- Attraction: Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier
- Location: 401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
- Industry: Entertainment
- Website: https://www.cocoabeachpier.com/
Rockets soar overhead while you’re dangling your feet off an 800-foot wooden pier stretching into the endless blue Atlantic Ocean.
Built in 1962 by local businessman Richard Stottler, this historic landmark has been welcoming over one million visitors annually to experience what locals call “not just a day at the beach.”
For over 50 years, the world-famous, newly renovated Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier has served as a hot spot for family, friends, and fun.
The pier was originally known as “Canaveral Pier” and was built with more than 2.5 miles of boardwalk planks and 270 pilings.
Longtime locals remember driving their cars onto the pier itself when it first opened, and people enjoyed the “grandstand seat” for viewing Mercury, Apollo and Space Shuttle launches at nearby Cape Canaveral.
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Keep Exploring →The pier was even visited by famous astronauts like Alan Shepard, the first American in space.
Dining & Drinking Experiences
Pier 62 Oceanfront Restaurant: The ultimate destination for foodies seeking the freshest seafood and sushi in town, offering a wide range of menu options, including sake bar offerings, all served with breathtaking oceanfront views.
You’ll find the jerk shrimp bowl absolutely packed with bold, well-balanced flavors that visitors rave about.
The restaurant features a brand-new outdoor seating area with roll-up windows for stunning sunset views.
Rikki Tiki Tavern: At the end of the historic, 800-foot pier sits Rikki Tiki Tavern with seating and tables for 100 people. The perfect spot to relax and unwind with an ice-cold beer, cocktail or specialty drink, ideally located at the end of the pier.
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Discover MoreGrab a cocktail from the Rikki Tiki Tavern and watch from the pier railing as spaceships take flight and soar over the ocean.
The Boardwalk Bar: Home of the best happy hour on Cocoa Beach, this casual bar and eatery lets you sip on your favorite cocktail and revel in the ocean breezes.
The grouper tacos are a standout favorite among visitors, offering fresh local flavors with ocean views.
Sea Dogs & Quick Bites: Enjoy a quick bite to eat on the go with delicious beef hot dogs and Polish sausage, along with ice cream, smoothies and other snacks.
Perfect for those looking for specialty combos and made-to-order sandwiches with the freshest ingredients and Boar’s Head premium deli meats.
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Keep Exploring →Frozen Cocktail Paradise: Beat the heat with customized frozen yard cocktails with limitless combinations!
Experience Maui J’s shaved ice food truck, a frosty paradise at the family-friendly pier.
Activities & Entertainment
World-Class Surfing: With year-round lifeguards, there’s no safer, or more spectacular place to master the waves than at the ‘east coast surfing capital of the United States.’ Daily semi-private lessons are offered 9am to 5pm at Cocoa Beach Surf School.
The pier offers access to some of the absolute best surfing on the East Coast, attracting surfers from around the world.
Fishing Adventures: The pier fishing opens at 6 AM daily with a $7 fishing fee if you bring your own equipment. For rod rentals of 4 hours, the fee is $20 which includes bait, necessary equipment and admission. You can catch a wide variety of seasonal fish including Pompano, Whiting, Snapper, Wahoo, Flounder, Tarpon, and Blue Fish.
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Discover MoreBeach Volleyball & Recreation: The pier offers regulation beach volleyball courts, fresh water showers, and beach rentals.
There’s also Mission Control Game Room that looks over the white sandy beach.
Shopping & Souvenirs: The pier is dotted with gift shops where you can find souvenirs, beachwear, and unique items that capture the essence of Cocoa Beach. You’ll discover everything from t-shirts to handmade crafts that let you take a piece of your experience home.
Live Entertainment: The pier is home to free live musical entertainment.
There are a vast variety of annual activities, events, surf competitions, and festivals all throughout the year.
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Keep Exploring →Atmosphere & Views
Spectacular Ocean Panoramas: Stretching over 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the coastline that are breathtaking, especially during sunrise or sunset. The unobstructed Atlantic views create perfect photo opportunities with the endless horizon as your backdrop.
Rocket Launch Viewing: Cocoa Beach Pier offers prime viewing for Kennedy Space Center rocket launches. You can sip a beachy cocktail while watching a launch from this quintessential viewing location.
The historic pier provides a panoramic view of the skies 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, allowing you to observe launches and catch boosters falling to Earth from the perfect perspective.
Historic Charm: The wooden boardwalk planks beneath your feet have welcomed millions of visitors over six decades. This symbol of unforgettable beach culture in Cocoa Beach remains a favorite destination for Florida locals and tourists. The weathered wood and ocean-worn atmosphere give the pier its authentic coastal character.
Beachfront Energy: The pier has long been a cultural and entertainment epicenter on Florida’s Space Coast. You’ll feel the vibrant beach energy with surfers catching waves below, pelicans soaring overhead, and the constant gentle rhythm of waves against the pier pilings.
Other Considerations
Parking & Access: Parking is available right at the pier for $15-20 per day depending on the season.
There’s also free parking available at nearby locations like Lori Wilson Park about 2 miles south, though you’ll need to walk along the beach to reach the pier.
Pricing Experience: There’s a $2 admission fee to access the end of the pier, which grants you complete access to all of the local shops, unique restaurants, and great views.
The restaurants offer mid-tier pricing typical of oceanfront dining, though the spectacular views and fresh seafood make it worthwhile for the experience.
Family-Friendly Appeal: This historic landmark has been a local favorite for over 50 years and is described as ‘not just a day at the beach.’
You’ll find the pier accommodates all ages with activities ranging from fishing and surfing to simple strolling and dining. Year-round lifeguards ensure safety for families.
Best Times to Visit: Early morning offers the most peaceful experience for fishing and photography, while sunset provides magical lighting for romantic dinners.
During rocket launch periods, arrive early to secure prime viewing spots as the pier fills up quickly.
Special Events Planning: The pier hosts surf competitions and festivals throughout the year.
Check the events calendar before visiting to potentially catch live music performances, fishing tournaments, or seasonal celebrations that add extra excitement to your visit.
Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier
📍 401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
