cruise ship in the far back. I was just saying can't believe I found another fave beach after living here for just over ten years. Love it here!!

The Canaveral National Seashore is located between Titusville and New Smyrna Beach…read more It is a favorite beach for many locals because of the gorgeous blue water and white sand. The atmosphere is relaxing and tranquil. It has something for everyone..... Bird watching, sea turtles and lots of beach combing opportunities.

This is a really beautiful place that I think people should visit! Especially during the Pandemic…read morewhen outdoor activities are encouraged, what is better than the beach with beautiful views, wide open spaces, and fresh sea breezes?? I love the ultra fine white sand with tons of shells that have washed ashore. Want to start a shell collection? This is a good place to start. The waves here are amazing and a great place to go for people who have a knack for surfing. I think the facilities here also also well maintained. The boardwalks and beach access points are sturdy and well constructed. Bathrooms are available at the entrance to the beach access points. Overall, one of the best beaches I've been to in Florida. An added bonus is that it's not overly crowded and parking is plentiful! :)

Coming back to Cocoa Beach as an adult brought back a lot of memories…read more It's timeless. The beach is just as relaxed and welcoming as I remember, but now I appreciate the little things more: the breeze, the waves, and grabbing a snack by the pier. It's simple, familiar, and still one of my favorite spots to unwind.

Cocoa Beach is a fabulous destination for sandy fun in the sun for the entire family in the Space…read moreCoast area of Florida. You can swim in our beaches all year long and there is good surfing to be enjoyed all along Cocoa Beach as well. If you are in need of beach going supplies, there are numerous stores around the city of Cocoa Beach that sell any supplies that you might need. We also have our world famous Ron John's Surf Shop that sells beach going supplies as well.

Looking for a sunshine day, like the Brady's sing about? It starts right here, at Alan Shepard…read morepark. What a great place to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic! We raced over from Tampa to get here by dawn and found plenty of parking (you can pay by card, coin or Park Mobile app). It's just a short walk by boardwalk/ramp to the sand and there it is: sea, sun and surf... right at your feet. It's really Florida gorgeous... and so easy to access. It's also right behind Ron Jon's Surf Shop and a great place to watch rocket launches from nearby Cape Canaveral. I'll definitely go back, again and again!

A really nice beach with a paid parking lot right next to it; it's just a few steps to the beach…read morefrom your vehicle. The sand and water were nice. The body and foot showers near the parking lot are greatly appreciated. There are lots of retails and restaurants places to walk to from the beach parking lot, so you don't have to move your vehicle.

Hangar's Beach is one of several beaches with free parking along Florida's Space Coast located on…read morePatrick Space Force Base. The beach gets its name from its proximity to historic military aircraft hangars. The area has a lot of military history. What is now Patrick Space Force Base was originally established as Naval Air Station Banana River in 1939 as an anti-submarine patrol and training base. During World War II, this stretch of coastline was actively patrolled to guard against the threat of German U-boats operating off the Atlantic coast. Today this secluded, uncrowded strip of coastline is known for its great surfing conditions and excellent vantage point for viewing Cape Canaveral rocket launches. Beach amenities include an observation deck, wheelchair-accessible dune crossover, and outdoor shower. The planes from Patrick Space Force Base approach from just north of Hangars Beach, giving people on this beach a great view.

Nice, beautiful beach right on A1A across from Patrick's Air Force base...during regular days, you…read morecan see planes coming in or taking off while you enjoy the sandy beaches. During the Air Show dates in mid April, you can enjoy the dozens of planes that fly around the area. The easiest way to get here is to drive north on A1A from SR404 since the free parking lot is right on your right..if you are coming from Cocoa Beach, you can get in the median and drive over to the beach side for parking. A really nice, unspoiled beach....not too busy as some of the other ones closer to Cocoa Beach downtown.

Tables Beach is one of several lovely beaches along Florida's Space Coast. Located just north of…read morePatrick Space Force Base, the beach gets its name from the distinctive concrete picnic tables found in the park area beside the sand. The history of this stretch of coastline is especially interesting. Following the Civil War, the area became home to a settlement of newly freed slaves seeking to build new lives. However, a devastating hurricane in 1885 discouraged further development. During World War II, the beach served as part of a military coastal patrol zone, and by the 1960s it had gained popularity as a local surfing destination. Today, Tables Beach provides a peaceful alternative to the areas busier beaches. Visitors can enjoy a quiet, uncrowded shoreline along with amenities, including restrooms, outdoor showers, a picnic pavilion, a wooden boardwalk leading to the beach, and a sand volleyball court. Note that there are no lifeguards on duty. While parking is free, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.

It is about 10mins south of the usual beach area we go to (Alan Shepard, Lori Wilson) but well…read moreworth the drive starting with the fact that the beach is closer to parking area. This means less steps to take loaded with a cooler, a tent, a beach bag, a chair, a beach ball and your kid in tow. But take note there's limited "FREE" parking. I'd mentally estimate 40 parking spaces. There's a shower to wash off the sand on your way back to the car. There's a gazebo by the parking lot good for groups with benches and tables. Now for the beach...they're as Cocoa Beach in look, feel as it is compared to Alan Shepard & Lori Wilson.

Quiet and peaceful beach, really nice to relax and listen to the sound of the massive waves…read morecrashing. Also a good spot to watch the surfers. There is a decent amount of parking with overflow across the street. The facilities are kept pretty clean and there are public restrooms.

A convenient place to take a beach day! Or, simply stop by the top of the steps to check the waves…read more It's a spacious beach for a good time with your friends and family to enjoy. I've gone so many times and it's so pretty!! Always a beach girl...forever a beach girl. Five Stars! It's even worth the sort of difficult time parking , to get on that beach for a few. Cheers.