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

UK Regulator Grants First Vertical Launch License to Scottish Rocket Firm Skyrora

After nearly a three-year wait, Scottish space company Skyrora has secured the United Kingdom’s first… The post UK Regulator Grants First Vertical Launch License to Scottish Rocket Firm Skyrora appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.
How SpaceX modified Pad 1 for Ship Static Fire tests to cover Massey’s downtime

Following the energetic RUD of Ship 36 at Massey’s on June 18, teams at the… The post How SpaceX modified Pad 1 for Ship Static Fire tests to cover Massey’s downtime appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.
Launch Roundup: Electron launches ahead of Falcon 9 missions

Three rockets are now scheduled to launch from the U.S. this week. SpaceX is planning… The post Launch Roundup: Electron launches ahead of Falcon 9 missions appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.
Webb reveals structures in planetary nebula, sheds new light on the Hubble Ultra Deep Field

The joint NASA/European Space Agency/Canadian Space Agency James Webb Space Telescope recently observed the remnants… The post Webb reveals structures in planetary nebula, sheds new light on the Hubble Ultra Deep Field appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.
LZ-1 receives its final Falcon landing as SpaceX hand over the landing pad

After years of delivering iconic views of Falcon boosters performing Return to Launch Site (RTLS)… The post LZ-1 receives its final Falcon landing as SpaceX hand over the landing pad appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.
Artemis II astronauts discuss mission status ahead of in-capsule training

Scheduled to launch in February 2026, the Artemis II Orion capsule and Space Launch System… The post Artemis II astronauts discuss mission status ahead of in-capsule training 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).