Where to eat and shop in Cocoa Beach

[Firemedic54]

We will be sailing out of Port Canaveral on CC Glory on 10/28. We are staying at Holiday Inn on Atlantic Ave. any information on this hotel would be appreciated. Also can anyone recommend where or where not too eat on Friday night before we leave. Some nice shopping later that evening would be nice, to get my wife started spending some money. Any nice shopping around?

 

thanks

[jsome72]

As far as shopping goes Ron Jons surf shop is probably the most famous surf shop in the country and is in Cocoa Beach.

[someone2]

Mango Tree is as gourmet as it gets in Cocoa Beach, and quite pricey--lots of fresh seafood with fresh twists and innovative sauces. If you like excellent Chinese (not the paper box variety), YenYen is great. Try their snow white prawns, or call ahead 24 hours in advance for Peking duck. Everything on their menu is great. It's a very nice sit-down place--not your neighborhood carryout.

 

I think Holiday Inn was damaged in the hurricanes year before last, but damage has all been repaired now. Most hotels in that area suffered damage and closed for a short period--many took the opportunity to upgrade while they repaired. Holiday Inn is one of the older sites among the large hotels on the strip, but their location near Kennedy Space Center keeps them popular with business travelers.

 

There's a lot of tourist shopping in Cocoa Beach, most notably RonJons. I think they're still open 24/7 and they may still be offering their "wee hours" discount if you like to shop in the middle of the night. You can check out their site at ronjons.com. Across the Cocoa Beach Causeway on Merritt Island (couple of miles) is Merritt Square Mall with Macy's and Dillards. Most of us who live in the area drive either to Orlando or to Palm Beach Gardens (both long drives) to do any shopping for clothes, shoes, etc. Sorry it's not better news--but the quiet coast of Florida does have its charm.

 

Have a great time on your visit and your cruise.

[mnsawyer]

We didn't stay at Cocoa Beach last year on our Glory cruise but drove there and shopped the morning of our cruise. Ron Jon's is a must stop. Also, I understand there is a pier area which to me, would be a great place to have dinner.

[tm3750]

Cocoa Beach, Florida family vacation guide, cocoa beach hotels, cocoa beach ev

[Cherami]

We ate at Grills when we stayed at Cocoa beach before our Glory cruise. It is not gourmet dining but very good food. Four of us ordered different dishes and everything was exellent. It's right in the port on the water and if you come there before 5 PM you can see Mariner leaving the port. Lots of fishing boats around. Very fun atmosphere. Click through the link in the previous post and you can find their menu and 10% off coupon.

[mnsawyer]

What are the directions to Grill's?? Seems to be closer to port than on A1A in Cocoa Beach?

[hisfirstm8]

When coming from A1A towards the port, you would take a left right before the overpass. I am not sure of the name of the exit, but it is the exit for the casino ships that go out daily. We also at at Grills, very causal, but very good, expecially for the price. Would go again on our next visit. It is not very far of a drive. Maybe 10 minutes.

 

Barbara

[mnsawyer]

I remember the exits for the various ships including the casino cruises. Great info! Looked at Grill's website...very reasonable prices! Looks like a fun place!