Cocoa Beach (car-free) Recommendations

Question

Hello,

We are a young couple from the UK hoping to visit the Cocoa Beach area next September for 4 days to chill following Disney/Universal. We haven’t yet chosen a hotel.

We are looking for any tips or recommendations about eating out, things to do, locations, hotels vs air bnb etc. as planning this trip is overwhelming!

We would be hoping to visit the Kennedy Space Centre one day, perhaps see some wildlife and have a beach day. Is it possible to do these things without renting a car? We’d like to avoid this, so any information on public transport would be great (we are also expecting to use Uber).

General information about average prices of food, drink, activities would be helpful too.

Any information at all would be hugely appreciated.

Answer

Cocoa Beach is a great place to relax after the hustle of Disney and Universal. Even without a car, you can enjoy a lot of what the area has to offer, though having a car would make it more convenient for exploring beyond the town itself. Using Uber and local shuttle services is a reasonable alternative for a short, car-free stay.

For accommodations, you have options between hotels and Airbnb rentals. Hotels near the beach tend to be more walkable to the sand and restaurants, which is ideal if you’re avoiding a car. Airbnb may offer more privacy or unique locations, but check if the property provides easy access to the beach or public transport.

Eating out is convenient with plenty of casual spots, seafood restaurants, and bars along the main strip. Average prices:

Casual meals: $12–$20 per person
Mid-range restaurants: $25–$45 per person
Drinks/cocktails: $6–$12 each

Recommended things to do without a car:

Beach days: Cocoa Beach is very walkable, and most beachfront hotels put you within steps of sand and surf. Surfboard or paddleboard rentals are usually $20–$40 per hour.
Dining & bars: Walk along the main strip for casual seafood, tiki bars, and cafes. Popular spots include Coconuts on the Beach and Florida’s Seafood Bar.
Walking or cycling: Some hotels and rental shops offer bikes; the area is flat and scenic along the coast.
Kennedy Space Center: About 15–20 minutes by Uber; visiting a full day is recommended. Ticket prices are around $60–$75 per adult. Shuttles or guided tours can also be booked from some hotels.
Wildlife spotting: The Cocoa Beach area and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge offer opportunities for birds, manatees, and other wildlife. Guided eco-tours or boat tours are available via Uber rides to launch points.

Other tips:

Uber/taxis are reliable, but can be slightly pricey for longer trips—factor this into your budget.
Walking or renting a bike is best for local errands, beach trips, and casual dining.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water for walking around, as Florida sun can be intense even in September.
For grocery shopping or snacks, there are local stores like Publix within a short ride from most central accommodations.

Overall, a 4-day, car-free trip to Cocoa Beach is doable with careful planning around Uber, shuttles, and walking distances. Focus on beach time, nearby dining, and one day for the Kennedy Space Center and wildlife excursions to make the most of your short stay.