Even though no episodes were filmed locally, the 1960s sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie" starring Larry Hagman and Barbara Eden was set in Cocoa Beach. Eden did make a few publicity trips to the city in 1969, and a street -- I Dream of Jeannie Lane -- is named after the TV show.
The closest beach to Orlando, Cocoa Beach sees many people visit each year on their way to or from Disney World
Even though no episodes were filmed locally, the 1960s sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie" starring Larry Hagman and Barbara Eden was set in Cocoa Beach. Eden did make a few publicity trips to the city in 1969, and a street -- I Dream of Jeannie Lane -- is named after the TV show.
The closest beach to Orlando, Cocoa Beach sees many people visit each year on their way to or from Disney World. While the town of Cocoa Beach was established in 1925, the area didn't see its biggest growth until 1960s when the NASA space program really took off. Many people moved to the area to work at Cape Canaveral, or what is now called the John F. Kennedy Space Center, about 15 miles north of Cocoa Beach. NASA was such an integral part of the town during the mid- to late-20th century that the town would hold parades in honor of the astronauts on the manned space flights! Today, the city focuses on tourism as its main industry, with tons of hotels, restaurants and surf shops dotting its coastline. Of the town's 15 square miles, 10 miles are on water so there's a good chance if you're one of the more than 11,000 residents, you'll have a view of either the Atlantic Ocean to the east or the Banana River to the west.
If you don't surf before you relocate to Cocoa Beach, plan on learning how to hang 10. We're kidding, but surfing is a major component to life in this coastal town, with surf shops, festivals and competitions practically a way of life here -- it is Florida, what'd you expect? In addition to the apartments, homes and condos, Cocoa Beach also has more than its share of houseboats ready for rental. Unlike some beach cities, private homes can be found directly on the beach, mixed in with the high-rise hotels and motels.
Plan on beginning your search to find apartments in Cocoa Beach at least two months before your move. If you're looking for a home or duplex for rent, contact a local realtor who can help guide you through your search. They can use their knowledge of the area to help find you the perfect spot. If you're looking to find an apartment complex to move into, make sure that you gather your important paperwork before you head out to look at apartments. You'll want to have proof of employment of course, and you'll also want to make sure that your monthly income is anywhere from 1.5 to even 3 times the monthly rent. You'll also want to include a summary of your rental history including contact information so the apartment manager can check your references. If you're moving with pets, make sure their vet records are up to date as well.
The city is one long stretch of beach, with a small portion jutting out on the west side into the Banana River. No matter where you live in the city, you're sure to have great access to the beach.
Coconut Cay: The beach is almost at your doorstep in this neighborhood. If you love having restaurants all around you, this is the neighborhood for you. Thai Fuku and Branos Italian Grill are just two options available here.
Harbor View: This neighborhood is mostly owner occupied so finding a place to rent may prove a bit difficult.
Tufted Oaks: Ramp Road Park is just a short walk away from this neighborhood. A short drive will take you over to the Cocoa Beach Golf Course.
Avon By The Sea: In this neighborhood, you can spend a night out at Mai Tiki Bar. Before you get drinks, stop by Atlantic Ocean Grille or Oh Shucks Seafood Bar.
Banana River Estates: Cameron Barkley Rotatory Memorial Park is nearby, which means you have no excuse for staying indoors! There are tons of restaurants here, including Mad Jack's Grillin Shack, Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse and Kim Bo Chinese Restaurant.
Surfside: If you want direct access to the water, a inlet of the Banana River makes it way into this neighborhood.
Seacrest Beach: Lori Wilson Park is in this neighborhood, and after a day at the park, quench your thirst at Time Out Sports Bar & Grill.
Take your fishing pole and head to the Cocoa Beach Pier that was built in the early 1960s, or your golf clubs to one of the city's many golf courses. Getting out and enjoying the outdoors in Cocoa Beach is easy. Jog along the trails in Alan Shepard Beachfront Park, or cool off during the humid summers by swimming in the community pool at the Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center.
Take your long board or even boogie board out into the waves. Not quite ready to brave the open waters? Live vicariously through surfers like Cocoa Beach native Kelly Slater at the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame. Once you're ready to try your hand at putting your "toes on the nose," gear up at the massive Ron Jon's surf shop in town. Plenty of other smaller surf shops can be found up and down the beach as well, so you'll never be far away from a rash guard or surf wax. Cocoa Beach has more people visit its beaches on a daily basis than it has parking spaces for them, so plan your parking carefully if you're not lucky enough to live within walking distance of the sandy strip.
While any time can be a busy time thanks to the South's mild winters, the beaches really fill up during the summer and during events such as the annual Beach Fest in May or the annual Easter Surfing Festival. The Easter Surfing Festival has been a popular event since it began in 1964, and it draws anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 spectators each year. It is certainly not the only surfing festival in town, however. The National Kidney Foundation puts on a charity Pro-Am Surfing Festival every Labor Day weekend. Compete in the event, or just watch the pros from the safety of your beach chair.
