Cocoa Beach, Florida is situated in the heart of Florida’s Space Coast. It’s well-known for its pristine beaches, excellent surfing, and plenty of other opportunities for outdoor fun. It’s also a city full of friendly people, much to see and do, and a smaller but thriving LGBTQ community that is friendly and welcoming to all. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in Cocoa Beach, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love.
A Look at Cocoa Beach's History
Cocoa Beach is a city with a very unique history, as it is said to have been founded by freed slaves in the post-Civil War era. A family of freed slaves established the first colony on Cocoa Beach, according to the city's records, but it wasn't until 1888 that the area began to truly be developed in earnest. In 1922, a bridge was built to connect the city to the mainland. The city quickly became a popular place to live, not only for its natural beauty but also for its ideal location. Today, Cocoa Beach is a diverse and thriving city with plenty of opportunities and much to see and do for all who call it home.
A Few Fun Facts About Cocoa Beach
- Cocoa Beach and its sister city, Cape Canaveral have played an essential role in the space program in the United States.
- The television show “I Dream of Jeannie” was set in Cocoa Beach.
- Famed wrestler Hulk Hogan once owned a bar in Cocoa Beach.
Read more fun facts about Cocoa Beach here.
Cocoa Beach’s LGBTQ Community
Cocoa Beach is a city with a thriving and diverse LGBTQ community that is supported by various resources, including:
PFLAG Melbourne Space Coast is Cocoa Beach’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country and has 500 chapters with more than 200,000 members in the United States. PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community, and offers monthly support meetings, as well as resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies.
Space Coast Pride is a volunteer-managed community organization that seeks to provide events, support, and resources to the Space Coast area’s LGBTQ community. It’s an important and pivotal part of the area’s LGBTQ community, and a great way to get connected and become involved.
What's the Weather Like in Cocoa Beach?
If you love plenty of sunshine, warm weather, and no snow, you’ll love Cocoa Beach’s weather. Summers can be very warm and humid, with temperatures in July topping out at an average of 91°F. The trade-off is that winters are usually very mild, with lows in January dropping to around 49°F. Cocoa Beach receives no snow and around 54 inches of rain per year. For those who love sunshine, Cocoa Beach receives plenty of it each year – an average of around 234 sunny days, in fact.
Can’t-Miss Events in Cocoa Beach
If you live in Cocoa Beach, you won’t want to miss the Space Coast Pride celebration. Whether you enjoy parties, parades, family-friendly activities, or all of the above, it is a great time to get together with friends and allies and celebrate all that the LGBTQ community adds to the greater Cocoa Beach area.
The Best Neighborhoods in Cocoa Beach
If you're considering moving to Cocoa Beach, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Cocoa Beach is sprinkled throughout the city, so there are many neighborhoods that would make wonderful places to call home. This is why it’s always advised to contact a Cocoa Beach gay realtor who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find the perfect home in the ideal neighborhood. The current median list price of homes for sale in Cocoa Beach is around $470,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Cocoa Beach Pier stretches 800 feet over the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. It offers stunning coastal views, and access to plenty of restaurants, shops, and boutiques. You can even join in a competitive pick-up game of beach volleyball here. It’s the perfect place to spend the day having fun!
Melbourne Independent Film Festival
Located only a short drive away from Cocoa Beach, the Melbourne Independent Film Festival is a wonderful annual film festival known for showing a wide variety of excellent local and international films each year. For 23 years, the festival has been entertaining residents and visitors alike, and it is definitely one event you’ll want to be sure to put on your calendar.
Parks and Recreation
Cocoa Beach’s Lori Wilson Park offers visitors access to a beautiful, clean, golden sand beach, as well as a beautiful nature trail, and plenty of places to relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Those who live in or visit the Space Coast should certainly put the Kennedy Space Center on their list of places to visit. One of 10 NASA field centers across the country, it is a great place to learn about space history, view rockets, satellites, and other important space exploration artifacts, and simply have fun on a beautiful day. Don’t miss the chance to visit for yourself!
Cocoa Beach Nightlife
The Twisted Rooster is one of the most popular LGBTQ bars in the area. This lively night spot offers strong drinks, frequent theme nights, lively crowds, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great spot to stop on a night out in Melbourne!
Though not specifically a LGBTQ restaurant, Coconuts on the Beach is friendly and welcoming to all, and it’s a Cocoa Beach institution. Located right on the beach, Coconuts is known for its great food, live music, and excellent specialty cocktails.
Contact a Cocoa Beach Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Cocoa Beach, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Cocoa Beach, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Cocoa Beach gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
