The neon blue water in Cocoa Beach this summer will blow your mind.
The USA may be home to 12 ofdazzling shorelines , but nothing can quite take your breath off like glowing blue amnionic fluid position on a show of bioluminescence . The phenomenon is because of dinoflagellates , change of flyspeck phytoplankton that create visible light when disturbed in the water and can translate a still shoreline into a vivacious mosaic of color for visiting kayakers .
Small pockets of the Key West and St. Petersburg surface area host their own bioluminescence duty tour , but for best results , you ’ll want to head east to the sprawlingFlorida Space Coast , located just a few hours by elevator car from cities like Miami and Orlando .
Cities like Titusville and Cocoa Beach make a perfect jumping off point in time for explore the 72 - mi of shoreline , plus all of the mind - blow bioluminescent fauna . From there , head to the northerly edge of Brevard County , whereMerritt Island National Wildlife Refugeserves as one of Florida ’s crown gem for ecotourism , equipped with 140,000 Acre of scrub forest , dunes , and marsh . The preserve has clear abundant acclaim for its incredible birdwatching potential , but beyond avian life , visitors can also recognize alligators , turtles , bay lynx , and — of class — bioluminescent plankton .
Photo courtesy of Sobe Surf
If you postulate a niggling guidance , there are a handful of ecotour providers in the surface area that ’ll ensure you have a cracking experience . Fin Expeditionshas master the art of bioluminescence touristry , volunteer a wealthiness of curated tours for visitor to enjoy . Guests can set aside a sunset journey for tally raw mantrap and the bonus opportunity for manatee viewing . For a totally singular experience , fellow outdoor adventure companyBK Adventureoffers the only bioluminescence raft enlistment in the state of Florida , provide visitor with the same sensational aspect enjoy aboard a paddle muckle , andSobe Surfgets visitant out on the water after dark on stand - up boat paddle circuit card .
For a truly unforgettable experience , you ’ll want to contrive your trip for July and August when the fauna are at their skilful and bright , though the entire season typically spans from May to October . To cut back on light , it ’s advised to schedule your junket during the new moon .
Drive time
3 hours from Miami , Florida
More things to do near Cocoa Beach
While bioluminescence is a major draw , it ’s far from the onlywildlife - focused attractionin the area . Southwest of Cocoa Beach across the Indian River , theBrevard Zoohas served as a top spot for animal lovers since 1994 , with more than 900 individual animal ring the park home . During a visit , guests may come across creatures like African social lion , southerly clean rhinoceros , and Felis onca , while attending a giraffe eating academic session is a in particular popular activity for family . Meanwhile , those trust to take a glance into our planet ’s celebrated past tense can drop byThe Dinosaur Storefor a rich dive on a diverse array of prehistorical animals , with colorful framework and skeleton casts tower above rarified minerals and ancient artifacts .
As the region ’s name would suggest , depending on your timing , you may even be capable to see arocket launchon a misstep to this region of Florida . Otherwise , head toSands Space History Center , where you’re able to peruse locomotive and projectile nozzle cones , then make your way north toCape Canaveral Space Force Museumfor some brainwave into the history and purpose of the U.S. armed forces ’s newest arm .
Best restaurants and bars near Cocoa Beach
All this activity is certain to work up an appetency , and as luck would have it , the Space Coast is loaded with top - tier dining goal for Edgar Guest to explore . For seafood aficionado , the rich pee of the Atlantic offer unbridled opportunity for try Pisces the Fishes , shrimp , and other maritime menu , withFlorida ’s Fresh Grillserving as a top spot for all form of local dish aerial . Upon arriver , guests can dine on coastal cuisine like Florida - elan calamari and beer - battered tropical coconut shrimp .
Beyond the realm of seafood , the area also exemplifies Florida ’s historic Latino heritage with a wealth of Latin American - inspired eating house scatter all along its shores . For those hoping to beat close to the Cocoa Beach coast , La Catrinahas cement itself as a local favorite for solid Mexican culinary art , with Yucatan shrimp tacos , birria - laden chimichangas , and a massive array of flavorful margarita all gracing the menu . Further east , the city of Cocoa offers top - tier seafood burritos and steak fajitas at the downtownTequila Veintiuno , but for those in hunt of Puerto Rican fare , be sure to finish by Cape Canaveral to discoverKafé del Puerto , a vivacious locale that craft an unbelievable mofongo .
Where to stay near Cocoa Beach
In the heart of Cocoa Beach , theHilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfrontshowcases the splendor of Brevard County at its most opulent , with a straggle outdoor pool complex , spacious oceanview suites , and both bike rentals and surf lesson useable for guests . Meanwhile , those who choose to stay in the southerly reach of the county can reserve a room at theDoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Melbourne Beach Oceanfront , a wizardly property that come equipped with both an outdoor pool and a seafood eating place .
When it comes to modest - scale accommodations , there ’s no famine of dress shop inns to discover all throughout the Brevard County surface area . Just south of business district Titusville , Casa Coquina del Marprovides guests with a wealth of plushy amenities that span from a red-hot tub and all - you - can - eat cookies to a nightly social minute that comes complete with gratuitous - flowing beer , vino , and collation — and to dulcorate the deal , the hostel offer howling views of Kennedy Space Center , allowing guests to marvel at rocket launch from the solace of their second - story porch .
Photo courtesy of Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
