Beach .... Jetty park IS good but you must pay to get in and they limit admission.
Mid week you should be fine. BUT NOTE: at this time you must buy a one day pass on line IN ADVANCE ....
https://www.portcanaveral.com/Recreation/Jetty-Park-Beach-Pier
Also popular is the area near "Westgate Cocoa Beach" (formerly Canaveral) Pier where you can typically find ample parking either in their lot (pay), or at a meter on nearby side streets. No advance purchase required. The pier has more 'concessions' then does Jetty Park .... nice lil bar all the way at the end (small fee to go alll the way out) There are tables so kids OK
https://www.cocoabeachpier.com/ <surfing lessons anyone
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If going to Ron Jon you'll be next to Shepard Park which is nice beach with some concessions and a short walk to RJ .... (pay to park)
http://www.cityofcocoabeach.com/facilities/facility/details/Alan-Shepard-Park-21
Shopping: as mentioned Ron Jon is kinda THE tourist place but there are a BUNCH of other places along A1A with BIG signs. RJ will never win an award for low prices but it is practically a RULE that visitors to Cocoa Beach have at least one item bearing Ron Jon logo when returning to Orlando from 'beach side'
Food: I take visitors to Grills as a rule ..... fun to see the boats and ships (cruise ships if they are back by then) and not unusual to see dolphins and sea turtles and the occasional manatee. Large outside area or tables inside too if you've had enuf sun.
https://www.grillsseafood.com/port-canaveral/
in the same general area also find Fishlips and Rusty's also right on channelside ......
there are MANY more places with food as good or better BUT these spots IN the port have a great view ..... food is GOOD IMO .... <curiously you find FEW restaurants right on the ocean in Cocoa Beach but if you want this and willing to drive just a couple of miles south on A1A there's
https://www.coconutsonthebeach.com/ {I prefer the food at Grills}>
and DON'T forget to check the launch schedule for 'the Cape' ....... a launch can impact crowds at popular viewing sites ... LIKE Jetty Park AND the pier ......
https://spacecoastlaunches.com/launch-schedule/ ... don't let a scheduled launch keep you away (most end up cancelled/moved anyway), just be aware there could be increased crowds (but NOTHING like the old days)
HOW about a NICE walk ..... park at Jetty, walk the beach past the pier, then cut over to RJ ..... walk back ..... about 7 miles. Just a nice 'stretch of the legs' ....... 2 bonus points if you are first to identify the movie the line comes from . . .
