We will be in Cocoa Beach for a week with my son who will be playing a lot of baseball at the Expo Center. We would like recommendations on restaurants, good breakfast places, and any other suggestions for things to do while not watching baseball. (We are planning to visit Cape Canaveral and possibly Sea World on our off day) Thanks!

Note---we won't be doing Cape Canaveral and Sea World on the same day.

Hi, We stop often at this converted gas station restaurant called Crab Heaven on A1A in Cape Canaveral. It isn't fancy...you could come right off the beach. The food is always good and well priced for families.

I've heard a lot of people rave about Dixie Landings in Titusville...real southern food. I hope this helps!

The Ron-Jon store is worth stopping in and taking a look.

magic hoagies on merrit island (north courtney blvd?) near the "gold pyramid" church....best damn subs in the world...we drive from Orlando just to eat there. ...and dixie landings??? well,...i wouldn't go out of your way (IMO). theres a place at the end of the cocoa beach pier...."marlins" i think. nothing great but it does have a funky, beach atmosphere.....w/ booths facing the ocean.

There are several restaurants on the Cocoa Beach Pier, none of which have memorable food. However, I do agree with Rob, the atmosphere is very good and reflects this part of Florida's mix of surf-culture, retirees, and tourists. All in all, the Pier is worth a visit.

While you're there, don't forget to check out Shuttle Launch at Kennedy Space Center. The view is magnificient. The next launch is scheduled on 4/19. It's only a few miles off Cocoa Beach. Check out http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/visit/visitor.htm

Diane...
I grew up in Cocoa Beach and can reccomend a few good local spots...two of which are on the south end of town where A1A comes back together just north of Patrick Air Force Base.

Try Taco City...great Tex Mex food.
Falmmenia's is a small Italian place. Very Yummy. Both places are casual and cheap.

A Good breakfast spot is Roberto's. It's at the intersection of Minuteman Causeway and Orlando Avenue.

If you like German...try the Heidleberg. It's right across the street at the same intersection.

Another couple of local spots to try: Rusty's on Minuteman Causway. It's a seafood/Oyster Bar. Coconuts...it's at the end of Minuteman Causeway on the beach. It's outdoors and most people are in their bathing suits. Great for lunch or hanging out having a beer, listening to music in the afternoon.

Have fun!

Consider the a place called (I think) the Cadillac Diner. The food is nothing to rave about -- pretty basic -- but it's a fun place to stop at because it has a '50s motif and the waitresses dress like '50s teenagers getting ready for a prom: hair in curlers, bathrobes, fuzzy slippers. Usually, at some point all the waitresses get together and break into some type of '50s doo-wop song. As I said, the food is nothing special, but the place is fun.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! Sarah, we were in Cocoa Beach when you posted your response, but will be going back for at least two more years, so I will be keeping all the suggestions.

We ate lunch at the Sunset Grill (on 520) just before the bridge and the Florida Sea Food grill right next to it. I liked sitting by the water at the Sunset Grill. The Florida Sea Food grill was always packed---it is informal and prices are decent---also have some of the biggest Margarita's I've ever had. We also had dinner for 80 at the Atlantic Ocean grill (on the pier)---they did a great job with such a large group. Would like to go back with just a few people and sample more of their menu.

How far is Cocoa Beach from Disney?

Yolanda,

I was just in Orlando about three weeks ago, had a rental car and drove to Cocoa Beach the day we arrived. It is about 40 miles from the airport to Cocoa Beach. Stayed a few hours to walk on the beach, and headed back to Orlando for a late dinner. It was a fun side trip. Hope this helps.

Sandi