Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach FL: A Great Beach Near Orlando

By Lauren Tjaden

Cocoa Beach is one of Orlando’s closet beaches, a mere hour from the theme parks and attractions of the City Beautiful. If you’re making a day trip to the Atlantic, you should consider a visit to Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach, Fla.

Here’s why:

At Lori Wilson Park, Life’s a Beach

The beach at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach, FL is a glorious affair, lush with clean, latte-hued sand that begs you to take off your shoes.

Kick back by the shore, enjoy a stroll, or go for a splash.

Make waves

The waters offshore are shallow, and the surf tends to be small and consistent, which makes it a perfect place to learn to surf. You can rent a surf board and take a lesson, or just play in the waves.

No wallet woes

This 32.43-acre regional beach park, open from just after sunrise until dusk, offers free parking and admission.

Get washed up

The amenities offered at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach, FL include everything to keep your whole gang comfortable: three pavilions located along a 1,000-foot boardwalk, six dune crossovers, restrooms, three outdoor showers, and drinking fountains. The two parking lots are conveniently located on both the north and south sides of the hammock. It also boasts two medium pavilions, grills, a playground, an open grassy area, and a sand volleyball court, as well as a grassy area and picnic tables. On-site vendors can provide beach chairs and other rentals.

The year-round life guards will help to keep your visit safe.

Natural pleasures

Discover Florida’s natural coastline at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach, FL. Offerings include impressive dunes, fringed with sea oats, sea grass and palmettos, as well as a maritime hammock, a popular site for events and group gatherings. You can access the 3,155-foot interpretive boardwalk at the Maritime Hammock from the north parking lot, or by paved walkway from the south parking lot.

Winged wonders

The park is listed in State of Florida Great Florida Birding Trail. Look for migratory songbirds and Painted Buntings in the hammock, including 15 warbler species during spring migration, and expect to see an abundance of shorebirds and seabirds by the ocean.

Your best friend will love it

The dog park is sure to make your dog’s tail wag. Animals are otherwise prohibited in the park and on the beach, with the exception of service animals, which are allowed.

When you go…

Lori Wilson Park
1500 N. Atlantic Ave
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
(321) 455-1380