Cocoa Beach

Forever linked to Cape Canaveral and the U.S. space program, Cocoa Beach is famous as the setting of the popular 1960s TV show I Dream of Jeannie. Filming for the TV show took place entirely in Southern California in place of Cocoa and Cape Canaveral. == Understand == The city is on the east coast of Florida on the Atlantic Ocean. Between the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway is the narrow coastal region that is the location of the city. == Get in == Cocoa Beach can be accessed by several roads: Florida routes 520 & 528 cross the Indian River and Merritt Island from Interstate 95; A1A parallels the coast and provides access from the south. Cocoa Beach is on the water, so access by water is also possible. West Cocoa Causeway ends at its intersection with Atlantic Ave (FL-A1A) in 'downtown' Cocoa Beach. Going west, into the mainland, the road winds 39 mi (63 km) into FL-50 where it continues another 24 mi (39 km) west into Orlando as Colonial Dr (FL-50). It goes across Merritt Island as Merritt Island Causeway and through Cocoa Village on the mainland as W King St where it intersects I-95 at exit 201. Martin Andersen Beachline Expressway connects Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Village to its junction with I-4, south of Orlando, near Walt Disney World, at 48 mi (77 km) west, via Orlando International Airport. Locally FL-528 ends at its intersection with US Hwy 1 in Cocoa Village. From US 1, the road continues across the causeway as FL-A1A, into Port Canaveral/Cape Canaveral as Astronaut Blvd (FL-A1A) where it curves south through Cape Canaveral and into Cocoa Beach as Atlantic Ave (the main thoroughfare). It crosses over I-95 at exit 205. == Get around == === By car === Atlantic Ave (FL A1A) Coastal highway connects Cape Canaveral in the north (SR-528), through Cocoa Beach (SR-520) to Patrick Space Force Base in the South (SR-404). It actually runs continuously from Patrick Space Force Base to Stuart Beach in Fort Pierce. Atlantic Ave serves as the main thoroughfare through Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. Minuteman Causeway is a local east-west road south of 'downtown' Cocoa Beach which divides north from south. All north-south roads north of Minuteman Causeway have a 'North' designation in the prefix while the ones south have the 'South' designation. House numbers increase as you go further north or south from Minuteman Causeway and further east or west from Atlantic Ave (SR-A1A). === By bus === Space Coast Area Transit is the name of the local Brevard County bus service. It is a cheap way to get around and is handicap accessible. The website provides maps and timetables. Buses travel to most sites and places of interest. $1.25 per ride, or $35 for a monthly pass. Bus route 9 serves as the main bus route through Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach between King George Blvd & N Atlantic Ave in Cape Canaveral (to the north), to SR-A1A & S 13th in the south of town, via Shephard Park at Ocean Beach Blvd (SR-520) as the main begin/end point of the route === Bike or Walk === Many bike lanes are available along major roads. The area is very pedestrian-friendly, with good sidewalks. == See == The beach is a justifiably famous stretch of Atlantic beach. Activities include beach volleyball, surfing, sunbathing, surf fishing: 1 Sidney Fischer Park, 2200 N Atlantic Ave (access via Fischer Park Dr from Atlantic Ave). Daily 8AM-7PM. Open field 10 acre city park with ocean views, shaded picnic pavilions, playground, showers and restroom facilities. 2 Thousand Islands. A collection of small mangrove islands in the Banana River Lagoon, accessible by tour boat or kayak. One can often see dolphins, manatees, and many bird species. Strong bioluminescence in late summer. 3 Lori Wilson Park, 1500 N Atlantic Ave. A 32-acre park featuring a maritime hammock is a popular site for events and group gatherings. The maritime hammock allow visitors to experience Florida’s natural coastline. Attractions include boardwalks, beach access, surf fishing, 3 pavilions, BBQ grills, picnic tables, and public restrooms as well as dog park/dog run area for the dogs. (updated Jul 2023) 4 "I Dream of Jeannie Lane", 14xx N Atlantic Ave (serves as one of two roads into Lori Wilson Park from Atlantic Ave). In 1996 Barbara Eden (the "Jeannie") came into town to give a speech at the Kennedy Space Center and then came over here for the naming dedication to the TV show which she was a co-star in. The TV sitcom was set in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral, but was filmed entirely in Southern California. In 2012 a blue sign was placed under the street name sign to explain the history and theme of the TV series. This and the officers' club at Patrick AFB, south of town, are closest to being a "filming location" in town: (updated Jul 2023) 1020 Palm Dr was identified as Maj Tony Nelson's (Larry Hagman) home address in the script where both the Jeannie (Barbara Eden) and Maj Nelson lived in. In real life the address does not exist in Cocoa Beach. The exterior shots were filmed at one of the faux houses (the 'Blondie' House) in the Warner Bros Filming Ranch in Burbank, California. The interior scenes were filmed in the Sunset Gowers Studio (formerly Columbia Pictures) in Hollywood, California. Since 2023 the faux houses in the Warner Bros Filming Ranch have been torn down to make room for new studio and office buildings. Maj Nelson's Workplace The building exterior at "Cape Kennedy" where Maj Nelson and Maj Healey worked in was filmed at the NASA Flight Research Center (renamed to 'Armstrong Flight Research Center' in 2014) at the Edwards Air Force Base, north of Los Angeles. The closest place in town where filming took place was at Patrick's AFB (south of town, in place of "Kennedy Space Center") when Hagman and Eden came into town to act out a mock wedding for their respective characters on set, who were "engaged" to marry at the officers' club in 1969. Point Dume The pilot episode of I Dream of Jeannie was filmed at Point Dume, in Malibu, California which served as the deserted South Pacific island where astronaut Cpt Tony Nelson's (Larry Hagman) space capsule washed ashore and when he released Jeannie (Barbara Eden) from 2,000 years of imprisonment in a bottle. "The Bottle" The bottle in which the Jeannie was imprisoned in is/was an old Jim Beam decanter whiskey bottle for Christmas of 1964 rather than being specifically made for the TV show. But, the bottles were painstakingly painted for the show. During the show the Jeannie hides in the bottle but she is/was still free to come and go unless her "master" corks the bottle if he wants to exclude her from what's going on at the moment. But she can still see out from within the bottle. The first bottle in the first season was kept by the first director, Gene Nelson. After his death in 1996 the bottle sold on auction for $100,000. Subsequently 12 additional bottles were used as props with some used with implanted smoke bombs blowing out to signify the Jeannie is coming out of her bottle. After the production of the show, Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman, each saved a bottle from the final destruction of their stage set. Barbara Eden eventually donated her bottle to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC. An old Jim Beam decanter whiskey bottle can be bought as a souvenir to the show from eBay, Etsy, and other online sources or from local thrift stores, antique malls and garage/estate sales if available. They are marketed as "I dream of Jeannie Bottle" or something along those lines. == Do == 1 Victory Casino Cruises (Sterling Casino Line), 180 Christopher Columbus Dr, ☏ +1 855-468-4286, toll-free: +1-800-765-5711. Go out for night on the water on Sterling. Ages 18+. 2 Canaveral Princess & Orlando Princess, 670 Glen Cheek Dr, ☏ +1 321-784-6300, toll-free: 1 800 481-3474. This is a kind of tourist attraction, as they take tourists out on deep sea fishing excursions. 3 The Corner Tattoo & Piercing Studio, Inc., 112 Dixie Ln, ☏ +1 321-783-8287. One-of-a-kind piercing parlor, exceeds OSHA standards, open till midnight on weekdays, wonderful reputation, amazing artwork by Michelle and Rob. 4 Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave. Restaurants, bars, gift shops, and fishing. Sport equipment can be rented here, as well. Fin and Fly Fishing Charters (Fin and Fly Fishing), 951 Bali Rd, ☏ +1 321-652-5903, finandflycharters@gmail.com. Daily 6AM-11PM. Deep sea, shark & inshore fishing charters in the rich waters off Florida's Space Coast from Cocoa Beach to Port Canaveral. (updated Jul 2017) == Buy == 1 Banana River Square, 2001-2049 Atlantic Ave (strip mall across street from Sidney Sischer Park). Hours vary at each establishment. Publix, Florida Fresh Grill, New China Restaurant, Paddy Cassidy's Pub, Shoyu Hibachi Express & Poke Bowl, UPS Store, Coldwell Banker Baine Realty, Tilman's Barber shop, etc. There's a Dollar Tree next to mall, behind Publix, but not part of this mall. (updated Aug 2023) 2 Merritt Square Mall, 777 E Merritt Island Cswy, ☏ +1 321-452-3270. Anchors include Macy's, Sears, JCPenny, and Dillard's. (updated May 2021) 3 Ron Jon Surf Shop, 4151 N. Atlantic Ave, ☏ +1 321-799-8888. "One of a Kind!" The company's flagship store, and advertised as the "World's Largest Surf Shop". This is the place to be to meet some locals, check out a few boards, and even get some clothes and keepsakes for others. == Eat == 1 Azteca Two Mexican Restaurant, 1600 N Atlantic Ave (inside the resort on cocoa beach), ☏ +1 321-784-1188. Tu-F 11AM-9:30PM, Sa Su 4PM-9:30AM. Mexican food 2 Florida's Seafood Bar & Grill, 480 West Cocoa Beach Cswy, ☏ +1 321-784-0892. M-Sa 11:30AM-10PM. Serves big shrimp, regular shrimp, rock shrimp, lobsters, snow crabs, scallops, and for those who don't like their food swimming before they eat it, steak, prime rib and chicken are also offered. Also serves fresh oysters, prepared in over a dozen different ways. 3 Tokyo Japanese Steak House, 5840 North Atlantic Avenue (N Atlantic Ave & Harding), ☏ +1 407-799-0058. Daily 5-9PM. A family-owned Japanese steak house, and the family has a lot of personality. Each cook comes out and cooks in front of you, doing tricks like making volcanoes out of onions, and performing fire tricks. Choose two meats from: shrimp, steak, and chicken, comes with rice and sauces. 4 Slow and Low Barbeque, 306 N. Orlando Ave, ☏ +1 321-783-6199. Daily 11AM-10PM. Smoked pork, chicken, beef, turkey, ribs, wings, and a variety of Southern-themed side dishes. Outdoor patio with bar and live music on weekends. 5 4th Street Fillin' Station, 382 N Orlando Ave (SW corner of N Orlando Ave & 4th St), ☏ +1 321-613-2462. Su-Th 7:30AM-11PM, F-Sa 7:30-midnight. Restaurant that used to be a gas station. Local beer selection, vegetarian/vegan options, outdoor seating with games and great ambiance. (updated Dec 2020) == Drink == JT's Social Bar, 1275 N Atlantic Ave (inside La Quinta Inn), ☏ +1 321-613-2231. M Tu 5-11PM; W 6PM-midnight, Th 3PM-midnight; F Sa 3PM-1AM, Su 3-11PM. 1 Paddy Cassidy's Irish Pub, 2011 N Atlantic Ave, ☏ +1 321-783-0810. Daily noon-2AM. 2 Lido Cabaret, 6400 Atlantic Ave (N Atlantic Ave & Cleveland), ☏ +1 321-784-1022. Daily 11AM-2AM. 3 Cocoa Beach Brewing Company, 150 N. Atlantic Ave (south on A1A between 1st and 2nd St.), ☏ +1 321 613-2941. M-Th 1-9PM, F Sa 1-11PM, Su noon-6PM. Cocoa Beach's only nanobrewery. Small pub w/ deck, usually 2-4 varieties on tap. Parking on street or in rear. 4 Coasters Taphouse, 5675 N Atlantic Ave #122 (Cornerstone Plaza on Atlantic Ave & Barlow), ☏ +1 321 613-3041. Su-Th noon-9PM, closed Tu, F Sa noon-10PM. Over 100 beers and full liquor license. == Sleep == 1 Hilton Garden Inn, 2080 N Atlantic Avenue, ☏ +1 321-783-9222. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. This hotel features guest rooms and suites, each with an ocean view. 2 Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, 1550 N Atlantic Avenue, ☏ +1 321-799-0003, toll-free: +1-800-526-2609. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. 3 La Quinta Inn Cocoa Beach - Port Canaveral, 1275 Atlantic Blvd, ☏ +1 321-783-2252. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Location of JT's Social Bar listed in 'Drink' (updated Jul 2023) 4 Las Olas Beach Club of Cocoa Beach, 5100 Ocean Beach Blvd, ☏ +1 321-784-2706. The same family management and hospitality have prevailed since opening in 1988. Accommodations are one, two and three bedroom fully furnished condominiums ranging in size from 1500+ to 1700+ sq.ft., some with oceanfront views and some with poolside views. All units have two bathrooms, full kitchen, large private balcony, washer/dryer, 2-3 televisions, DVD/VCR, Roman soak tubs, free wireless internet, and on-site management. 5 South Beach Inn, 1701 S. Atlantic Ave, ☏ +1 321-783-2524, toll-free: +1-800-297-1889, sbicocoabeach@gmail.com. Offers oceanfront pet and family friendly suites with fully equipped kitchens, walk in closets, and comfortable queen size beds. Outdoor patio & grills available for guest use. $90-160. == Go next == Cape Canaveral is home to Kennedy Space Center and Patrick Air Force Base north of town, north of Barlow (5800 block) along Atlantic Ave (FL-A1A) Port Canaveral is the home base to many cruise ships, including ships of the Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise lines. There are also seafood restaurants at the port. Nice place to watch the giant ships, smaller craft, and sea birds. The Canaveral Lock allows boats to travel from the Atlantic/Port Canaveral to the Indian River. It's a little hard to locate, but visitors can watch small boats as they are lifted a small amount to compensate for tidal differences between ocean and river. Free. Rockledge is the next town, west of Cocoa Beach on the mainland on the other side of the lagoon via the Causeway (FL-520)