When visiting this beautiful 32.43-acre oceanfront park it is to picture that this was once an unofficial 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. read more

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

Lori Wilson Park - Seagrapes - Parks Near Me - Cocoa Beach, Florida

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While on my drive I had came across this park so I decided to make a stop at it. I wanted to go on the beach and this was just the right place to be able to stop at to get a good view of the beach. It was free to go here and parking was very easy and accessible. If you are needing to use the restroom they do have a bathroom out here. Again if you are looking to be able to get a good view of the beach then definitely stop here. read more

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This is my go to spot to park at when visiting Cocoa Beach! There is plenty of parking and the best part about it is that it is FREE. I enjoy watching sunrises and this parking lot is open all the time to be able to park super early and walk out to the beach. There were so many bunnies running around in the early hours so there must be quite a bit of burrows nearby. The park/parking lot area seemed to be well kept. Everything looked clean with no trash thrown about. The trash cans were empty and not overflowing. There is a decent shower out front. Bathrooms were located nearby, however I did not go in them so I cannot speak on them or their cleanliness. The beach boardwalk was nice. The wood was in good shape and provided a nice stroll out to the sand. The beach was clean and beautiful. We had the most amazing morning here watching the sunrise and got beautiful photos. While we were there a photographer was getting shots of someone and I know they came out great because the backdrop was perfect. There is a Hilton next door with a restaurant inside so if you wish to walk over for a bite to eat, its only a few minute walk. read more

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This park is very beautiful and it's also available to rent for use on providing a beautiful location, that is close to Cocoa Beach, in order to hold special events and gatherings, such as weddings. I actually attended my mother's wedding to my step father over 20 years ago at Lori Wilson Park. Their wedding at Lori Wilson Park was very beautiful and very memorable as well. read more

Lori Wilson Park - Here is a picture of my youngest sister Stephanie, and myself, at my mother and step father's wedding that took place at Lori Wilson Park. - Parks Near Me - Cocoa Beach, Florida

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A nice little park with parking and easy access to beach with bathroom facility's.The only draw back you pay to park. read more

Lori Wilson Park - Parks Near Me - Cocoa Beach, Florida

A very nice park, A neat history and nice boardwalks to an iconic beach I have driven by this location for years and never stopped in until the recent air show. It was very nice for several different reasons. It is often called "I dream of Jeannie Park" and several events like certain long runs start and end at this iconic location. The real name is Lori Wilson State Park named after Senator Lori WIlson. After the 1960's TV show about Jeannie and the astronaut, locals started calling it the nickname. In 1996 the city named the street leading to it "I Dream of Jeannie Lane". There are a few paved parking spots and a large grass field that serves as a larger lot. For the airshow, the paved part had the tents selling items and the grass lot was for parking. There were 2 lots, a north lot and a south lot. From the north lot, there were 2 entrances to the beach. One led to a boardwalk through the hammock (trees) that has informational signs along the shaded walkway. Then you walk along the boardwalk that overlooks the sand dunes and has shaded seating areas. The boardwalks lead to sandy beach entrances. There are restrooms between the boardwalk and the south parking lot. There was a good area between the dunes and the waterline. It was a very nice park and I plan to visit again read more

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I love the beach and love it even more when there are showers, bathrooms and parking all in one place and that's Lori Wilson Park. We have come even during holidays and loved it. It has an area closer to the street with a pavilion, a playground and parking and another closer to the water. We are huge fans and come often Pro-tip: you CAN park along the fence as long as you are at least 20 ft from the "no parking" signs. read more

The Lori Wilson Park is located right on N Atlantic Ave in Cocoa Beach. It is a very nice park. They have clean bathrooms. Showers, chair and umbrella rentals. There is a big gazebo for parties and a nice playground. The beach is really nice and relaxing. I love coming here with my husband to have a drink or two by the beach, while enjoying the families around us, nice conversation and just relax. read more

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I tried to come here on the weekend before and it is always much too crowded. They have a very large parking lot and you still can't find a spot to park on a weekend. I had an appointment in Cocoa Beach so I packed a bag, some snacks and my little dog and threw my beach chair in my car and thought I'd try my luck at getting a spot on the beach today. Monday turns out is a day that not many people are at the park. I parked right up front, got a prime spot near the water and soaked in the sunshine. The sun was shining. There was a breeze off the water. If only it was like this every day. read more

Lori Wilson Park - Parks Near Me - Cocoa Beach, Florida

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Convenient and clean, the city park is right on the beach with plenty of parking. My go to parking spot on a weekday.

Lori Wilson Park is one of the best spots in the Cocoa Beach area and one of my favorite places to spend time by the ocean. The park is clean, well kept, and has everything you need for a beach day, including free parking, restrooms, showers, and shaded picnic areas. The beach access is easy, and unlike some other stretches of Cocoa Beach, it feels more relaxed and family friendly without losing that natural beauty. What makes Lori Wilson special is that it still feels open and accessible to the community. In an area where hotels and private developments are constantly trying to claim the coastline, this park is a reminder of how important it is to keep parts of the beach public and welcoming to everyone. Hopefully none of the hotels will ever be able to close it down, as there have been talks of that in the past. Spaces like this are what make Cocoa Beach great. Between the convenient location, the wide sandy beach, and the sense of community it offers, Lori Wilson Park is a must if you're visiting or if you live nearby. Whether you're surfing, walking, or just enjoying the view, it's one of those rare places that really brings people together. read more

Lori Wilson Park is a nice enough destination in the Cocoa Beach, Florida area. There is plenty of parking and the view is definitely great. Also, check out "I Dream of Genie Lane" that pays homage to the television show set in Cocoa Beach. read more

Lori Wilson Park - Parks Near Me - Cocoa Beach, Florida

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This is a remarkable park for the disabled. The boardwalk is smooth and easily accessible from the parking lot. One pathway takes you within ocean's view. Was a great place for coffee, hearing the ocean & reflection. Another nearby path allowed one to travel through the Mansfield Maritime Hammock amid beautiful trees and labeled signs for learning. We appreciated the opp to be in the woods sooo much. I did feel "threatened" at one point--by a large squirrel who came bounding towards me as if he were going to jump on me! Don't know if it's been fed. It followed beside me all the way back to the entrance. My second day, he was there again, staring me down near the entrance, as I left. The merlin app showed 4 bird sounds during my walk--gnatcatcher, osprey, cardinal and an orange something. I'm surprised there weren't more but there is a monstrosity under construction next door with lots of machine sounds. read more

A great beach with plenty of FREE parking. Unfortunately it does NOT allow dogs on the beach. The dog park is here on the south side but you are not supposed to bring your dog out on the beach. The dog area is 4th Street SOUTH about 1mile from here. The beach is beautiful with a great view of the NASA launch area. They have clean bathrooms and showers. Picnic areas covered and uncover. Cut out areas to set along the boardwalk as well which is dog friendly. read more

Lori Wilson Park - Parks Near Me - Cocoa Beach, Florida

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Perfect parking for the beach! They have a bathroom, that's usually decent, and an outdoor wash off area. Occasionally I can't find a spot, but there's another park close by! read more

Every time I come to Cocoa Beach I park at this location. Parking is free and there is a wooden walkway from the parking area to the beach itself. The parking lot is not huge so if you're planning on going it's best to do so early in the morning or late afternoon. There are restrooms off to the side and also some outside showers for you to use to rinse off any additional sand. The water wasn't freezing cold so that was pleasant, but I highly recommend wearing sandals because the shower area can get muddy/sandy. This is a prime location for parking right on the main road to the beach and close to local shops and eateries. read more

Lori Wilson Park - Walkway from parking lot to the beach - Parks Near Me - Cocoa Beach, Florida

Wonderful beach with soft sand. Sea turtles visit in the spring. You can see the launches from this beach. It can be crowded.

Lori Wilson Park is a straight shot from Orlando East about 5-10 minutes past the cruise ships exit. 1 hour drive from West side of Orando to parking. The park itself is very nice, fairly small parking lot which will limit how many people on the beach. Limited lifeguards. Amenities - 2 outside showers & the bathroom is fairly small; not very clean the few times we have been there (even for public park standards). Ron John Surf Shop isn't too far if your forget something. There is a food truck outside selling some cold drinks and limited sandwiches. No restaurants or bars within walking distance. Nice place to get away for the day to the beach, bring your own stuff and you'll enjoy. read more

Lori Wilson Park - Main entrance beach - Parks Near Me - Cocoa Beach, Florida

This park is a great spot to park if you are going to the beach. I would recommend arriving in the early morning or the afternoon because parking is limited (free parking is a win). I came in the afternoon and was able to find a spot as people were leaving for the day. It is a short walk on the bridge path to the beach itself and it is very convenient right off the main road. It made my beach experience easy. I love the beach here because it has great sand and wonderful waves. It is crowded near the main path on the beach during the weekends because there are rentals but, if you walk farther away, it is less crowded. I would recommend visiting. read more

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If I am spending the day on Cocoa Beach I prefer to go to Lori Wilson Park. They have clean bathrooms, pavilions, outdoor shower, boardwalk and more. It's always clean, well maintained and family friendly The parking area fills up quickly so you have to arrive early. read more

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The park itself has great access to the beach with a boardwalk between the parking lot and beach. There's also water showers to wash one's feet and wash off the sea weed. The big negative are the two bathrooms. Old, not well maintained. Let's face it, beach goers want a place to change and there's nothing there. No change tables for your baby. The city fathers need to step it up and renovate these neglected bathrooms. They've been like this for years. On the beach you'll find life guard stations close by and clean well maintained beach areas. Lori Wilson beach has been here for decades and is one of the few areas with more than adequate parking for cars and RV's. read more

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What a great place! Very clean restrooms to change in as well as an outdoor shower ! Smaller side parking lot so I can see how it could get filled quickly. They had a rental place at the beach with chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards. This was nice being from out of town. $30 for the day for 2 chairs and a umbrella. This is a tucked away beach so GPS was super helpful. Almost missed the turn. Great hidden gem. read more

Lori Wilson Park - Parks Near Me - Cocoa Beach, Florida

Awesome day for the Cocoa Beach AirShow . Two years have gone by and today was the first time I actually got to go to this beach... Due to the Air Show it was crowded but the beach is kept up nicely. Definitely want to go back soon .... read more

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There are not many places left in Cocoa Beach that offer free parking, Lori Wilson Park is one of them. The park has bathrooms and an outdoor shower area. There are lifeguards on duty here and its a very short walk from parking to beach. As far as Atlantic coast beaches mid point in the state, the beach itself is very nice. The sand has a nice texture and free of rocks There is also plenty of sand between the dunes and the water so that it can handle a lot of people and you can still have your own personal space. If you didn't bring your own umbrella they are available to rent. Overall this is a great beach for the family. read more

Beautiful place, clean, plenty of parking spots and it's so close to the beach. Also, the parking is free, just don't miss a turn. read more

This is a nice local beach with free Parking. There is a lifeguard on duty which is a nice perk and there are umbrella rentals available as well. There are restrooms available which is also a plus. read more

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Free parking, outdoor shower, bathroom...all within a close walk to the beach (just at the end of the boardwalk). Umbrella and chair rental was also available at the beach so no need to lug a bunch of stuff if you're just there for the afternoon. read more

Lori Wilson Park - Beach access - Parks Near Me - Cocoa Beach, Florida

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Free parking, public restrooms, clean, and much less crowded than other beaches. Beach beauty without too much corporate. read more

Lori Wilson Park - View of the beach - Parks Near Me - Cocoa Beach, Florida

Great beach for families to visit! When we went on spring break, it actually wasn't that busy and had a life guard on duty. The beach was clean and had a very cute walkway not far from parking. read more

With a beautiful Atlantic beach ahead of you as you're driving on I Dream of Jeannie Lane......Yep! You've just entered the perfect 'Sit-Come'.....LOL! Come and Sit on the dune backed beach as you gaze towards the pads of the Cape. Could this be the place where Major Tony Nelson took off from and eventually met his Genie in a bottle? Hmmmmm. Lots of parking spaces, a boardwalk, restrooms and even a dog park makes Lori Wilson Park a nice paradise off the asphalt trail. Convenient to all of the Space Coast attractions, this beach beckons you. Have fun and don't forget the sunscreen! read more

We wanted to enjoy cocoa beach but didn't want to pay for parking. We found this place on reviews of free parking showers and baths. There was plenty of parking and it was right off the path into cocoa beach. The area looks safe and clean a lot of families parked in this area. There was also a food stand that was selling shaved ice and you can put any flavorings you wish. There was two shower areas outside to wash off the sand from your head and one for your feet. The bathrooms were clean and well-kept. Overall the experience to go to cocoa beach was memorable if I'm in the area again I would go here to park my car. read more

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Lori Wilson park is just a little farther down than Ron Jon and is a perfect beach spot in Cocoa. Free parking, close bathrooms & showers, and quieter atmosphere. There was even a little "food truck" selling snow cones and other drinks. On the beach, the sand is great. There is plenty of room to spread out if you have a big group with you. There is a volleyball net and it was not occupied when we were there. I definitely recommend driving just another 2 minutes past Ron Jon and take advantage of this spot! read more

Lori Wilson Park - Less crowded than Ron Jon! - Parks Near Me - Cocoa Beach, Florida

It was a lazy day, which meant the perfect day to spend the lazy afternoon at the beach. Cocoa Beach isn't the Gulf of Mexico (my preferred Florida body of water) but we didn't want to waste the beautiful weather. FREE PARKING and accessible bathrooms seem to be a huge plus, per the reviews below... as well as that "snow cone truck" that sells soft drinks and snacks, as well. There aren't many available showers to rinse off the sand and salt - rather, there's one kind of in the middle of everyone so all the creepy old grandpas can watch you rinse off... which made things a little uncomfortable. My sister and I rinsed off quickly before we went to change in the women's bathroom. The beach is pretty quiet (at least on a weekday) so if you can... try to make it a weekday beach trip! read more

I am in love with Lori Wilson Park. What's not to love? Free parking, lots of beautiful sand and water all around. You can rent two lounge chairs and an umbrella, already set up for you on the beach! $20 for a whole day!! And considering there's no charge for parking, this is a fantastic deal. On the day I chose to come, there was a small crowd, but I was never bothered by noise or sand being kicked around. I felt like I was the only one on the beach. I closed my eyes for a little while and just listened to the continuous roar of the Atlantic ocean. There were kids and their parents frolicking in the water and people playing frisbee, but none of it mattered. The experience was just so fantastically enjoyable and relaxing. read more

Lori Wilson Park - Relaxing environment - Parks Near Me - Cocoa Beach, Florida

I am so happy we discovered Lori Wilson Park. We just happened to find the park as we were driving down the coast looking for a place to park and go to the beach. We came during the off-season so parking was free (not sure if that is always the case) which was a nice bonus to find. There are bathrooms/changing rooms onsite. If you are not into beach-going, they have an interesting boardwalk that goes through some of the shoreline where you can spot birds and other wildlife. The beach was nice, with light brown "cocoa" looking sand. Water is pretty clean and clear. It was a little difficult to push our stroller around so I would opt to not bring one next time. The park is right off the main drag so it is easy to find and get on/off. Great place for the thrifty traveler with kids. read more

This is. Very nice beach WITH the option to rent chairs & umbrellas. Makes it all so much easier beach . It's a deep beach with lots of free parking. We got there around 9 or 10 and had no problem getting a spot. When we left just before lunch people were circling looking for spots. There's a food truck with some drinks & snacks. Think they might have hotdogs & hamburgers too - not sure. And a very large playground for the kids. And most importantly for me, clean restrooms. read more

We've been going to Lori Wilson park for years. I love everything about it. parking is tight, but we've always found something (and it's free) the restrooms are large and the showers always work. The beach access is perfect, and it has the hotel bar right next door. The dog park is an interesting touch, but I always see it in use. Love Lori Wilson Park- never change. read more

Lori Wilson Park - Setting up #baseKamp! - Parks Near Me - Cocoa Beach, Florida

A serene setting follows a wooden boardwalk weaving through trees and hugging the shoreline. Maritime Hammock trail is just one of features of Lori Wilson's 32 acre park. There is plenty of parking, sandy beaches, a playground and covered gazebo's for grilling or family picnics. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well kept. There is even a fenced in section for you let your dogs run off the leash! read more

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I love this park! There is a dog park near the highway, some picnic spots in the middle, a lovely boardwalk leading you to the beach, a pretty nature/birding trail, AND an amazing and beautiful beach! What more could you want? A bar or cafe, perhaps, but you won't find one here. The location is nice because Cocoa Beach is pretty built up to the north and south of Lori Wilson Park. But here, you don't have hotels looming over you. The sand is so fine it squeaks under your feet. My daughter and I visited in December and the water was swimmably warm. Tiny waves make this a good swim spot, but there can be a rip current, so be careful. There is a lifeguard on site, which is nice. The afternoon we spent here felt like paradise. I truly didn't want to leave. read more

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