Let me tell you a funny story about why I ditched Cocoa Beach and went for Fort Lauderdale instead.
You see, I was all set for a chill day at the beach, sipping on some coconut water, and catching up on my favorite book.
But as soon as I stepped onto the sand, I felt like I had stepped into a sauna!
That’s when I realized that Cocoa Beach was not for me
– I prefer my beach days to be less like an extreme sport and more like a leisurely activity.
So, I packed up my things and headed straight to Fort Lauderdale.
And boy, was I glad I did!
Not only did I find the perfect spot to relax, but the waves were also just right for some fun surfing.
Plus, the people watching was top-notch.
Why should you consider Fort Lauderdale over Cocoa Beach?
Let’s dive into the details of why Fort Lauderdale is the beach destination you didn’t know you needed.
Cocoa Beach vs Fort Lauderdale
With its expansive coastline, Fort Lauderdale boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.
The crystal-clear waters and soft sandy beaches offer the perfect backdrop for any beach day activity you can imagine.
If you’re looking to relax, you can stretch out on the sand and soak up the sun’s rays, or take a refreshing dip in the calm ocean waters.
For those who want to explore the ocean, snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities that allow you to witness the vibrant underwater world of Florida’s reefs and marine life.
For the thrill-seekers, Fort Lauderdale’s beaches are also known for their great waves, making it a perfect destination for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.
And if you want to take it up a notch, you can even try your hand at parasailing or jet skiing.
But the fun doesn’t end there!
Fort Lauderdale has a vibrant beach culture that offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore.
You can indulge in delicious seafood at waterfront restaurants, sip on a tropical cocktail at a beachside bar, or browse through local boutiques for unique souvenirs.
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach has a stretch of sand for you.
A favorite
beach for tourists adjacent to the iconic Cocoa
Beach Pier.
Located 45 minutes East of Orlando,
Cocoa Beach
is among the best family-friendly vacation destinations.
On Florida’s Space Coast,
Cocoa Beach is the most recognized city
.
It boasts the perfect sun, sea, and space where you can discover the beautiful ecosystem and enjoy nature.
There are many attractions for families to enjoy while in
Cocoa Beach
, like Outer Space Adventures at Kennedy Space Center.
Do you know that more than one million visitors come to this beach annually?
The massive number will let you know that Cocoa Beach is on the bucket list of many travelers.
So if you visit this area, you should try and have the best time here.
For instance, Cocoa Beach Pier overs about 800 feet out over the cerulean waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
You can come with your family for its numerous eateries, gift shops, rental services, bars, and fun activities.
Things to Do around Cocoa Beach
You can enjoy live musical entertainment throughout its stretch, alongside water sport options.
You can swim and surf, and learn from professional surfers.
The Cocoa Beach Pier offers you a great fishing opportunity.
You can find whiting, snapper, redfish, wahoo, and other fish, but you must pay a fishing fee before you can fish here.
Don’t worry if you don’t come with your fishing equipment, I rent when I come here and you can take advantage of the rental fishing companies for your angling activities.
Did I tell you that Cocoa Village is among the best attractions here?
History aficionados and shoppers come here to fulfil their adventure quests.
I often window shop and explore the beach when I have nothing to do.
The village is located on Florida Avenue, and was founded in the 19th century.
You can fund some historic buildings in different parts of the city.
You will love the idyllic riverside community with trees, merchants, and artisans.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is also regarded as the Yachting Capital of the World.
This place is notable for its pristine white Sandy beaches, unbelievably clear waters, luxurious yachting excursions, incredible water sports and romantic Gondola rides along river canals.
You can see fine dining restaurants along the riverside, which serve some of the best dishes to satisfy any appetite.
Over the years, Fort Lauderdale
has continued to grow and may advance from being known as a popular spring break destination
to being called a go-to destination for an unforgettable honeymoon experience.
Fort Lauderdale is undeniably a beach destination that promises great fun and enjoyment.
There are so many activities for all ages to enjoy.
If you like to explore the amazing vistas of the Gulf and enjoy the lovely sea wind, then Fort Lauderdale is the ideal destination.
This destination is home to some of the most luxurious mega yachts, large yachts and ferry boats that dock at one of the 100 marinas.
Along the picturesque, these yachts and boats sail 24 miles of shoreline and 300 miles of waterways.
Yachting excursions can either be fancy or just basic based on your preference.
For this, you will be provided several options ranging from riverbank tours on ferry boats to Gondola rides to private yachting cruises to surrounding islands across the Gulf.
The prices are also different depending on what you’re going for.
Generally, yachting experiences in Fort Lauderdale range from affordable to ultra-luxurious.
Among one of the top marinas for an amazing yachting experience is the Bahia Mar Resort and Yachting Center.
Located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, this is the most ideal hotel and Marina resort.
Fort Lauderdale B
each Park
The most common reason people travel to Fort Lauderdale is its pure white Sandy beaches, beachfront resorts, amazing beach activities and the sparkling turquoise waters.
Fort Lauderdale is located less than a mile south of Las Olas Boulevard.
If you’re planning on visiting Fort Lauderdale, this is a place where you should definitely see.
The swaying palm trees will welcome you at the entrance and you can enjoy the view of the clear waves and lovely atmosphere.
Families who are looking for an ever-present part scene without a lot of crowd like the touristy
beaches of Miami
should opt for Fort Lauderdale.
You can engage while in Fort Lauderdale many activities.
Some of them include:
Snorkeling
Scuba diving and
Parasailing
Around the shore are several beachfront restaurants offering a wide, delicious cuisine to keep your belly full.
I mentioned that I will pick Fort Lauderdale over Cocoa Beach.
I don’t like crowded beaches, especially a famous one that attract tourists around the world.
The best way to explore Fort Lauderdale away from the ocean is by strolling along Las Olas Boulevard.
You can learn about the rich history of Fort Lauderdale and enjoy the lifestyle of the Yachting Capital of the World first hand.
This Boulevard is flanked with several boutiques and alfresco eating options that offer a wide cuisine varying from Latin and Caribbean cuisines to traditional American meals to local seafoods.
Furthermore, there are also multiple parks, upmarket shopping alternatives, art galleries and museums lined in the Boulevard.
FAQs
Why is Cocoa Beach So Popular?
Many
things make Cocoa Beach popular
but the number one reason has to be its famous surf history.
of the 11-time world surfing champion, Kelly.
It also has the biggest surf shop in the world and other attractions.
Is it worth going to Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale is known for its beautiful beaches, events, arts and culture.
At Las Olas Boulevard, you can enjoy the shopping and dining experience in Fort Lauderdale and the historic districts as well
Is it worth visiting Cocoa Beach?
Yes,
Cocoa Beach got exciting things for visitors with beautiful destinations you can visit
.
Why should I visit Cocoa Beach Pier?
I have many things to do whenever I visit this beach.
For example, the Cocoa Beach Pier boosts huge range of fun activities, stunning beauty, and has historic importance.