Surf, Swim at Cocoa Beach, Florida
The Closest Atlantic Ocean Park to Central Florida Attractions
May 17, 2008
Cocoa Beach, FL is the closest beach town and recreation area to Central Florida attractions such as Disney and Universal Theme Parks. Surf, swim, relax and enjoy yourself at Shepard Park - the most accessible beach in Cocoa Beach, FL to the Central Florida area.
How to Get to Cocoa Beach, Florida
From the Central Florida area, get on the Beeline Expressway going east. The Beeline (or Beachline as it is sometimes called) turns into A1A (Atlantic Ave) in Cocoa. To get to Shepard Park, continue through Cocoa to Cocoa Beach and turn left on the Cocoa Beach Causeway (Cswy). The Cocoa Beach Cswy terminates 2 blocks hence at the park. If one drives past Ron Jon Surf Shop, the beach is overshot by about one city block.
The Beeline Expressway is a toll road with manned toll plazas. The drive from the Central Florida attractions takes approximately 1 hour.
Shepard Park Amenities and Fee
Named for astronaut Alan Shepard, this park has a killer view of the space shuttle launches. Admission is free. Parking costs $7 - no re-entry access. The park has numerous outdoor showers located at both the main entrance and at each walkway from the parking lot to the beach.
There are men's and women's rest rooms with private changing areas. The rest rooms start out the day quite clean, a situation that deteriorates as the day progresses.
There are 10 large picnic pavilions, many smaller covered picnic tables and barbeque grills. There is no regular lifeguard coverage and the park is open dawn to dusk.
Ron Jon Surf Shop
A short walk from Shepard Park is the legendary Ron Jon Surf Shop. Ron Jon is located at the corner of State Roads 520 & A1A, one block from Shepard Park. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, one can purchase or rent everything needed for a pleasant day at the beach. Beginner surfing lessons are also available.
Ron Jon's prices range from inexpensive $5 flip flops to designer $6,000 surf boards. However, most of the clothing and accessory items available for sale and rent are priced in the moderate range - under $100.
Also, check out Ron Jon's calendar of events, which at different times during the year includes autograph sessions and demonstrations by top surfers. Many days and evenings the shop has live music. Occasionally, surf legends such as Pete Pan conduct free clinics at Shepard Park sponsored by Ron Jon's.
Where to Eat at Shepard Park
If one is not down for picnic baskets check out Captain J's, the best beachside sit down restaurant at Shepard Park. It has two levels with a roof top deck and both inside and outdoor covered seating on the main level. Try to get seated in Jacqueline's section.
Captain J's is located right at the entrance to Shepard Park at 211 E Cocoa Beach Cswy. Prices are in the moderate range. Expect to pay $11 - $20 for an entree and under $10 for appetizers. Hours of operation are from 11:00am - midnight.
Want to buy some chips, soda and a deli sandwich? There's a 7-11 quick shop one block from the park at 109 E Cocoa Beach Cswy. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, food prices are inexpensive. Bags of chips and bottles of soda are priced under $2. Most deli sandwiches can be purchased for less than $5. Note: this 7-11 doesn't have gas pumps.
Shark Attacks
Since 1998, there are no reported shark encounters at Shepard Park. The epi-center for Florida Atlantic coast shark encounters is New Smyrna Beach, located north of Cocoa Beach.
Have fun in the water, try to schedule a surfing lesson and make a safe return drive to the Central Florida area!
 |
 |
 |
