Cocoa Beach Escapes: Cruise & Play

Set sail for Florida’s Space Coast with this on-location adventure podcast through Cocoa Beach! From rocket launches and tiki bars to mermaids and mahi tacos, Darley Newman explores the best pre- and post-cruise experiences with locals and fellow travelers.In this first episode of Travels with Darley: Cocoa Beach Escapes podcast series, journey to Florida’s legendary Space Coast for an unforgettable family-friendly adventure—perfect for a pre- or post-cruise getaway. Just a short drive from Orlando and home to Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach offers the perfect blend of surf, space, and sunshine without breaking the bank. Host Darley Newman helps you to experience what makes Cocoa Beach so unique, from rocket launches and sandy shores to colorful art made from ocean plastics. You’ll hear from local changemakers like Daniel Todd, owner of 4th Street Fillin Station—a gastropub housed in a vintage gas station with a vast craft beer selection and menu catering to families and travelers with food sensitivities—and artist Cory Redwine, who transforms coastal trash into meaningful art. Darley also explores top family-friendly accommodations like the Radisson Resort at the Port and the retro-chic Beachside Hotel & Suites with Suzanne McCarthy, where mermaids make poolside appearances and lazy rivers entertain all ages. Whether you're looking to spot a Falcon 9 rocket launch at Jetty Park, enjoy eco-adventures on Merritt Island, or relax with a frosty drink steps from the beach, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring stories from locals and fellow travelers. Discover how to cruise and play—without overspending—on Florida’s most accessible beach.Get more trip itineraires, travel advice, Darley's Revolutionary Road Trip book and more at darley-newman.com