Cocoa Beach Pier

Constructed in 1962 with more than two and a half miles of boardwalk planks, Cocoa Beach Pier has become an historical landmark of Central Florida's Space Coast. It juts out into the Atlantic Ocean for 800 feet, serving as home to gift shops, five restaurants, four bars, an ice cream parlor, and a game arcade. Fishing is also possible from the pier, and wading in the blue waters below is possible between the pier's 40-foot-high supporting pilings, which number 270 in all.

One of the main activities at Cocoa Beach Pier is people watching. The unique structure attracts all kinds of visitors roughly one million of them each year from the famous astronauts based at nearby Kennedy Space Center to movie stars, rock stars, and, of course, lots of surfers. Annual beach concerts held here have included such popular groups as the Beach Boys and UB40, as well as solo artists like Ali Campbell, Julian Marley, and Maxi Priest.

Beach rentals are available at the pier, including surfboards and beach umbrellas. Fresh water showers and regulation beach volleyball courts can be found here, and lifeguards are on duty year round. Cocoa Beach Pier is located at 401 Meade Avenue, Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931-3775. Operating hours are 24/7, 365 days a year.