Cocoa Beach After Dark : Unveiling the Thrilling Nightlife and Activities

Known for its beautiful beaches and proximity to Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach offers plenty of activities after dark for visitors and residents alike. From stargazing to bar hopping to dance clubs, there are many ways to enjoy yourself once the sun goes down in this coastal Florida town.

Stroll the Beach at Dusk

Take an evening walk along the sand as the sun sets over the horizon. It’s one of the most peaceful and romantic things you can do in Cocoa Beach at night. Stop to watch the changing colors stretched across the sky and listen to the soothing sound of waves lapping at the shoreline. Many hotels and vacation rentals in Cocoa Beach are located right on the beach, making this an easy option if you want to unwind before or after dinner.

Go Bar Hopping on Orlando Avenue

Downtown Cocoa Beach has a lively nightlife scene centered around Orlando Avenue. Popular spots like Coconuts on the Beach, Florida Beer Company, Mainely Lobster, and Slow and Low Bar-B-Que have great drink deals, live music, karaoke nights, trivia and game nights to keep patrons entertained into the late hours. The bars are located within walking distance of each other, so you can easily go from one hot spot to the next. It’s a great way to experience Cocoa Beach’s laidback, funky vibe.

Check out Live Music and Entertainment

In addition to the nightly live music at many of the Orlando Avenue bars, Cocoa Beach has some dedicated live music venues. The Shack Seafood Restaurant has local bands playing on its outdoor beachfront stage several nights a week. Juice N Java Cafe hosts frequent open mic nights where you can catch some talented local singers and musicians. An historic venue called Cocoa Beach Pier has live entertainment and DJs on its deck bar that sits over the Atlantic Ocean.

Go Dancing at a Beachfront Club

Put on your dancing shoes and head to one of Cocoa Beach’s late-night clubs like Coconuts on the Beach or Rock the Ocean. These lively bars have huge outdoor decks right on the sand, so you can dance the night away under the stars to Top 40 hits and classic oldies. Many feature guest DJs that spin dance tunes late into the night on weekends.

Take in a Movie at the Drive-In

Fay’s Drive In Theatre is one of the few remaining old-fashioned drive-in movie theaters and it’s located right on North Atlantic Avenue in Cocoa Beach. Grab a snack at the concession stand and settle in to watch a movie under the stars from the comfort of your car. With showings Friday through Sunday nights, it’s a fun retro experience.

Go Night Fishing

The Cocoa Beach Pier stays open 24 hours a day, so it’s the perfect spot for some late night fishing. Since you don’t need a license when fishing from public fishing piers in Florida, it’s easy to drop a line. Right off the historic pier built in 1962, you can fish for snook, redfish, flounder, black drum, trout, snapper, sheepshead and more. The lighted pier gives you a unique night fishing experience.

Take a Moonlit Kayak Tour

Paddle along the Banana River under the glow of a full moon with A Day Away Kayak Tours. Their sunset and moonlight kayaking trips allow you to experience the bioluminescence shimmering in the water as your paddle gently disturbs the dinoflagellates that light up the river. As well as viewing the moon’s reflection on the water, you may catch sight of glowing fish swimming by your kayak. It’s a one-of-a-kind adventure!

Go on a Haunted Pub Crawl

If you’re looking for some spooky fun, join the Haunted Pub Crawl offered by Ghost Town Tours. Over the course of three hours, you’ll visit a few haunted locations in Cocoa Beach while hearing ghost stories and tales of paranormal activity during the walking tour. Stops include bars like Slow and Low Bar-B-Que, Florida Beer Company Taproom and embarking on the haunted ship Freedom 7 at Grills Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar. It’s a unique night out!

Learn About Sea Turtles on a Night Walk

Get an inside look at sea turtle nesting habits in the summer months by joining a nighttime turtle walk with the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. An expert guide will take you to nesting spots in the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most important nesting beaches in the Western Hemisphere. Using red light flashlights to avoid disturbing turtles coming ashore to lay eggs, you may catch a glimpse of this magical process.

Embark on an Adventure Cruise

Spend the night sailing along Florida’s Space Coast with Sunnyland Tours Adventure Cruises, offered year-round. Sunset cruise options feature live music as you relax on deck and watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand. Stargazer cruises allow you to gaze at constellations in the night sky with telescopes, guided by a professional astronomer, as you glide through the waters around Cape Canaveral.

Have a Fancy Night Out in Cocoa Village

Just a 10-minute drive from the beach, Cocoa Village has several upscale restaurants like Cafe Margaux serving fine French cuisine in an intimate setting and Crush XI offering a stylish rooftop wine bar and dining room. After dinner, stop by the adjoining Cocoa Village Playhouse to take in a live theater production in the charming renovated 1936 movie house.

Frequently Asked Questions on Cocoa Beach Florida

What is there to do at night in Cocoa Beach?

Some top things to do at night in Cocoa Beach include strolling the beach at dusk, going bar hopping on Orlando Avenue, checking out live music venues, dancing at beachfront clubs, driving in to the old Fay’s Drive In Theatre, trying night fishing off Cocoa Beach Pier, taking a moonlit kayak tour, embarking on a haunted pub crawl, joining a sea turtle nesting tour, or booking an adventure sunset cruise.

What bars are popular for nightlife in Cocoa Beach?

The best bars for nightlife and entertainment in Cocoa Beach include Coconuts on the Beach, Florida Beer Company, Mainely Lobster, Slow and Low Bar-B-Que, The Shack Seafood Restaurant, and Juice N Java Cafe. These spots offer fun things like live music, karaoke, game nights, and outdoor deck parties late into the evening.

Is there an outdoor concert venue in Cocoa Beach?

Yes, The Shack Seafood Restaurant has beachfront outdoor concerts featuring local bands several nights a week in Cocoa Beach. The stage sits right on the sand, so you can enjoy music under the stars with your toes in the sand. Other venues like Coconuts, Florida Beer Company and Cocoa Beach Pier also have outdoor areas for live entertainment.

What is there to do if it rains at night in Cocoa Beach?

If it’s raining at night during your Cocoa Beach trip, you can check out the live entertainment and events held indoors at venues like Juice N Java Cafe, embark on the covered Haunted Pub Crawl ghost tour, catch a movie at Fay’s Drive In Theatre in your car, enjoy a fancy dinner out in Cocoa Village, or relax at your hotel bar or resort lounge listening to live music.