Cocoa Beach Florida | Cheaper Airtickets

A- Overview:
3—-2—–1—–Liftoff! We have liftoff! These familiar words and a roar that will take your breath away can be heard in this small east coast Florida town located near the Kennedy Space Center. What better way to see technology in action then to experience the liftoff of a space shuttle? Cocoa Beach offers this possibility and a whole lot more.

Located on Merritt Island, a barrier island nestled between the great Atlantic Ocean and the Banana River Lagoon on Florida’s central east coast, Cocoa Beach continues to link the birth of the Space Age with the wonders of the future. Orlando is only an hour away and can further enhance a vacation in the Sunshine State.

The sandy shore is one of the main attractions of Cocoa Beach. The beach, along with the weather, brings many people to the area. Many arrive initially as visitors and eventually settle there.

Just six miles long and less than one mile wide along most of its length, Cocoa Beach is known as the surfing capital of the East coast with ocean beachfront running almost the entire length of its city limits.

Fishing, surfing, boating, sightseeing, shopping, excellent dining, golfing, nightlife, and cruises are just a few of the many things to do in the area. The Space Coast is the place to visit the Kennedy Space Center),to go deep sea fishing, surf, windsurf, rent a jet-ski, swim in the crystal clear waters, and take a river tour to have a look at the Florida gators, panthers, sea turtles and other awesome wildlife. Or you can drive the short distance to Orlando, and visit Walt Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, and other Central Florida attractions. Dinner will be waiting in Cocoa Beach at one of the many dining spots on the beach, ranging from elegant to casual. After dark, enjoy the nightlife activities from cool jazz clubs to beach side cafes.

The Space Complexes of the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral are situated to the north, and Patrick Air Force Base is to the south. Cocoa Beach is just minutes from Florida’s fastest growing port : Port Canaveral, offering world class cruise terminals, affordable cruises to exotic Caribbean destinations, and day cruises aboard casino ships. Deep-sea fishing boats and day sails are also available. Merritt Island with its Wildlife Refuge is close by.

Where else is it possible to choose whether to watch a space launch from the beach or to observe a wide range of marine and bird species in their natural habitats? Or to opt for a swim in the ocean, a quiet kayak exploration off the Banana River islands, a round of golf at the 27-hole golf course, surf casting from the beach for dinner, or just a day at the beach watching dolphins at play and watching for a whale in migration.

Of course, the primary attraction to Cocoa Beach is the weather. With its coastal location and positioning between sub-tropical and temperate zones, the weather is amazingly stable year round. This location attracts wildlife indigenous to both climatic zones as well as coastal and migratory species. So, bring your binoculars!

The city enjoys an average temperature of 61 F in January and 81.6 F in July and August, making any time of year beach weather.

While strolling on the beach, many visit the historic Cocoa Beach Pier. Stretching 840 feet over the Atlantic, it features a wide array of restaurants and shopping.

Whether you are just thinking about visiting Cocoa Beach or you have been here before and are planning a return visit, this small beach community welcomes you with great fun and a wide variety of activities, any time of year. With Orlando, Titusville, and Melborne nearby, there are additional opportunities for exploring more of the Sunshine State.

Whether traveling to the Cocoa Beach area for a family beach vacation, Spring Break, leisure travel, a weekend getaway, or just a day trip, you’ll find everything you need to make your visit one to remember.

B- City Information:

Population: 12,482

Elevation: 12 feet above sea level

Area: 4.9 square miles

Location: The city is located approximately 60 miles east/southeast of Orlando and 19 miles north of Melbourne, Florida on the east coast of Florida

Time Zone: Cocoa Beach is in the Eastern Time Zone. (When’s its noon in Cocoa Beach, it is 11:00am in Chicago and 9:00am in Los Angeles. Cocoa Beach observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October

Weather

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Average temp. (°F)
60.8
61.9
66.4
70.5
75.9
80.1
81.6
81.6
80.2
75.3
69.0
63.1

High temperature (°F)
71.4
72.7
77.1
80.7
85.3
88.9
90.7
90.3
88.3
83.3
78.2
73.1

Low temperature (°F)
50.0
51.1
55.6
60.2
66.4
71.4
72.4
72.9
72.1
67.2
59.8
53.0

Precipitation (in)
2.5
2.6
3.2
2.3
3.9
5.9
5.9
6.2
7.1
4.6
3.2
2.4

Climate

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Days with precip.
7
7
7
6
8
14
16
15
14
10
7
6

Wind speed (mph)
8.9
9.5
9.9
9.4
8.9
7.9
7.2
7.1
7.6
8.6
8.6
8.4

Morning humidity (%)
88
88
88
87
87
88
89
91
90
88
88
87

Afternoon humidity (%)
58
54
52
49
51
59
59
61
61
58
56
58

Sunshine (%)
63
65
71
75
74
67
63
62
61
65
64
60

Days clear of clouds
9
9
9
10
9
4
3
3
4
9
10
10

Partly cloudy days
10
9
10
11
14
14
17
17
15
11
10
9

Cloudy days
12
11
12
9
9
12
11
11
12
11
10
12

Snowfall (in)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

Local Seasons:

Anytime is “in season” when the Space Shuttle or satellites are being launched from nearby Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral. The old saying “on a clear day you can see forever” is applicable on those very special days. Cocoa Beach enjoys mild temperatures year round. This city is a paradise for anyone enjoying the out of doors. The city’s average temperature is 61 F in January and 81.6 F in July and August. Any time of year is the perfect time to enjoy one of the beautiful beaches. The tourist“season”, beginning in mid-November and usually lasting through April is the busiest Summer is a great time for those with families as there are plenty of wonderful and exciting things for children of any age, both locally, and in nearby Orlando. No matter what the time of year, the visitor can expect warm, balmy breezes, glorious sun and hopefully a satellite launch as well.

How to Get There:

By Air:

The main airport serving Cocoa Beach is the Melbourne International Airport located in Melbourne, approximately 20 miles.

Melbourne International Airport

One Air Terminal Pkwy, Suite 220

Melbourne, Florida 32901

321-723-6227 ext. 222

Ground transportation, including rental cars, taxis and limousines are available at the terminal.

Orlando International Airport
One Airport Boulevard
Orlando, Florida 32827-4399

407-825-2001 (Office Hours)
407- 825-2065 (After 11pm

Ground transportation, including rental cars, taxis and limousines are available upon arrival.

By Car:

Major routes into Cocoa Beach are I-95 from the north, i.e. Jacksonville and from the south, i.e. Miami, and Florida 328, commonly referred to as “The Bee Line Expressway” from the west, i.e. Orlando

By Train or Bus:

Cocoa Beach is served by both Amtrak and Greyhound Bus Lines

How to Get Around:

Getting Around Town using Public Transit

In 2001, the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT) introduced trolley service to Cocoa Beach. Many of the trolleys are actually buses designed to look like trolleys. The service runs Monday through Saturday from 7:00am to 9:00pm and on Sunday from 8:00am to 5:00pm from Port Canaveral to South 13th Street in Cocoa Beach.

321-633-1878

National Holidays:

New Year’s Day, January 1

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January

President’ Day, the third Monday in February

Memorial Day, the last Monday in May

Independence Day, July 4

Labor Day, the first Monday in September

Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25

New Year’s Eve, December 31

C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Cocoa Beach Pier

Located 1/2 mile north of SR 520,

Cocoa Beach

321-783-7549

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

This is a historical landmark in Cocoa Beach, stretching 840 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, and featuring a wide array of restaurants, boutiques, and gift shops. Fishing is allowed on the pier, and rentals are available.

Florida Solar Energy Center

Located next to Brevard Community College at 179 Clearlake Rd.,

Cocoa Beach

321-638-1000

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

This 16-acre energy center was created to explore Florida’s most abundant energy source…the sun. Its library holds a collection of several thousand books and documents.

Ron Jon Surf Shop

Located on A1A,

Cocoa Beach

321-799-8888

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Free

Coined “One Of A Kind,” Ron Jons is the world’s largest surf shop, and has everything you need for fun in the sun. Not actually a theme park, just a “must see” attraction in Cocoa Beach.

Traxx at Jungle Village

A1A, at 8801 Astronaut Blvd.,

Cocoa Beach

321-783-0595

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

This family fun center boasts go-kart raceways for children and adults, miniature golf, batting cages, huge arcade and more.

Astronaut Memorial Planetarium & Observatory

BCC Cocoa Campus, 1519 Clearlake Rd,

Cocoa Beach

321-634-3732

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Florida’s largest planetarium features star shows, a 3-story IWERKS movie theater and laser shows. The building also houses a fully accessible observatory, a hands-on demonstration hall and a museum honoring space explorers from around the world.

Alan Shepard Park

Located at the east end of State Road 520

Cocoa Beach

Open daily

Parking Fee Only

Shepard Park is a two-acre, oceanfront park providing picnic, shower, and restroom facilities for guests. The park was named after astronaut Alan Shepard and provides an excellent view of space launches.

Sidney Fischer Park

Located in the 2100 block of State Road A1A

Cocoa Beach

321-868-3274

Open Daily

Parking Fee Only

A 10-acre, oceanfront park, Fischer is a family favorite. The park is ideal for a picnic and a swim in the Atlantic.

Lori Wilson Park

Located at 1500 North Atlantic Avenue

Cocoa Beach

321-455-1380

Open Daily

Parking Fee Only

This 32.5-acre, oceanfront park is operated by Brevard County and has seasonal lifeguards. Facilities include restrooms, three pavilions along a 1,000′ boardwalk, six dune crossovers, maritime hammock, volleyball court, a playground, barbecue grills, and a 274-space parking lot.

Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park

State Road A1A and 16 Street South

Cocoa Beach

321-455-1380

Open Daily

Parking Fee Only

This two-acre, oceanfront park, operated by Brevard County, offers a boardwalk, parking, restrooms, picnic and shower facilities. The park is named after Robert P. Murkshe, who served as Cocoa Beach mayor from 1963 to 1972.

Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse

300 Brevard Ave.

Cocoa Beach

321-636-5050

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
This 500-seat facility offers performing arts series featuring community performers and professional entertainers. The “Stars of Tomorrow” drama troupe provides a children’s performing arts series each season with summer performances for young audiences. Built in 1924 and listed in the National Register of Historical Places.

Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science

2201 Michigan Ave.

Cocoa Beach

321-632-1830

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
Re-trace the Cocoa Beach and Brevard County area in this museum and wildlife sanctuary with the aid of historic artifacts from Native Americans as well as 15th century Spaniards.

Central Brevard Art Center

425 Brevard Ave.

Cocoa Beach

321-636-3673

Call for days and hours of operation

Fees for Certain Events

Art classes, demonstrations, workshops, gallery, library, shows and more offer opportunities to interact with people from all over the country.

Art in Public Places

321-690-6817

Free

Exhibits are free and open to the public during regular business hours. Locations include the Brevard County Government Center, Cape Canaveral Hospital, United Way, and Melbourne International Airport.

Cocoa Beach Pier

Located 1/2 mile north of SR 520

Cocoa Beach

321-783-7549

Open Daily, call for hours of operation

Admission Charged for use

This is a historical landmark in Cocoa Beach, stretching 840 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, and features a wide array of restaurants, boutiques, and gift shops. Fishing is allowed on the pier, and rentals are available.

Grant Historical House

5795 U.S. Highway 1

Near Cocoa Beach in Grant

321-723-8543

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Free to View

Built in 1916, showing the community spirit of Florida’s pioneer days.

Library of the Florida Historical Society

435 Brevard Ave

Cocoa Beach

321-690-1971

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Free

Houses 60,000 item collection of the Florida Historical Society, Florida’s oldest cultural organization, including books on Florida, papers of prominent Floridians, historical maps, photos of people and landscapes, artifacts and family histories.

Porcher House

424 Delannoy Ave.

Cocoa Beach

321-639-3500

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Built in 1916, a classic example of Greek revival architecture interpreted in coquina stone. This building is included on the National Register of Historic Places.

Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse

300 Brevard Ave.

Cocoa Beach

321-636-5050

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Free to View, Charge for Performance

This 500-seat facility offers performing arts series featuring community performers and professional entertainers. The “Stars of Tomorrow” drama troupe provides a children’s performing arts series each season with summer performances for young audiences. Built in 1924 and listed in the National Register of Historical Places.

Cocoa Expo

500 Friday Rd.

Cocoa Beach

321-639-3976

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

This facility hosts championship soccer camps and national softball tournaments. More than 500 college, high school and international teams have played here, taking advantage of the 5,000 seat lighted stadium, batting tunnels, practice diamonds and clubhouse.

Area Attractions

Brevard Zoo

Located just east of I-95 (exit 73) on Wickham Rd.

Melbourne.

321-254-WILD

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Stroll through Latin America, Native Florida and Australia featuring over 400 animals including alligators, giant anteater, marmoset, jaguar, eagle, river otter, kangaroo, kookaburra and more. Also features a train ride and beautiful exotic birds in a free-flight aviary. Explore the “Paws-On” interactive learning area, an adventurous playground, and get up close and personal with a wide variety of friendly, domesticated animals.

F.I.T. Botanical Gardennique

150 W. University Blvd.

Melbourne

321-674-8000

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Located on the outskirts of the Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne campus, this gardennique is a one-mile paved trail that winds its way through some 300 species of palms, fern and tropical foliage. Included in the gardennique is Brevard County’s oldest one-room schoolhouse, built in 1883. You can pick up a Botanical Garden Plant Guide and Nature Trail map at the adjacent Evans Library.

Henegar Center for the Arts

625 East New Haven Ave.

Melbourne

321-723-8698

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Proscenium style theatre featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. The historical treasure of generations past is now a vibrant center for the arts. Art exhibits are presented in the lobby gallery.

Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts

3865 N. Wickham Rd.

Melbourne

321-242-2219

Call for schedule

Admission Charged

2,000-seat performing arts center offering the finest in entertainers, Broadway, dance, opera, classical, popular and children’s theatre. Art exhibits are featured monthly in the lobby gallery.

Phoenix Threater

817 E. Strawbridge

Melbourne

321-952-7192

Call for specific schedule

Admission Charged
This highly acclaimed, semi-professional theater presents dramas, adult comedies and an annual musical. Located at Surfside Playhouse, this facility offers exciting live community theatre including a mix of comedy, drama and musicals, providing the community with training for backstage, technical and make-up skills. The Surfside Playhouse is a 289-seat theater serving Brevard County since 1959.

Brevard Museum of Art & Science

1463 N. Highland Ave.

Melbourne

321-953-6444

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged
This museum houses works by internationally known and regional artists and rotating exhibitions of the museum’s permanent collection. Decorative arts, photography and experimental art forms are also displayed. A multi-purpose facility, this museum offers a full spectrum of touring and individual exhibitions, as well as classes, workshops and programs.

Liberty Bell Memorial Museum

1601 Oak St.

Melbourne

321-727-1776

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

This patriotic museum houses a replica of the Liberty Bell, patriotic memorabilia and historical documents that serve as reminders of our nation’s history. Also features a memorial to military veterans.

Florida Institute of Technology

150 W. University Ave.

Melbourne

321-674-8000

Admission Free

Call for days and hours of operation

On-campus gallery

Brevard Symphony Orchestra House

1500 Highland Ave.

Melbourne

321-242-2024

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Free to View

A classic example of the Florida “cracker” frame vernacular style common in the Eau Gallie area in the late 1800s. Built in the late 1890s, the house now serves as the office of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra.

Henegar Center for the Arts

625 E. New Haven Ave.

Melbourne

321-723-8698

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts

3865 N. Wickham Rd.

Melbourne

321-242-2219

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Free to View, Charge for Performances

2,000-seat performing arts center offering the finest in entertainers, Broadway, dance, opera, classical, popular and children’s theatre. Art exhibits are featured monthly in the lobby gallery.

Florida Marlins Spring Training Headquarters

5850 Stadium Pkwy.

Melbourne

321-633-9200

Call for schedule

Admission Charged

In February and March, baseball’s Florida Marlins of the National League train at Space Coast Stadium. During the spring and summer, the Marlins’ Florida State League franchise, the Brevard County Manatees, play at the stadium.

Titusville Attractions

Canaveral National Seashore/M.I. National Wildlife Refuge

On State Road 406 (Garden St. /Exit 80, I-95) in Titusville.

321-861-0667

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Here at Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, nature affirms her spirit and lives in harmony with over 1,045 species of plants and animals, including gators, bobcats, wild hogs, broomeliads and mangroves, plus 310 species of birds including snowy egrets, white ibises, great blue herons and red-tailed hawks. Fifteen wildlife species federally listed as endangered or threatened live here, including sea turtles, Gopher Tortoises, Ospreys, West Indian Manatees, southern Bald Eagles and Florida scrub jays. No buildings or seawalls distrub this 40-plus mile long wilderness and not to be missed is the 6-mile self-guided Black Point Wildlife Drive.

Jungle Adventures

E. Hwy. 50 in Christmas, just down the road from Titusville

407-568-2885

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Coined the “largest gator farm in Florida,” view thousands of gators in their natural environment. Here you can take a jungle cruise, see a wildlife show featuring endangered Florida Panthers, explore a re-created native American Indian village and feed all sorts of native wildlife including black bears, deer, peacocks gators, monkeys, turtles and more.

Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex

Located on SR 405,

Titusville

321-452-2121

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

The KSC Visitors Complex is your gateway to space…check out where NASA prepares and launches the space shuttle. Among other exciting things to do and see, you can climb aboard a full-size shuttle replica, tour the launch area and the Apollo/Saturn V Center, see IMAX movies, walk among authentic vintage spacecraft, visit a hands-on inter-galactic gallery, and view an art gallery. This is a must see for any visitor to the area.

U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame

Located on SR405,

Titusville

321-269-6100

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Dedicated to the story of America’s first space heroes – the pioneers of Project Mercury, Gemini and Apollo – here you can also explore space on your own. The Astronaut Adventure lets you experience the total astronaut training from landing on the moon, launching a rocket and experiencing “zero” gravity. Located next to the Kennedy Space Center, it’s a “must see” attraction.

Cape Canaveral Attractions

U.S. Air Force Space & Missile Museum

Located at the Cape Canaveral Air Station

321-853-3245

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

America’s space program began here and you’ll be able to see where America’s first astronauts made history. Get a close look at rockets and see the towers where launches are still taking off.

U.S. Space Camp Florida

Located adjacent to the Kennedy Space Center, SR 405

Titusville

321-267-3184

Reservations are a must and you should call well in advance.

Admission Charged

This 5-day space camp is designed for students in grades 4-7 and gives them a chance to explore the world and beyond. They’ll get strapped in to the simulator to train for an extravehicular activity (a space walk), experience what it takes to move around the moon in the Gravity Trainer, sample freeze-dried space food, build and launch their own rocket, and learn how hard it is to do even the simplest things in a space suit.

This is a great experience for children.

Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum

Space Center Executive Airport, 6600 Tico Rd.

Titusville

321-268-1941

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

This museum is dedicated to finding and preserving historic aircraft which are so much a part of our national aviation heritage. While here you can view vintage World War II and post-war military aircraft, see war memorabilia ranging from World War I to Desert Storm and hear old war stories retold by veteran tour guides.

Titusville Playhouse at Emma Parrish Theatre

301 Julia St.

Titusville

321-268-3711

Call for specific schedule

Admission Charged

A community theatre producing quality drama, comedy and musicals. Also home of “Emma’s Attic,” a small, alternative theatre experience. The Rising Stars Children’s

D- Family Fun Attractions:

Ron Jon Surf Shop

Located on A1A

Cocoa Beach

321-799-8888

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Free

Coined “One Of A Kind,” Ron Jons is the world’s largest surf shop, and has everything you need for fun in the sun. Not actually a theme park, just a “must see” attraction in Cocoa Beach.

Traxx at Jungle Village

A1A, at 8801 Astronaut Blvd.

Cocoa Beach

321-783-0595

Admission Charged

Call for days and hours of operation

This family fun center boasts go-kart raceways for children and adults, miniature golf, batting cages, huge arcade and more.

Astronaut Memorial Planetarium & Observatory

BCC Cocoa Campus, 1519 Clearlake Rd.

Cocoa Beach

321-634-3732

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Alan Shepard Park

Located at the east end of State Road 520

Cocoa Beach

Open daily

Parking Fee Only

Melbourne

Brevard Zoo

Located just east of I-95 (exit 73) on Wickham Rd.

Melbourne

321-254-WILD

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Liberty Bell Memorial Museum

1601 Oak St.

Melbourne

321-727-1776

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Florida Marlins Spring Training Headquarters

5850 Stadium Pkwy.

Melbourne

321-633-9200

Call for schedule and hours

Admission Charged

Titusville

Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex

Located on SR 405

Titusville

321-452-2121

Admission Charged

Call for days and hours of operation

U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame

Located on SR405

Titusville

321-269-6100

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

E- Events & Entertainment:
Local Events

Spring – usually March

SeaFest

The premier event on the Space Coast and recognized as one of the “top twenty festivals in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society is known solely as “SeaFest”. This annual event attracts over 50,000 people from throughout the country. Held at Port Canaveral each March, guests are treated to delicious seafood, midway rides and games, unique exhibits and attractions, plus nonstop entertainment featuring national and local acts.

Admission Charged

Chowder Cook-Off

As the kick-off to SeaFest, Chowder Cookoff brings together the finest chefs in the area, each competing for the title of “Best Chowder in Brevard”. Thousands of people attend this event to sample the chowders, as well as other delicious samplings. Entertainment is provided.

Wildlife Events Calendar

At the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

This calendar is to provide visitors with a general guide to seasonal wildlife events. Weather may cause variations of one or two weeks.

January

Waterfowl concentrations peak with blue-winged teal, widgeon, shoveler and scaup being the most common. Bald eagles are incubating their eggs. Large numbers of songbirds, including tree swallows and yellow-rumped warblers, may be seen moving through the refuge.

February

Various raptors such as red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, ospreys, merlins and American kestrels can be seen hunting for food. Another raptor, the American bald eagle, is actively feeding its young. Warmer days through the winter months offer a good opportunity to see alligators basking in the sun.

March

Most waterfowl have returned to their northern breeding grounds except for northern shoveler and blue-winged teal, which are in full breeding plumage. Northbound migration is in full swing for warblers. Wood storks begin nesting. Egrets and herons are in breeding plumage. Bald eagle young are taking their first flights from the nest. Ospreys begin nesting.

April

Manatee peak population occurs in the waters of the refuge and Indian River Lagoon. Northbound migration of willets, sandpipers, plovers, greater and lesser yellowlegs, dunlins and many other shorebirds can be observed. Black-necked stilts return for their summer visits.

May

Loggerhead sea turtles begin nesting. Anhingas, little blue herons, cattle egrets, great egrets, snowy egrets, tri-colored herons and other residential colonial nesting birds are busy in the rookeries. Eagles usually leave for the summer.

June

Alligators become more secretive as temperatures increase and breeding activity begins. Rainy season weather patterns begin – thunderstorms are quite frequent with hot, muggy afternoons. This weather pattern continues through September. Rainy weather and insects make preparation for visiting during the summer months a must.

July

Many resident bird species are abundant. They include common moorhens, boat-tailed grackles, red-winged blackbirds, fish crows, scrub jays, pileated woodpeckers, mottled ducks, barred owls and double-crested commorants. Sea turtle nesting reaches peak.

August

Young residential birds are dispersing throughout the refuge after leaving their nests. Many of the early arriving shorebirds begin to appear. These include common terns, caspian terns, royal terns, ruddy turnstones and sanderlings.

September

The early migration of blue-winged teal may be observed. Black skimmers become abundant. Bald eagles return to the refuge for the winter months.

October

With the return of cooler temperatures, the first major influx of migratory birds occurs. Included are many puddle ducks such as northern shovelers, American wigeons and pintails. The first wave of birds includes shorebirds, songbirds and raptors.

November

The cool, sunny days of early winter provide great opportunities for walking refuge trails. Peregrine falcons can be seen migrating along the coast line. White pelicans begin to arrive after their long migration.

December

Local Audubon affiliates conduct the annual Christmas bird count. Many rails spend the winter months on the refuge. These include king rails, clapper rails, Virginia rails and soras. Winter concentrations of shorebirds, wading birds, waterfowl and raptors are nearing their peak

Entertainment

Theatres

Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse

300 Brevard Ave.

Cocoa Beach, FL

321-636-5050

Call for days and hours of operation

Henegar Center for the Arts

625 E. New Haven Ave.

Melbourne, FL

321-723-8698

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts

3865 N. Wickham Rd.

Melbourne, FL

321-242-2219

Admission Charged

2,000-seat performing arts center offering the finest in entertainers, Broadway, dance, opera, classical, popular and children’s theatre. Art exhibits are featured monthly in the lobby gallery.

Phoenix Threater

817 E. Strawbridge

Melbourne, FL

321-952-7192

Call for specific schedule
Admission Charged
This highly acclaimed, semi-professional theater presents dramas, adult comedies and an annual musical. Located at Surfside Playhouse, this facility offers exciting live community theatre including a mix of comedy, drama and musicals, providing the community with training for backstage, technical and make-up skills. The Surfside Playhouse is a 289-seat theater serving Brevard County since 1959.

Titusville Playhouse at Emma Parrish Theatre

301 Julia St.

Titusville, FL

321-268-3711

Admission Charged

A community theatre producing quality drama, comedy and musicals. Also home of “Emma’s Attic,” a small, alternative theatre experience. The Rising Stars Children’s Theatre stages productions throughout the year.

Call for specific schedule

Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse

300 Brevard Ave., Cocoa

321-636-5050

Admission Free to View, Charge for Performance

Call for days and hours of operation

Henegar Center for the Arts

625 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne

321-723-8698

Admission Charged

Call for days and hours of operation

Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts

3865 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne

321-242-2219

Admission Free to View, Charge for Performances

2,000-seat performing arts center offering the finest in entertainers, Broadway, dance, opera, classical, popular and children’s theatre. Art exhibits are featured monthly in the lobby gallery.

Call for days and hours of operation

Sports

Florida Marlins Spring Training Headquarters

5850 Stadium Pkwy.

Melbourne, FL

321-633-9200

Admission Charged

Call for schedule and hours

The Savannahs at Sykes Creek

3915 Savannah Trail

Merritt Island

321-455-1375

Admission Charged

Public; 72-par; 18 holes; 6,636 yards

Call for tee times

Turtle Creek Golf Club

1278 Admiralty Blvd.

Rockledge

321-632-2520

Admission Charged
Public; 72-par; 18holes; 6,686 yards

Call for tee times

Tag: Cocoa Beach Florida

Cocoa Beach, Florida