Mediterranean-Style Boutique Hotel On Cocoa Beach

Looking like something on a postcard of the Mediterranean coast, The Inn at Cocoa Beach sits directly on the seemingly endless shoreline of Florida's Cocoa Beach. The inn’s red tiled roof, graceful stucco arches, and trickling fountains blend perfectly with its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, leading Frommer’s to call it “far and away the most romantic place in the area.” Lush landscaped grounds and a wine-and-cheese social welcome you every evening. Steps from the lobby, you'll find the surf shops, restaurants, and laid-back attitude that Cocoa Beach is known for.

After checking in, head up to the inn’s individually designed guest rooms, each of which has an expansive private balcony overlooking both the large outdoor pool and the ocean. That said, each room offers something different—you might find cool mint-colored walls and a homey pastel quilt, or you could walk into a nautical-themed room complete with a mounted swordfish on the wall.

In the morning, house-baked muffins, specialty breads, and other breakfast treats are served at the wicker tables and chairs in the inn's grassy outdoor courtyard. Laze in the hammock, sun yourself around the pool, or wander the grounds in search of the two resident macaws before heading off to the beach for the day.

Cocoa Beach, Florida: White-Sand Beaches on Florida’s “Space Coast”

Nicknamed Florida’s “Space Coast” for the nearby Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach’s 72-mile shoreline lures visitors with both its space history and its beautiful coast. At the Cocoa Beach Pier, a long boardwalk heads out into the Atlantic, where you can cast fishing line into the water during the day—lucky fishers may catch gator trout or redfish out of this part of the Atlantic.

This area has also been called the East Coast capital for surfing, especially considering 11-time surf champion Kelly Slater got his start on these waves. You’ll find several surf shops offering lessons and gear, plus in-the-know staff who can show you where to find the best breaks. And if that isn’t your thing, you can also rent a kayak in search of the area’s many manatees.

About 20 miles to the north, the 140,000-acre Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge surrounds the Kennedy Space Center. Take the wildlife drive to spot alligators, bald eagles, and other animals on your way to the space center. There, you’ll see hands-on replicas of astronaut capsules, an authentic Saturn V rocket from NASA’s Apollo program, and Alan Shepard’s spacesuit.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.