Activities

ETOP 2023

Explore Florida

In addition to the structured activities we have planned in and around Cocoa Beach, we recommend the following unstructured activities that will be on your own. Please check the schedule of events before you make plans!

RESTAURANTS

Recommended by one of our Program Committee Members who is a local!

4th Street Fillin Station

Casual dining, outdoor seating, vegan options, and lots of craft beers. Serves breakfast.

382 N Orlando Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Phone: 321-613-2462

The Pig and Whistle

Casual dining, outdoor seating, pub-style food, serves breakfast.

Address: 240 N Orlando Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Phone: 321-799-0726

Jazzy’s Mainely Lobster

Casual dining, outdoor seating, best lobster in Florida. Great bar.

Address: 210 N Orlando Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Phone: 321-613-3993

Simply Delicious Cafe

Excellent breakfast and lunch. Small place sometimes a wait but worth it.

Address: 125 N Orlando Ave. Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Phone: 321-783-2012

Coconuts on the Beach

On the beach, good food, and live music.

Address: 2 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 3293

Phone: 321-784-1422

Cafe Surfinista
Casual dining, good breakfast, fun atmosphere. Downtown Cocoa Beach

Address: 86 N Orlando Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Phone: 321-613-3864

Flavour Kitchen

Casual dining, tapas-type food, good wines, and a great atmosphere.

Address: 15 N Orlando Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Phone: 321-613-3573

Luna Food and Wine

Excellent food, expensive but worthwhile and great atmosphere.

Address: 8 Minuteman Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Phone: 321-613-5796 (Need to make a reservation, only open certain days)

The Fat Snook

Upscale casual dining, excellent food, happy hour Monday through Friday. Recommend reservations.

Address: 2464 S Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Phone: 321-784-1190

Rusty’s Seafood

Casual dining, great oysters, outdoor dining, and you can watch the cruise ships.

Address: 628 Glen Cheek Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920

Phone: 321-783-2033

Grills Seafood

Casual dining, great food and drinks, outdoor dining, and you can watch the cruise ships.

Address: 505 Glen Cheek Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920

Phone: 321-868-2224

ATTRACTIONS

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center

Come to Florida early and visit the Kennedy Space Center, home to Atlantis, a Saturn V Rocket from the Apollo era and an active launch facility. There is even a chance to witness a rocket launch.

Learn More>>

Space News Feed

Ship 35 makes it past SECO, but Tumbles in Coast Phase

Starship Flight 9 had a lot riding on it heading into this flight, after back… The post Ship 35 makes it past SECO, but Tumbles in Coast Phase appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.
Magellan data provides new insight into tectonic processes on Venus

Over 30 years after its demise in the Venusian atmosphere, NASA’s Magellan mission recently provided… The post Magellan data provides new insight into tectonic processes on Venus appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.
Chinese launch cadence accelerates, Tianwen-2 prepares for launch

This month has seen the launches of three different commercial Chinese rockets, and the return-to-flight… The post Chinese launch cadence accelerates, Tianwen-2 prepares for launch appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.
Starship program at critical moment as Flight 9 and infrastructure work in focus

The Starship program is entering a critical period as Flight 9 preparations continue for a… The post Starship program at critical moment as Flight 9 and infrastructure work in focus appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.
Starfish Space announces plans for first commercial satellite docking

A new mission will aim to complete the first commercial satellite docking in low Earth… The post Starfish Space announces plans for first commercial satellite docking appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.
Launch Roundup: Starship Flight 9; SpaceX starts new Starlink shell; China, Russia also launch

This Launch Roundup has been extended to include the launch of SpaceX’s Starship Flight 9… The post Launch Roundup: Starship Flight 9; SpaceX starts new Starlink shell; China, Russia also launch appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.

Airboat Rides at Midway

Located midway between Orlando and the beaches Midway airboat adventures allow you to explore the unique ecology of the St. John’s River, including some of the resident alligators!

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Coach Beach Dolphin Tours

Enjoy a memorable trip through Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands, as you cruise hundreds of natural mangroves, home to some of Florida’s amazing wildlife. You will get an extraordinary chance to see dolphins, manatees, pelicans and other native habitat while cruising thru the calm and protected waters of the Banana River.
Learn More >>

CREOL and Valencia College Tour

Leaving the hotel at 10 am, visit CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics and Valencia College on May 15. At CREOL, you will see several research labs and the ficonTEC Photonics Assembly and Testing Lab. After an included lunch we will visit the laser teaching labs at Valencia College. Advance registration is required, but you can drive on your own or take the bus from the hotel (limited seating).