Updated January 2023
There is no shortage of bars in Cocoa Beach. Whether you’re looking for a bar on the beach, the perfect sunset view, the best happy hour or a handcrafted cocktail, I’ve got you covered. I’ve lived in this Florida beach town for over two years and pulled together a round-up of my favourite spots.
Cocoa Beach is also one of only a handful of beaches in Florida where beachgoers can drink alcohol on the beach. So why not grab a cooler, pick a spot on the sand and enjoy your own oceanfront view? But please note glass containers are NOT permitted and are against the law.
Where to find the best bars?
This handy map highlights all the bars covered in this guide. Hit the save button so you have it available on your beach vacation.
Beach Bars on Cocoa Beach
Coconuts on the Beach is one of the most well-known bars in Cocoa Beach, and for good reason. It has all of the Florida beachy vibes you’d expect in this part of the world. From the tiki hut bar, direct oceanfront views, live music, and a sweet happy hour it’s a must-visit spot. They also serve directly from a pop-up beach bar on busy weekends and holidays.
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday from 3-7pm on select drinks.
Beach Shack is a no-frills bar located directly on the beach (next door to Coconuts above). They often have live music and draw in a local crowd. They don’t serve food, but Bizzaro’s Pizza is just one block away, and they deliver, making it the perfect casual oceanfront spot. This bar is also open late.
Happy Hour: None that I know of, but the prices are cheaper compared to the surrounding bars.
The Cocoa Beach Pier and boardwalk is a historic landmark here on the Space Coast and a place most visitors go to at least once. There are different bars and restaurants located here, but the Rikki Tiki Tavern at the end of the 800-foot pier is the bar I recommend checking out. Surrounded by the ocean, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful views and breeze while sipping on a cold drink.
Happy Hour: The Boardwalk Bar offers happy hour specials, exact time is unknown.
Sandbar Sports Grill doesn’t offer oceanfront views, but it is only a stone’s throw from the beach. It’s always a popular and busy place known for its entertainment, food and screens showing all the live sports. Taco Tuesday is their jam and a great day to head there for a fun atmosphere, if you can find a spot to sit down!
Happy Hour: Every day of the week (except Saturdays), check out their food and drink specials.
Longboards Tiki Beach Grille – just steps from the beach and inside the Hilton hotel is a laidback beachfront tiki bar and a large bar around the pool deck. There is a boardwalk to walk directly off the beach and into either of these bars. The beach views and live entertainment make this a popular spot.
Happy Hour: They offer great happy hour deals on specific drinks and bites that change from week to week.
Cocoa Beach Bars on the Water (best for sunset)
Squid Lips is a waterfront spot in south Cocoa Beach with a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. It has a large open-air deck, and its location on the waterfront is a perfect spot to enjoy laidback river views or catch a beautiful sunset.
Happy hour: Between 1-3pm and 2-6pm, they offer weekly specials on food and drinks.
Sunset Waterfront Grill & Bar is one of the best places to watch the sunset over the Banana River. Not only are the views stunning, but every evening they have a sunset celebration and live entertainment. Keep a lookout for dolphins and manatees.
Happy Hour: Daily from 4-7pm and includes specific cocktails, beers, and wine.
Island Time Marina also benefits from an upper deck giving sweeping views over the marina and the Banana River. It is a classic Florida bar and restaurant with live music and generous happy hours.
Happy Hour: 11am-7pm Monday-Friday, and 11am-3pm Saturdays.
Bars in Cocoa Beach
4th Street Fillin Station was once a functioning gas station. Converted into a quirky bar with a fun vibe, it has a large outdoor garden/patio area with old trees, fire pits and games. They serve up over 175 beers, handcrafted cocktails and wine. It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat.
Happy Hour: 3-6pm, Monday-Friday with drinks and snack specials.
Nolan’s Irish Pub is as traditional as it gets in this area. I’m Scottish, and it reminds me of home in so many ways. Enjoy a pint of Guinness or Magners (Irish cider) while listening to the live music. There is an outdoor patio through the back of the bar if you’d prefer to catch some rays.
Happy Hour: 3-6pm Monday-Friday. On Friday’s they also offer 2 for 1 on fish & chips.
Fish Camp Grill brings the Bayou to the beach. The quirky decor and atmosphere in this spot make it a must-visit in my opinion. They have an indoor bar area and an outdoor deck with a bar and DJ. There is also a games area with pool tables inside and an entertainment stage for the live music and events they host.
Happy Hour: 2-5pm, Monday-Friday and daily food specials.
Jonathan’s Pub is an unassuming local pub, off the beaten path with the best freshly squeezed juices. I recommend ordering an OJ and Tito’s, it’s so good! There are pool tables, dart boards and a live music area for entertainment. The pub also has a large outdoor deck to enjoy instead.
Happy Hour: The prices are consistently low all day.
Area 142 is a new space themed bar and restaurant in the heart of Downtown Cocoa Beach. With live music, DJs, special events and a games area, it looks set to be a popular venue.
Happy Hour: Not that I’m aware of yet but I’ll keep this post updated.
Cocktail Bars
These spots in downtown Cocoa Beach serve up the best-handcrafted cocktails. They have slightly different vibes, but they are perfect for date night or couple’s night at the beach.
Tropics Cocktail Bar has all the fun jungle tropical vibes. The corner spot and large runner doors give it an open-air feel. They also have a walk-up bar area from the beach, and it’s a great people-watching spot.
Happy Hour: 2-6pm on weekdays and 10pm-Midnight every night.
The Alibi Cocktails & Bites is the perfect place to visit for an intimate evening or upscale watering hole choice. The rich-toned decor, soft lighting and booths give it a different vibe from anything else in the area.
Happy Hour: Every Monday – Friday from 4pm-6pm all classic cocktails and a selection of small plates and bites are half price. It’s one of the best happy hours in town!
The Dunes Cocoa Beach is one of the newer bars in town. With handcrafted cocktails, quirky decor and great food menu it’s worth stopping in by for a casual drink or bite to eat.
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3pm-7pm on select drinks.
Bars with Live Music
Many of the bars already mentioned in this guide offer live music, either every day or at the weekend. Check out their event schedules for up-to-date information.
- Heidi’s Jazz Club hosts regular acts and one-off shows. Check out the schedule.
- Nolan’s Irish Pub has regular live music acts, check out the calendar.
- Coconuts on the Beach – live music every week with an updated event schedule.
- Hunkerdown Hideaway – check out their Facebook page for the latest performers.
- Area 142 – check out their Facebook page for the latest events and DJ’s.
- Sunset Waterfront Grill & Bar – live music daily on the waterfront deck.
- Island Time Marina – live music during their generous happy hours.
- Jonathan’s Pub has regular live music. There is no information available online.
- Fish Camp Grill, check out their events calendar.
- Sandbar Sports Grill regularly has live music or an event. Check out their latest event schedule.
- Longboards Tiki Beach Grille hosts live music every weekend and on certain holidays.
Cocoa Beach Nightlife
While there aren’t any clubs in Cocoa Beach, many of the bars in this guide are open until the early hours*. These are some of the most popular spots in town for some late-night dancing, drinking or game of pool:
- Sandbar, open until midnight
- Tropics, open until midnight
- 4th Street Fillin Station, open until midnight
- The Alibi, open until 1am
- Area 142, open until 2am
- The Dunes, open until 2am
- Jonathan’s Pub, open until 2am
- Hunkerdown Hideaway, open until 2am
- Fish Camp Grill, open until 2am
*Weekend hours
Where to Stay in Cocoa Beach
For a family or group option I recommend this 3-bedroom townhouse near the beach and downtown Cocoa Beach. This home away from home is only 2 blocks from the beach and the best restaurants, bars and cafes in the downtown area.
If you’d rather stay at a hotel my top recommendations are the Oceanfront Hilton Hotel or the Courtyard Marriott. They’re both directly on the beach and have amazing ocean views and facilities to enjoy.
Thanks so much for reading. I hope this guide helps you plan the perfect beach getaway. You can also check out the best restaurants in Cocoa Beach. Let me know in the comments if there are any other spots I should visit and add to this list. Or find me over on Instagram.
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Great list! this definitely put me in the mood to enjoy life in a beautiful location! thanks for sharing this!
Yup you can’t beat the beach life sometimes 🙂
Looks like such a beautiful place! Imagine having a cocktail and being able to spot a dolphin, sounds like a dream!
Right, it never gets old either!
There’s nothing better than an awesome beach bar when you’re visiting the beach! These look like great places to grab a drink and hang out. I’d love to watch the sunset at Sunset Waterfront Grill & Bar and try some of the unique cocktails from the cocktail bars. Thanks for sharing!
Those are some of my favourite spots 🙂
These bars all look like great spots! I’d love to check out Tropics Cocktail Bar because I love that it’s on the water and the vibes look really fun!
Tropics is definitely a fun vibe!
Another gem from Florida I didn’t know! This looks so colourful, I’d love to visit!
You’re welcome any time 🙂
Cocoa Beach is definitely one of my favorite beach spots in Florida- between the colorful touristy beach vibe and the fun downtown restaurants, visiting is always a hit with our family! 😍
So happy to read you like our little beach town 🙂
Should I be embarrassed that I have been to almost all of these? Fish Camp must be new, I haven’t heard of it.
Haha not at all! Fish Camp only opened last year.