Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Originally a trading post along the Indian River, Cocoa Village started serving tourists in
the late 19th century when steamboat travelers disembarked along
Riverfront Park
to
stretch their legs. Now the historic downtown offers a pleasant alternative to Cocoa Beach.
Its main drag, Delannoy Ave, is lined with historic structures such as the
SF Travis Build-
ing
, which houses a hardware store (the village's oldest existing business).
You'll also find several good cafes and upscale restaurants here, and there's a weekly
Farmers Market
(
http://cocoamainstreet.com/projects/farmersmarket
; Myrt Tharpe Sq;
9am-3pm Wed)
.
Astronaut Memorial Planetarium & Observatory
OBSERVATORY
( 321-433-7373;
www.easternflorida.edu/community-resources/planetarium
;
Bldg 19, 1519 Clear-
lake Rd, Cocoa Village; shows adult/child under 12yr $8/5; exhibition hall 2-4pm Wed & 6.30-10pm
Fri & Sat, shows from 7pm Fri & Sat, observatory 6.30-10pm Fri & Sat)
Discover new galaxies and constellations in this 70ft domed planetarium that projects the
night skies in startling detail enhanced with laser effects and accompanied by soaring
soundtracks from Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles. On Friday and Saturday
nights, volunteers help visitors navigate the real night sky through one of the largest tele-
scopes in Florida, powerful enough to bring the rings of Saturn into focus and highlight
lunar craters.
The planetarium is located on the campus of Brevard Community College, 10 minutes
north of Cocoa Village off Clearlake Rd.
Cocoa Beach Pier
PIER
Souvenir shops, restaurants and bars stretch along this 800ft pier built as a family attrac-
tion in 1962. It remains the focus of annual events such as the Easter Surfing Festival.
Fishing rods are available to rent for $15, and there's a $5 fee to fish on the pier with your
own equipment.
Activities
Banana River, Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon lure water enthusiasts of all kinds, and
as a prime surf spot Cocoa Beach is home to legendary surfing emporium Ron Jon's which
