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RIKKI TIKI TAVERN – COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA – Gem On the Ocean

What is your vision of a tavern? Dark, plenty of beer on tap, maybe sawdust on the floor, a few pool tables? 

Well, Rikki Tiki Tavern has open-air walls, plenty of fruity cocktails and the entertainment is surfers and fishermen! The floor – well there isn’t one technically because Rikki Tiki Tavern is built 800 feet out on a Pier. 

Rikki Tiki Taver Cocoa Beach
The breezes, the water, the bar, the views – it’s hard to beat the Rikki Tiki Tavern.

Rikki Tiki Tavern Cocoa Beach

The Cocoa Beach Pier is a haven of beach activity, shops and restaurants. Young or aging, you will find something to like here, including the Rikki Tiki Tavern! The pier is a great place to watch launches from the space coast.

On our last visit to Cocoa Beach in January, 2025, the Rikki Tiki Tavern was closed (A Monday). The Pier was packed for a space launch that afternoon so we had a refreshment at another bar on the Pier.

Rum On the Ocean – Feel Like a Pirate

Having a Rum Runner sitting out in the Atlantic Ocean takes on a whole new meaning. The view at Rikki Tiki is uniquely Florida with water on all four sides. 

You don’t go to the end of the pier for dinner, but Rikki Tiki Tavern is the best pier bar around and a little Jimmy Buffet song from their daily entertainer for the day will complete your visit.

People on Cocoa Beach Pier
People on the Cocoa Beach Pier waiting for a space launch.

Cocoa Beach Florida Things To Do

Of course, there is much more to do in Cocoa Beach Florida than visiting the Rikki Tiki Tavern.

Cocoa Beach, Florida, offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, ranging from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences.

Here’s a list of things to do in Cocoa Beach:

1. Hit the Beach: Cocoa Beach is renowned for its beautiful sandy shores and excellent surfing conditions. 

2. Surfing Lessons: If you’re new to surfing or want to improve your skills, consider taking a surfing lesson from one of the local surf schools or instructors.

3. Visit the Cocoa Beach

cocoa beach pier sign
The Pier at Cocoa Beach is one of the top attractions.

Pier: Take a stroll along the historic Cocoa Beach Pier, which features restaurants, bars, shops, and fishing opportunities. Enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and watch surfers ride the waves.

4. Explore Ron Jon Surf Shop: Visit the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop, one of the world’s largest surf shops, for surf gear, clothing, and souvenirs. 

5. Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Explore the waterways around Cocoa Beach by renting a kayak or paddleboard. 

6. Airboat Tours: Head out on an airboat tour of the nearby rivers and marshes to experience the area’s diverse ecosystem and see wildlife such as alligators, birds, and manatees up close.

7. Visit Kennedy Space Center: This is our top thing to do in Cocoa Beach! Just a short drive from Cocoa Beach, Kennedy Space Center offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of space exploration. Explore interactive exhibits, see real spacecraft, and learn about NASA’s missions.

8. Go Fishing: Cocoa Beach offers excellent fishing opportunities, whether you prefer surf fishing, pier fishing, or deep-sea fishing excursions.

9. Dolphin and Manatee Tours: Take a boat tour to spot dolphins and manatees in their natural habitat. 

10. Golfing: Play a round of golf at one of Cocoa Beach’s golf courses, which offer scenic views and challenging holes for golfers of all skill levels.

11. Dining and Nightlife: Enjoy fresh seafood and waterfront dining at restaurants along the Cocoa Beach Pier or in the downtown area. We like the Fish Camp just a block from the Pier.

12. Bike Rentals: Rent a bike and explore Cocoa Beach’s scenic bike paths and trails, including the Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands Conservation Area.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxation by the beach, Cocoa Beach has something to offer for every visitor.

Here Are More Things To Do in Cocoa Beach Florida

Places to Stay in Cocoa Beach Florida

Rikki-tiki Tavern Cocoa Beach
The Rikki Tiki Tavern is a great place to watch a space launch from Cape Canaveral.

Getting to Cocoa Beach and Rikki Tiki Tavern

Rikki Tiki Tavern is located out on the end of The Pier at 401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931. 

The location is just off A1A running along the waterfront. You can spend a day in Cocoa Beach visiting some really good bars like Coconuts on the Beach, Fish Camp and the Beach Shack.

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Space Coast Gem – Cocoa Beach

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