City Profile: Cocoa Beach

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Explore Cocoa Beach Pier or head down the shoreline for some surf time.

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

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Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

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Grab a bite to eat at the Mai Kai Tiki Bar located on Cocoa Beach Pier

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

Kennedy Space Center, beautiful beaches, deep-sea fishing, a wildlife refuge and plenty of shopping opportunities make this a destination that's sure to please everyone in your group.

One of those rare places where alluring natural beauty melds with cutting-edge technology, Cocoa Beach is the perfect destination for those seeking the best of sea and space. Here, you can see everything from an eagle soaring across a brilliant blue sky to the silver bullet of a space shuttle streaking into orbit.

One of the more affordable vacation havens, the choices Cocoa Beach offers are endless. Relax on the soft sands of Cocoa Beach, go deep-sea fishing in the Atlantic or explore ancient cypress forests by airboat. Spend a peaceful evening watching the sun set on the Indian or Banana Rivers, and then head out to the exciting nightlife scene. Excellent restaurants and accommodations range from elegant to sand-in-your-shoes casual. Nearby, in Cocoa, shop in the charming boutiques of Historic Cocoa Village or one of the expansive malls, or learn about our investigations of the heavens at the planetarium or one of many other space attractions.

NASA's Kennedy Space Center, one of the seven wonders of the modern world, is situated in the middle of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This natural treasure is becoming known as the nation's best breeding ground for the endangered bald eagle, one of our country's most beloved symbols. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex features interactive exhibits, guided bus tours of Kennedy Space Center, an art gallery, a rocket garden and a gift shop. The two five-story IMAX theaters feature films with footage shot by NASA astronauts on location - in space. Step on board a full-sized replica of the shuttle orbiter and get a behind-the-scenes look at NASA operations at the Shuttle Launch Experience. The more personal story of space exploration is highlighted at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame where visitors can view memorabilia from the original Sigma 7 Mercury astronauts. Step on board a full-sized replica of the shuttle orbiter and get a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of NASA's Launches and Status Center.

The five-story IMAX theater features films with footage shot by NASA astronauts on location - in space.

At Port Canaveral, fish for the ocean's finest seafood from the jetty or take a trip on an exclusive cruise liner. Three of Disney Cruise Lines' new cruise ships will call Port Canaveral home in 2012. Each glistening white mega-ship embarks on three- and four-day adventures with vacation packages that can include the world-famous Disney World theme parks. A bustling array of sumptuous seafood restaurants, casual taverns and even a floating tiki bar, have made this area a new dining and nightlife hotspot. Port Canaveral also offers three parks including one featuring oceanfront camping for RVs and tents.

Whether you're seeking a high-tech or a laid-back vacation experience, the Cocoa Beach area can accommodate you.