Kelly Slater’s Cocoa Beach loves beginner surfers

Cocoa Beach is a classic surf town on Florida’s east coast, about an hour’s drive east of Orlando. It’s part of Florida’s Space Coast, located in Brevard County and just south of Cape Canaveral (yes, you might see a rocket launch while paddling out). The closest airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO), which has direct flights from most major cities and plenty of rental car options to get you to the beach.

Cocoa Beach has earned its reputation as one of the most accessible beginner surf destinations in the U.S. It’s also the hometown of 11-time world champ Kelly Slater, and the site of the original Ron Jon Surf Shop.

🌊 The surf
Cocoa Beach is home to mellow, rolling beach breaks with sandy bottoms. It’s ideal for first-timers and longboarders, with gentle waves most of the year. The most popular beginner break is right near the Cocoa Beach Pier or at Lori Wilson Park.

🚿 Water quality
Fair to good, but not always crystal clear. Like most of Florida, it can get murky after big storms. Watch for stormwater runoff after rain.

👙 Wardrobe
Warm water most of the year! In summer (May–Sept), it’s tropical—boardies and bikinis are plenty. In winter (Dec–Feb), a 3/2 mm wetsuit might be needed, but it’s still manageable. Spring suits work great most of the year.

☀️ Best time for beginners to go
Late spring through early fall (April–October) offers the warmest water and most consistent small waves. Hurricane season (Aug–Oct) can bring size, but stick to calm days.

⚠️ Hazards
Rip currents and crowds. Summertime sees lots of tourists and surf camps. Stingrays and jellyfish show up occasionally, especially in warm months.

🏄 Rentals + lessons
Tons of options, all are all right in town with rental gear and beginner-friendly instructors. You can take a private lesson or book a whole surf camp.

🍉 When you’re not surfing

• Check out the giant Ron Jon Surf Shop (open 24/7)
• Watch the cruise ships from Jetty Park (some people like doing that 😊)
• Visit the nearby Kennedy Space Center 🚀
• Hit up Coconuts on the Beach for a beer with ocean views

🧳 Solo friendly?
Yes! Cocoa Beach is laid-back, walkable, and used to tourists. Plenty of hostels, cheap motels, and surf meetups. Locals are generally friendly to beginners, especially outside of the peak summer crush.