Cocoa Beach Info Please

[MAD on Disney]

For the first time in over 6 visits to WDW, we have finally decided to spend a day off-property, and have decided to include a day at Cocoa Beach. I would appreciate some help from anyone that is familiar with visiting Cocoa Beach. It will be DH, DW, DD9, and DS7. My (initial) questions are as follows:

1. I have heard of a few different "beaches" or "parks" at Cocoa Beach. What are they and what are the differences?

2. Are there any (and where would I find) any beachside public lockers, bathrooms, and showers?

3. Best places to park?

4. Best places to swim?

5. Best places to eat (best meaning good beach food for us and kids, not a nice restaurant)?

6. How much time to and from WDW?

Thanks for any information or advice that can be provided.

 

[Weegl]

For the first time in over 6 visits to WDW, we have finally decided to spend a day off-property, and have decided to include a day at Cocoa Beach. I would appreciate some help from anyone that is familiar with visiting Cocoa Beach. It will be DH, DW, DD9, and DS7. My (initial) questions are as follows:

1. I have heard of a few different "beaches" or "parks" at Cocoa Beach. What are they and what are the differences?

2. Are there any (and where would I find) any beachside public lockers, bathrooms, and showers?

3. Best places to park?

4. Best places to swim?

5. Best places to eat (best meaning good beach food for us and kids, not a nice restaurant)?

6. How much time to and from WDW?

Thanks for any information or advice that can be provided.

1. Jetty Park (costs a few $) to enter is at the end of the port; Shephard Park is just south of the pier off of A1A
2. Jetty park has nice facilities
3. Parking available at both
5. Eat at the Port (Rusty's, Grills, Fishlips, Millikins Reef) or in Cocoa. Florida Seafoos, Italian Cortyard, Coconuts, Papa Vitos...all are places we have gone and enjoyed
6. take 45 - 50 minutes to go from WDW to Cape Canaveral/Cocoa along 520

You will enjoy!

 

[CTmommyx3]

We LOVED Jetty Park and can not wait to go back next visit. Clean and just beautiful!
We stayed very close to it I think country inn and suites maybe was the name? It had a little area separated with bunk beds and another small bed. the kids LOVED it they are 6 and almost 8 and 2!

 

[Bay Hill]

Rusty's and Fishlips are places for a bite inside the port.

Jetty Park is great to see the cruise ships go out to sea.

About 50 min on the Beachline.

The Cocoa Beach pier is off A1A. Good place to see the surfers. A lot is nearby.

 

[MAD on Disney]

Thanks to all.

 

[ChristinaN]

There is really a lot to do in Cocoa Beach. Here's some information on the Orlando Area beaches.

 

[BABY_EINSTEIN'S_MOM]

We chose Lori Wilson Park beach when we went to Disney/Cocoa last month. It had free parking, good walkways, nature trails, bathrooms, etc. It was very uncrowded as well. We felt like it was a nice place for families. Of course I'm sure there is more action/surfing down toward the pier if you are looking for that. This beach was nice and quiet!
I found a website www.beachhunter.net that helped me make my decision on which beach to choose. HTH

 

[MAD on Disney]

Thanks also to ChritinaN and Baby Einstein's Mom. I figured that the post had gone cold. My thanks to all who responded.