Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
through August, rangers lead groups on nightly sea turtle nesting tours (adult/child
8-16yr $14/free; 7am-11:30pm); reservations required.
3-2-1…BLASTOFF
Along the Space Coast, even phone calls get a countdown, thanks to the local area
code: 321. It's no coincidence; in 1999 residents led by Robert Osband petitioned
to get the digits in honor of the rocket launches that took place at Cape Canaveral.
Activities
Despite all the sunshine and shoreline, Florida is no
Endless Summer
. The water around
Miami tends to stay flat, and much of the Gulf Coast is too protected to get much of a
swell. But the 70 miles of beaches from New Smyrna to Sebastian Inlet are surfer cent-
ral. Ten-time world champion surfer Kelly Slater was born in Cocoa Beach, which re-
mains the epicenter of the surf community. For the local scene and surf reports, visit
Ron Jon's Surf Shop
WATER SPORTS
( 321-799-8888; 4151 N Atlantic Ave; 24 hrs)
Rents just about anything water-related
from fat-tired beach bikes ($15 daily) to surfboards ($30 daily).
Ron Jon Surf School
SURFING
( 321-868-1980;
www.cocoabeachsurfingschool.com
;
150 E Columbia Lane, Cocoa Beach; per hr
$50-65)
The best surf school in Cocoa Beach for all ages and levels is the state's largest,
Ron Jon Surf School run by ex-pro surfer and Kelly Slater coach, Craig Carroll.
Cocoa Beach Jetski Rentals
BOATING
( 321-454-7661;
http://cocoabeachjetskirentals.com
;
1872 E 520 Causeway, Cocoa Beach;
kayaks/jet skis per hr $20/90; 8:45am-5pm)
Rent boats, kayaks, surfboards - and of
course jetskis. You can even buy live bait.
Sleeping
Charming Cocoa Beach has the most options, as well as the most chains. For a quieter
stay, Vero Beach is also attractive.
