Sun, Space, and Seafood: Our Perfect Mother’s Day Getaway to Cocoa Beach
There is no better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than by packing your bags and heading straight for the coast. This past May, my mom, my brother, and I did exactly that—trading our daily routines for a sun-soaked family weekend in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
From rocket launches to epic seafood boils, here is a look!
Getting There: Cruising from Orlando to the Coast
Our adventure started at Orlando International Airport (MCO). After touching down, we picked up our rental car and hit the road. The drive from MCO to Cocoa Beach is an absolute breeze—straight shot east for about an hour. Having a rental car was a total game-changer, giving us the freedom to explore the Space Coast at our own pace.
Our Home Base: Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
We checked into the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, and it did not disappoint. Staying right on the water meant we were steps away from the sand. The vibes were immaculate, the staff was incredibly welcoming, and waking up to the sound of the Atlantic waves was the ultimate form of relaxation for Mom.
The Ultimate Beach Day
Of course, you can’t visit Cocoa Beach without a dedicated beach day! We spent hours soaking up the May sunshine, listening to the waves, and just enjoying each other's company. When we needed a break from the sand, we headed over to the Hilton’s outdoor grill. Munching on delicious food poolside with the ocean breeze blowing? Pure bliss.
Feast Mode: The Food Was Amazing!
If there’s one thing our family agrees on, it’s good food—and Cocoa Beach delivered. Honestly, everything we ate on this trip was incredible.
Hotel Dining: We ate at the hotel quite a bit, and it was deeply convenient and seriously delicious. Waves Craft Kitchen was amazing! We ate there the day we arrived mostly for convenience since we got in late after our flight but it turned out great. I had the glazed pork belly and seared scallop - it had a corn puree and crispy scallions that was presented under a smoked glass lid and was so tender and delicious. We ate at Longboard Tiki Grille most days for lunch or my brother and i/ would go after dinner for cocktails and nightly chat about life. The vibe is grat under the stars and being so close to the sand and the food was on par. The staff is so friendly and
Q's Crackin' Crab & Seafood Kitchen: This was an absolute highlight. We knew we couldn't leave Florida without a proper seafood boil, and Q's absolutely crushed it. We piled the table high with perfectly seasoned crab, shrimp, and all the fixings. It was messy, flavorful, and worth every single napkin.
A Galactic Detour: Kennedy Space Center
While Mom took some time to relax, my brother and I decided to lean into the "Space Coast" history and spent a day at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
We opted for the self-guided tour, which allowed us to wander at our own speed. Standing beneath the massive structures in the famous Rocket Garden makes you realize just how small we really are. Another massive highlight was getting up close to the Mars space rover concept vehicle—it looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. Whether you're a hardcore space nerd or just casually curious, it’s a must-do.
The Verdict
Celebrating Mother’s Day with Mom and my brother in Cocoa Beach was exactly what we needed. It was the perfect blend of family bonding, lazy beach hours, fascinating history, and unforgettable meals.
Until next time, Cocoa Beach! 🌊🚀
Have you ever been to the Space Coast? What’s your favorite spot for a seafood boil? Let me know in the comments below!
