I like comparing Cocoa Beach with other Florida beaches because I grew up playing along this beach.
Today, I will talk about Cocoa Beach vs Panama City Beach.
Before you make your selection, I have this to say about these beautiful beaches:
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is one of the best surfing centers in Florida.
The beach is the gateway to the Kennedy Space Center.
Cocoa Beach was built in the 1960s.It has a lot of cool shops and restaurants.
Florida Surf Museum is located at Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach.
In this museum, you will see the artifacts relating to the history of spots in Florida.
We find joy in telling our visitors the history of Cocoa Beach.
Begin now to plan to visit this Florida’s Space Coast.
Ron Jon Surf Shop
A reputable surf shop in Cocoa Beach is known as Ron Jon Surf Shop.
This is where you will see the Florida Surf Museum.
Surf lovers go there to explore these historical items that portray surfing history on the East Coast and worldwide.
Ron Jon Surf Shop is a flagship shop on a two-acre of land.
It is open for business every hour of the day.
You will get surf and beach gear in this shop more than in any other shop in America.
Cocoa Beach Pier
Cocoa Beach Pier was built in 1969.
It is a center for surfing and fishing.
The place was recently restored, and now has a lot of fun bars, restaurants, and boutique shops.
You will see sports surfers surfing on waves and others being taught how to surf.
I will recommend the following places for you to visit.
- Rikki Tiki Tavern
- The Boardwalk Bar
- Pelican’s Bar & Grill
- Keith’s Oyster Bar
- Tropical Threads Boutique
Cocoa Beach Golf
Every golfer will love to play golf in Florida, and there are lots of courses to play the game in Cocoa Beach.
You can play at the Dolphin, River, or Lakes Course at the Cocoa Beach Country Club.
This club is located on a peninsula, and it is surrounded by water.
Not far from Cocoa Beach Country Club, are Rockledge and Melbourne.
These are popular courses too.
I will recommend the following golf courses for you.
- Dolphin Course at Cocoa Beach Country Club
- River Course at Cocoa Beach Country Club
- Manatee Cove Golf Course
- The Savannahs Golf Course
Panama City Beach
When you watch waves lapping at the glittering white sand on the beaches along the oceanfront of Panama City Beach, all you be seeing is a perfect picture of a summer location.
This little Florida strip of land becomes everything a true American beach town is throughout spring and fall.
Vacationers troop in here with their families from Florida inland areas, and other neighboring states to enjoy the many attractions.
Most of the activities on this beach are outdoors because it is a summer resort area.
Some of those activities can only be done seasonally.
You will have a quiet winter in Panama City Beach and feel relaxed.
Spend a Day on the Beach
The centerpiece of Panama City is the beautiful Panama City beach.
The beach is the favorite of the locals and tourists across ages.
They go there to swim, play, relax, socialize, and feel the sun’s warmth.
There is a stretch of 27 miles of brilliant white sand along the Gulf of Mexico, along Panama City Beach, and shallow waters where little children can swim.
The summer heat is inviting as well.
City Pier is one of the spectacular landmarks along the waterfront.
This is where many of the city’s hottest beach scenes are located, such as beach volleyball and socializing hangers, gather there too.
You will get to Pier Park when you cross the street from the wooden pier.
You will see a lot of shops and restaurants there.
It will be a good place for you to take your lunch or catch some rest.
All the beachfront hotels and condos along the shore are fully occupied throughout spring and fall.
However, these hotels will give you a good discount if you visit during the off-season.
Wander through Pier Park
Pier Park is popularly known as City Pier.
It is located directly across Russell-Fields Pier.
Pier Park is a shopping, dining, and entertainment center, designed for tourists.
After your normal daily beach activities, you can go to Pier Park to unwind.
You will enjoy visiting there on a cold or rainy day.
One of the best places you can conveniently shop and go for dinner is Pier Park.
Many restaurateurs in this place have outdoor patios where you will enjoy the breeze from the sea.
My Thoughts
Cocoa Beach vs Panama City Beach
Here is what I think about these two beaches:
Besides water activities, you have various shopping options in Panama City Beach.
You can shop at beach-themed apparel shops or high-end chain and department stores.
The amusement park in Pier Park is known as “on-site,” where you can go for rides and other activities.
In the amusement is an IMAX theater.
Cocoa Beach got a history with space.
You can visit the John F.
Kennedy Space Center, which came into being in 1962.
It is a NASA center adjacent to the Cape Canaveral Air Forces Station.
The center is known for space projects like the Apollo Program, SkyLab, and Space Shuttle.
If you visit the Kennedy Space Center, you will see historic spacecraft and other space machines.
A vehicle will take you on a spaceport tour where you will see the wonderful United States Astronaut Hall of Fame.
FAQs
Is Cocoa Beach water clear?
Weather factors such as wind, and clouds determine the color of the water.
As water current moves, it brings up particles from the bottom of the sea.
Generally, the color of the water is dark blue.
The color is a bit clear at the sea shore where there is sand.
Is Panama City Beach worth visiting?
Panama City Beach has beautiful beaches, great nightlife activities, theme parks, and arcades.
This qualifies it as a nice place to catch fun in the sun.
College kids are also attracted to this place, by attractions like shipwrecks, island water parks, Race City, and lots more.
Why is Panama City Beach so popular?
The popularity of Panama City Beach comes from its white sand.
However, the city is rich with unique experiences you may not get in other destinations.
One of the top tourist spots in Panama City Beach is Gulf World Marine Park.
This sports event attracts about 150,000 people every year to the city.
