Located in Cocoa, Florida, the Cocoa Expo Sports Center is a resort-style sports complex which offers outstanding facilities for baseball, softball, football, basketball, and volleyball.
If your team is headed to the Cocoa Expo Sports Center for a tournament, then you will be looking for things to do and places to eat in the area. Here are some attractions and restaurant ideas to help make your trip more enjoyable.
Things to Do
Astronaut Memorial Planetarium and Observatory
Part of the Brevard County Community College campus, the Astronaut Memorial Planetarium and Observatory gives visitors the opportunity to discover some of the wonders beyond Earth’s atmosphere just minutes from the Cocoa Expo Sports Center. Founded in 1975, the planetarium is recognized as one of the best in the country and features cutting-edge technology in its shows.
From the 210-seat Star Theatre, guests of all ages can journey into the cosmos as combined digital and optical projectors cast realistic views of the night sky onto the ceiling above. You can also take a walk up to the rooftop and check out one of Florida’s largest public telescopes. Trained on the moon, the planets, or other celestial bodies, this telescope lets groups gain a better perspective on the heavens above. 1519 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL 32922
Historic Cocoa Village
The downtown area of Cocoa is known as Historic Cocoa Village, and many of its buildings date back to the mid-1800s. This historic district is both a wonderful reminder of Florida’s past and the perfect place to enjoy the modern community the city is well known for today.
Brevard Avenue, which functions as Cocoa’s main street, is home to a wide assortment of boutique shops and restaurants that you can easily spend several hours exploring. Several of these businesses are located alongside the city’s oldest structures, and they give you the opportunity to learn more about Cocoa’s history while you wander. 600 Florida Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922
Indian River Queen
Indian River is a body of water just east of Cocoa, and several boating companies give tourists the chance to enjoy its unique sights.
Cruises typically depart from Cocoa and take place on vessels such as paddle-wheelers, pontoon boats, and yachts. Onboard narration might teach you about the history of the surrounding communities and the local ecosystem. Cruises typically also give guests the opportunity to spot some of the region’s unique wildlife including dolphins, manatees, alligators, and sea birds.
Several cruise operators will offer public cruises, while others require you to book a private group charter, including Indian River Queen. 90 Delannoy Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922
Lighthouse Cove Adventure Golf
Lighthouse Cove Adventure Golf features two 18-hole miniature golf courses. The courses’ tropical fishing village-themed environment includes decorations like boats, waterfalls, caves, a tropical fish-filled aquarium, and more. Located just steps from breathtaking Cocoa Beach and a short drive from Cocoa Expo Sports Center, Lighthouse Cove is the perfect place to go for an affordable day of fun with your team.
Mini golfers looking for a surefire way to beat the infamous Florida heat will definitely want to stop by the 3 Scoops Ice Cream Parlor that’s located onsite. Featuring over 15 premium ice cream flavors, hand spun milkshakes, as well as local craft beers, 3 Scoops Ice Cream Parlor has got something for everyone. 617 N A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477
Kennedy Space Center
Another attraction near Cocoa Expo Sports Center is just across the river from Cocoa on Merritt Island is Kennedy Space Center, one of the hubs of NASA operations and the launch site for the vast majority of American spaceflights. Since the Apollo missions in the 1960s and ’70s, rockets that have taken off from Kennedy Space Center have been exploring the cosmos and visitors to the massive visitor complex can get a great look at the history of space travel.
It’s easy to spend an entire day touring the various exhibits here. Highlights include the Race to the Moon Retrospective, the Astronaut Hall of Fame, Astronaut Training Simulators, Shuttle Launch Experience, and Rocket Garden, which houses enormous spacecraft from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs.
Whether guests are fascinated by NASA’s many astounding innovations or just have a casual interest in space travel, it’s impossible not to be wowed by all the wonders on display here. This is a very popular attraction however, so it is suggested you plan your visit and purchase your tickets well ahead of time. SR 405, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899
Cocoa Beach
Located on a narrow strip of land between the Banana River and the Atlantic Ocean, Cocoa Beach is a popular tourist destination about 15 miles east of the Cocoa and the Cocoa Expo Sports Center. The city offers miles of sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing alike. The Cocoa Beach boardwalk and pier also feature a slew of shops and restaurants for visitors who want to stay dry.
The Ron Jon Surf Shop here is truly unique. It occupies more than 50,000 retail square feet and selling all the swimwear, surfing gear, and clothes you could ever need on a beach vacation. The casual, friendly atmosphere, and gorgeous beach locales ensure that a stop in Cocoa Beach will be both relaxing and memorable. Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931
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Places to Eat
Mitchell’s Restaurant
Family-owned and operated, Mitchell’s Restaurant is located in the heart of Cocoa right by the Cocoa Expo Sports Center. This casual diner specializes in Southern comfort food, served three meals a day.
Waffles and other breakfast favorites are a great way to start the morning, while the eatery’s eight-ounce, char-grilled steak burgers are a lunch and dinner staple. Country fried chicken and steak bring an air of authenticity, as do sides like fried green tomatoes and hush puppies. 1400 N Cocoa Blvd, Cocoa, FL 32922
Ryan’s Pizza and Pub
Location is one of the biggest draws at Ryan’s Pizza and Pub in Historic Cocoa Village. Set amid hundred-year-old oak trees, this waterfront restaurant has unbeatable views of the Indian River.
Guests of all ages love the authentic pizza pies served in this gorgeous setting and the toppings that range from the traditional to exotic. Since the proprietors have Irish roots, pub specialties are also available for diners who might prefer fish and chips or shepherd’s pie. The eclectic restaurant has ample outdoor seating and often hosts live music performed by local bands. 4 Harrison St, Cocoa, FL 32922
Longboards Tiki Beach Grille
Part of the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront and featuring incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, Longboards Tiki Beach Grille has been serving appetizers and entrees to tourists since 1948. While it’s most popular among adults for its tropical drinks, this restaurant is very family-friendly and caters well to large groups.
Burgers, flatbreads, and tacos are some guest favorites for main courses, but you can also choose among appetizers like nachos, fries, quesadillas, and chicken wings if you just want something small to nosh on. 1550 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Madd Jacks BarBQ Shack
West Coast style meets East Coast flare at Madd Jacks BarBQ Shack, where they smoke some of the finest barbecue you’ve ever had.
They offer practically every type of barbecued meat, plus interesting items such as coconut shrimp, nachos, fried jalapenos, burgers, seafood dishes, and more. They use only quality ingredients and meats in their kitchen! Come try and see if you agree! 655 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
The Fat Donkey Ice Cream & Fine Desserts
Also located in Cocoa Beach near the Cocoa Expo Sports Center, The Fat Donkey Ice Cream & Fine Desserts is a hole-in-the-wall ice cream stand just a few blocks from the ocean.
They offer ice cream by the scoop in a number of different flavors, as well as soft-serve with a variety of toppings. The window-serve location is a favorite among locals, who appreciate its large menu. Both kids and adults will love visiting The Fat Donkey before or after spending some time on the beach or at the Cocoa Expo Sports Center. 247 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Centrally located along the Space Coast just 50 miles from Orlando, Cocoa has exciting attractions both within the city and in every direction. After competing at the Cocoa Expo Sports Center, your team will have a great time visiting this area and discovering its many fun sights to see.