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Cocoa vs. Daytona: A choice between two Atlantic beaches
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Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
Cocoa and Daytona, two beaches off of Florida’s east coast welcoming the sun each morning. I love the smell of the ocean air at both as I walk along the shoreline, but each has its own unique quirks.
Why Daytona:
When I visit Daytona I have to stop at the Boardwalk on the water. I can watch the candlemakers, walk or ride the sky lift along the pier, and dance around in the empty amphitheatre. Not to mention visiting the other shops (like Maui Nix), restaurants, and arcades to play my favorite game, Skee Ball. And it’s just not a trip to the beach without visiting the endless strips of tourist shops; I love looking at all the Florida knick knacks.
There are plenty of other stops around Daytona, for instance Adventure Landing with its waterpark, go-kart track, three mini-golf courses, and restaurants. Plus, if you love chocolate as much as I do, you should be sure to check out Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory located on Beach Street. They give an informative tour through the factory detailing its history and candy making secrets. If you want to see Daytona’s lighthouse, just head to Ponce Inlet to see the 175 foot tall museum, along with other historical structures.
Racing fans can stop by the Daytona International Speedway to catch events such as the Daytona 500 and Daytona 200 (for motorcycles). Motorcycles play a big role in Daytona since it is home to both Biketoberfest and Bike Week.
Why Cocoa:
What I love about Cocoa Beach is that it offers free parking along with picnic areas, bathrooms, and outside showers. I also make it a point to stop by the gigantic Ron Jon Surf Shop just to see if I need a new bathing suit. On the next corner is the Cocoa Beach Surf Company, another multistory surf shop for me to compare surf boards I would never ride.
Not too far from Cocoa is Port Canaveral where many cruise lines depart; this is where my cruise to the Bahamas departed from. Plus, the Kennedy Space Center is just a short drive as well.
Being a native Floridian I have been exposed to many beaches, but these two I just keep going back to. Hopefully you find them just as exiting as I have!
