Free or Cheap Things to Do In Cocoa Beach, Florida

Cocoa Beach – located along the sun-drenched shores of the Atlantic in Florida – is more than just a beach – it is a historical haven and cultural cornucopia closely intertwined with the countless strands of art and nature. 

Adorned with golden sands and brimming with life, the beach acts as a magnet for adventure-seekers or simply those wishing to relax in the sun; however, the true hearts of Cocoa Beach remain hidden beneath the sands, eager to enrich the spirits of explorers. 

Join us on a trip that will guide us through Cocoa Beach’s most exciting free or cheap attractions, painting a unique portrait of this coastal paradise.

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Liberty Bell Museum

Travel back in time to encounter the spectacular tapestry of American history at the Liberty Bell Museum (Melbourne, Florida).

Here, visitors are offered a glimpse of the American memorabilia and artifacts, each with its unique story to tell a vast collection of the U.S. military and military history and culture museum. 

Dive deep into the heart of Florida’s history and discover the secrets of the state’s 27th addition to the Union. Learn about the origins of the Space Coast moniker and discover how Cocoa Beach became a part of this legendary space adventure. The entrance is free, offering enthusiasm for visitors of all ages, and is waiting to be discovered.

Location: 1601 Oak St, Melbourne, FL 32901

Kelly Slater Statue

Stroll through the vast and versatile heart of Cocoa Beach, and you will be met with masterpieces of art at every step; one of these is the famous Son of the Beach statue, located in the heart of Cocoa Beach. 

Cast as a tribute to the mighty surfing legend of the same name, Slater’s numerous world championship titles – this statue was cast to commemorate the surfer’s impact on the surfing world.

Location: 505 N. Orlando Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Space View Park

Just a stone’s throw away from the launch pads, Space View Park offers a one-of-a-kind vantage point for anyone who wants to watch America’s ongoing journey into the cosmos. 

As the first and only walk in the nation dedicated to honoring America’s astronauts and space pioneers, the park gives visitors a unique peek into the world of space exploration. 

With live audio feeds from NASA control rooms during launches, you can listen intently and see history in the making. Wander through the park’s serene environs and appreciate the genius of the men and women who dared to peer at the stars.

Location: 8 Broad St Titusville, FL 32796

Ride The Beach Trolley

Try a cost-effective tour of Cocoa Beach on the Beach Trolley, which provides a stress-free means of taking in all the city has to offer. The trolley transports visitors from Port Canaveral to 13th Street in Cocoa Beach, offering a breathtaking view of the coastline as it goes. 

It costs just $1.50 and is less for seniors, veterans, disabled persons, and students, making it an accessible and inexpensive option. Sit back and relax as the trolley takes you on a tour of the city’s hidden treasures.

For maps and schedules, log on to 321Transit.com or call the RideLine at 321-635-7815.

Riverfront Park

Historic Cocoa Village’s next-door neighbor, Riverfront Park, is an excellent option for anyone who enjoys music and nature. Its outdoor amphitheater hosts all kinds of musical acts entertaining and local celebrities.

From busy concerts to quiet acoustic sessions, there’s never a shortage of action at Riverfront Park. Many activities are cost-free and open to the public, so families and friends are welcome to make memories while enjoying untamed music. 

Youngsters can hop, skip, and jump on the adventure-themed jungle gym or douse one another in the interactive play fountain while the melodies command your attention overhead. Your amble through Riverfront Park winds by a range of winding Florida oaks for the first time in years.

Location: 401 Riveredge Blvd, Cocoa, FL 32922

A1A Beach Rentals and Outdoor Center

For those looking for outdoor thrills, look no further than A1A Beach Rentals and the Outdoor Center. This local provides a wide choice of rental gear, from bicycles and surfboards to surfcasting rods. 

Find all the appliances required to embark on your next expedition, whether grabbing a curl or hitting the winding route. 

The excellent news? This rental center offers rational rates that make exciting outdoor experiences available for attention-seeking travelers or first-time learners. Including your gear, jumping to close dive into Cocoa Beach local smooth.

Location: 6811 N Atlantic Ave, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, USA

Sams House at Pine Island Conservation Area

Tour the Seminole War Wealth and Sweet & Sour Mansion to learn more about the Pine Island Workplace! Uncover this special story with a slowly paced one-hour look inside the Benner family house.

As you tour through Sams related to the Sams, you spend objects of earlier leaders of the Brevard County order that give you a time limit on the creation of Cocoa Village and the coil of Cocoa Coco Peru.

See artifacts and exhibits highlighting the region’s unique history within the 1875 Sams family cabin, the oldest still-standing residence in Brevard County. Sams House is a live example of the long-lasting history of this distinctive coastal ecosystem, encompassing everything from Ice Age creatures to Native American villages.

Location:

Sams House at Pine Island
6195 N. Tropical Trail
Merritt Island, FL 32953

Open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Exploring Fort Christmas Historical Park

Step back 2000 years into Florida’s intriguing past at Fort Christmas Historical Park, which recreated a fort originally constructed during the Second Seminole Indian War in 1837. 

This unique site also features legitimate Cracker homes, pioneer residences, a sugar factory, and a schoolhouse for the period. After observing the replicated fort, go across the grounds to examine educational facilities from that time. The schoolhouse for the era and the traditional sugar cane mill provide a unique insight into the area’s cultural heritage.

Location: 1300 Fort Christmas RD, Christmas, FL 32709

Maritime Hammock Preserve

If you are itching to step off the beaten path, looking for wild nature, and amazing views, head to Maritime Hammock Preserve. This protected maritime hammock is located along the Atlantic coast and is part of South Beach Road. 

A maritime hammock refers to a climactic community of marshes and mangroves, which are an essential part of the Florida ecosystem. One can walk over 2.8 miles along this amazing habitat that borders Melbourne Beach and the Indian River lagoon. There is native palmetto brush, cabbage palms, and live oak trees.

Location: Maritime Hammock Preserve, 1225 North Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Avenue Viera

Sweep into Avenue Viera and shop. Avenue Viera is a fun outdoor shopping. It is an Avenue designed for shopping and browsing for people and furry friends. This place has a variety of shops and retail stores, including fashion and specialty shops where anyone gets what he or she is looking for. 

Spend the day window shopping, browsing for treasures, and enjoying the lively atmosphere of this vibrant outdoor shopping center.

Location: 2261 Town Center Ave., Viera, FL 32940

Relaxing at Constitution Bicentennial Park

Unwind at Constitution Bicentennial Park and take a much-needed break from busy daily life. This cozy recreation park has a few amenities, including covered picnic tables, a boat launch, and fishing access. These are ideal for a relaxed afternoon or evening.

Location: near 100, 4th Street Cocoa Beach.

Enjoying Cocoa Beach Friday Fest

Visit the Cocoa Beach Market and experience a fun-filled, family-friendly event. Cocoa Beach traditions include Friday Fest which occurs every month, usually on the 3rd Friday.

In Downtown Cocoa Beach, mostly at Minuteman Causeway, friends and family gather to enjoy live music, food from local vendors, locally produced goods and treats, and hand-crafts artisans. 

Friday Fest is free and open to the public.

Location: Minutemen Cswy in downtown Cocoa Beach

Free Boat Trip to Samsons Island

Samson Island is a 52-acre island in the Banana River that offers nature adventures. The City of Satellite Beach provides free boat rides to the Island conservation on the first and third Sundays of the month.

Explore the island’s pristine beaches, lush trails, and diverse wildlife, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this untouched natural paradise.

Cocoa Beach on a Budget: Wrap-up

Cocoa Beach boasts a surprising variety of free or budget-friendly activities for travelers. 

Learn about the area’s rich history with a visit to the Liberty Bell Museum or Surfing legends at the Kelly Slater Statue, or see history in the making with live feeds to NASA at the launches at Space View Park. 

For an inexpensive tour, ride the Beach Trolley for breathtaking sea views. Catch local music at Riverfront Park’s free concert series, hire a bicycle from A1A Beach Rentals, and go on excursions into the wild. 

Visit Sams House and Pine Island Conservation Area to experience an unusual past, and experience the local flora and fauna at one of our many gardens and nature reserves, such as Maritime Hammock Preserve. Browse the shop windows and catch the groove at Avenue Viera, or relax in Constitution Bicentennial Park. 

Attend local celebrations like Cocoa Beach Friday Fest or embark on a free boat ride to Samson Island for a Floridian-friendly adventure.