Hotels in Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is the closest resort area to the Kennedy Space Center, about a 30-minute drive to the north. (For pop-culture junkies, Cocoa Beach was where the TV show I Dream of Jeannie took place.) Options  include such usual suspect chain motels as Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral, 3425 N. Atlantic Ave. (tel. 321/799-4099), and Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral, 3435 N. Atlantic Ave. (tel. 321/784-4800). They stand side by side and access the beach via a pathway through a condominium complex. Prices start at $193 and don’t usually climb too much higher than that.

The area has many rental condominiums and cottages. Lowest prices will likely be on Airbnb and VRBO, but King Rentals, Inc. (tel. 321/784-5046) is a top resource for those who want service and a local operation to call should anything go wrong. It has a large inventory and is highly reliable, having been in business since 1978.

Given the proximity to Orlando, the generally warm weather year-round, and the business travelers visiting the space complex, there is little, if any, seasonal fluctuation in room rates here. They are highest on weekends, holidays, and during special events, such as space shuttle launches.

Tent and RV camping are available at Jetty Park, in Port Canaveral.

You'll pay a 5% hotel tax on top of the Florida 6.5% sales tax here.