Rockledge FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Rockledge, Florida.
1. Cocoa Beach
ICONIC FLORIDA SHORELINE
Cocoa Beach is an amazing and highly recommended beach destination in Brevard County known for its golden sands and surf-friendly waves. Visitors can enjoy activities like surfing, paddleboarding, and relaxing on the expansive shoreline with various amenities nearby. The beach's proximity to popular tourist retail shops makes it a convenient and enjoyable oceanfront escape for families and water enthusiasts alike.
2. Playalinda Beach
PRISTINE NATURAL SEASHORE
Playalinda Beach offers a more secluded and natural beach experience within Brevard County with consistently high visitor ratings. This pristine stretch of shoreline is part of the Canaveral National Seashore, providing visitors with unspoiled views and a chance to connect with Florida's natural coastal environment. The beach is known for its undeveloped character, wildlife viewing opportunities, and spectacular views of rocket launches from nearby Kennedy Space Center.
3. Sebastian Inlet State Park
FISHING AND SURFING PARADISE
Sebastian Inlet State Park features beautiful beaches alongside one of Florida's most famous fishing spots where the Indian River Lagoon meets the Atlantic Ocean. The park offers excellent surfing conditions, making it a favorite destination for surfers, along with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and camping. Visitors can enjoy the dual appeal of oceanfront recreation and the chance to catch glimpses of diverse marine life including manatees and dolphins.
4. Jetty Park Beach & Pier
SHIPS AND SHORELINE
Jetty Park Beach & Pier combines a lovely beach setting with the unique opportunity to watch cruise ships and other vessels navigate the Port Canaveral channel. The 1,200-foot fishing pier provides excellent fishing opportunities while the clean, well-maintained beach offers swimming and sunbathing options. Families particularly enjoy this destination for its amenities including picnic areas, playgrounds, and the exciting maritime activity visible from shore.
5. Hightower Beach Park
SURFING AND NATURAL DUNES
Hightower Beach Park is a well-maintained beach park located at the intersection of A1A and Shearwater Parkway with convenient access and monitoring cameras for safety. The beach features a relatively short walkway with a ramp entrance directly onto the sandy shore, making it popular for surfing and paddleboard surfing. A special feature of this park is its boardwalk that extends from the parking lot over the natural dunes to the south, offering visitors a chance to appreciate the coastal ecosystem.
6. Alan Shepard Park
SPACIOUS BEACHFRONT ACCESS
Alan Shepard Park is a 5-acre oceanfront park offering more than 300 parking spaces for both automobiles and recreational vehicles. The park provides easy beach access with amenities for a comfortable day at the shore, including facilities for visitors of all ages. Its prime location allows beachgoers to easily walk to many popular tourist retail shops when taking a break from the sun and surf.
7. Sidney Fisher Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEACH DESTINATION
Sidney Fisher Park spans 10 acres of oceanfront property and has earned a reputation as a family favorite beach destination in Cocoa Beach. The park features approximately 200 parking spaces along with family-friendly amenities including picnic pavilions and a playground for children. Visitors can enjoy a full day at the beach with all the necessary facilities while experiencing the beautiful Atlantic shoreline of Florida's Space Coast.
8. Lori Wilson Park
NATURAL BEACH AND BOARDWALK
Lori Wilson Park is a spacious 20-acre oceanfront park maintained by Brevard County that offers a more natural beach experience. The park features convenient amenities including restrooms, a scenic boardwalk through natural areas, and a dog park for four-legged family members. With 274 parking spaces available for cars and recreational vehicles, visitors can easily spend the day exploring both the beautiful beach and the park's natural coastal habitats.
9. Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park
INTIMATE OCEANFRONT ESCAPE
Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park offers a more intimate beach experience with its 2-acre oceanfront setting operated and maintained by Brevard County. The park provides essential amenities for beachgoers including bathrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic areas for relaxed dining with ocean views. This smaller, less crowded beach option gives visitors a chance to enjoy the Atlantic shoreline in a more peaceful setting while still having access to necessary facilities.
10. Riverwalk Park
RIVERSIDE NATURE EXPERIENCE
Riverwalk Park in Rockledge offers visitors a riverside alternative to ocean beaches with its location along the Indian River. The park features a Nature Center where visitors can learn about local ecosystems while enjoying water views and wildlife observation opportunities. As a county park with riverside access, it provides a different type of waterfront experience that showcases Florida's diverse aquatic environments beyond its famous beaches.