Mortgage Broker in Cocoa Beach, FL

A deckchair, a beach umbrella, and a pair of flip-flops are everything one needs to enjoy the Atlantic Coast. Spanning from North to South, the Atlantic Coast, also known as East Coast, intertwines the natural fjords islands of New England with the tourist frenzy of Miami Beach. From the moderately priced souvenirs of Walker Loden in Madison to the astonishing rocket launch sightings in Chincoteague Island and Cocoa Beach, these spots provide visitors the opportunity to stroll along the waterfront boardwalks, sunbathe or swim in the ocean, and explore green natural parks. These sandy settlements provide expansive shorelines and a chance to savor the true essence of summer in peaceful bliss while sipping a Salty Lemon Jin.

Wareham, Massachusetts

On the way towards Cape Cod, Wareham's safe harbor awaits at Buzzards Bay's innermost reaches. Once known for its slogan "Gateway to Cape Cod," in 2020, it has since adopted a new motto, "It's Better Before the Bridges," with the intent to draw more attention to its appealing land. Wareham's historic Victorian town center is home to lovely shops and restaurants like Cranberry Cottage. Here customers regularly taste a piece of New England in their delicious cranberry and nut pancakes, perfect for an inexpensive but tasteful breakfast.

Furthermore, Onset Beach features protected waters amid beautiful scenery. This popular destination for families also provides a kayak outfitter right at the beach, where you can launch from the sandy shore to start a paddling adventure. Moreover, Cape Cod Canal grants a few trails in its vicinity, where many travelers and locals often ride bikes on. Additionally, the nearby Water Wizz-Southern is the largest water park in New England and one of the most popular attractions for some wild fun.

Pompano Beach, Florida

Pompano Beach stands out as a less-expensive family getaway among the opulent Miami suburbs. This small beach town is home to over 50 parks, like Harbor's Edge Park, where a green lawn meets the sandy Atlantic coast. Moreover, the three miles wide Pompano Beach provides many picnic shelters, a fountain, an outdoor gym, and a playground. Furthermore, venturing into the Ocean unveils a natural reef system as well as shipwrecks, making this destination perfect for snorkeling and fishing. Spending a day swimming in the clear waters is also a recipe for a growling tummy! So, one can refuel at Charleys Cheesesteaks Park Plaza, where, you guessed it, one can taste an old-school cheesesteak that will satisfy your cravings. Additionally, Pompano Beach hosts many events throughout the summer. For example, the Dive-In Movie Night, which is free, allows participants to enjoy a movie projection while in a pool.

Chincoteague Island, Virginia

Protected by Assateague Island in Chincoteague Bay, Chincoteague Island emerges from the Atlantic Ocean on the westernmost spot of Virginia. One can observe the wild, iconic ponies that make this area famous with a boat tour or a Refuge Trek bus tour. If you choose the bus tour, it will also take you through the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to a recreational beach, a quiet setting for a relaxing swim. Moreover, the refuge grants many trails that take you on a journey along the Atlantic Flyway, a fantastic spot for bird-watching. Furthermore, you might be lucky to observe a rocket launch that takes off from the nearby Nasa Wallops Flight Facility, which grants a kid-friendly visitor center with no entry fee.

Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee Island overlooks the Atlantic Ocean as it welcomes the Savannah River on the South Carolina-Georgia border. The iconic Fort Screven still stands with its Battery Garland, which served as an integral part of America's Coastal Defense system during both World Wars. Constructed in 1897, this fort fired its 12-inch long-range guns only once during World War I. Furthermore, the uncrowded Black River Beach comprises three miles of sandy shores. Additionally, it allows visitors to explore its nature-rich trails, which provide the opportunity to sight dolphins, ospreys, and other wildlife while hiking. Besides, the Tybee Island Light Station is home to Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse, still functioning since the 18th century, which one can visit along with the adjacent museum.

Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

On the southern tip of the barrier island east of Seabrook, Hampton Beach allows the Blackwater River to reach the Atlantic Ocean. During the summer, fireworks spectacles are held every week, providing a unique atmosphere to this beach town. Moreover, the historic Hampton Beach Casino complex has kid-friendly activities such as an arcade, an indoor mini-golf course, and a giant waterslide. Furthermore, a one-dollar donation allows visitors to enter The Blue Ocean Discovery Center, which features whale artifacts, a touch tank, and many displays filled with educational information about the local ocean life. Additionally, Hampton Beach State Park grants an RV camp, a fishing spot, and a plentiful beach for swimming or leisurely strolling on the sweeping boardwalk for a relaxing experience.

Cocoa Beach, Florida

Cocoa Beach is known for its surf breaks and beaches on the narrow strip of land leading to Cape Canaveral. Considered the East Coast Surf Capital, Cocoa Beach has some breathtaking surfing spots like Cocoa Beach Pier, where several surfing contests occur. Moreover, the nearby Ron Jon Surf shop ranks as the world's largest flagship surf store and is open 24/7. Furthermore, Cape Canaveral is home to the famous Kennedy Space Center as well as Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Apollo 11 mission launched from Kennedy Space Center in 1969 and was the first human expedition beyond Earth's orbit, eventually landing on the Moon. This "Space Coast" also provides opportunities for deep-sea fishing, inexpensive eco-tour adventures, and sensational rockets spottings.

Madison, Connecticut

Entrenched behind the Long Island Sound canal, the resort town of Madison stems from the Hartford suburbs and ends up touching the Atlantic. Madison's center is closer to the shore. Here visitors get their souvenirs in lovely shops like Walker Loden, which displays an extensive assortment of gift-ready items, from postcards to caps to masterfully woven bags. Moreover, the closeby Hammonasset State Park provides endless walking trails and over a thousand acres of campgrounds right by the sea. Furthermore, you can book a professional guide to help you explore the Connecticut River banks to spot the majestic eagles that roam this area. Most travelers also rent some binoculars, but the base fee is 20 dollars and includes lunch after the excursion. Pre-registration is required to attend.

Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Amidst the pristine white-sand beaches of Pleasure Island, Carolina Beach's gorgeous green parks stand out overtop the blue background of the Atlantic Ocean. Carolina Beach State Park is known for its peculiar Venus Flytrap Trail, named for the plentitude of carnivorous plants found along the way. Protected by state law, these fascinating and luring plants seem to ask for touch but do not do it!

Furthermore, the sweeping Carolina Beach Boardwalk is considered one of the best in the United States. This waterfront wooden boardwalk stands out for its sheer size, panoramic Ferris wheel, turquoise Ocean backdrop, and many eateries, such as Silver Dollar. A small restaurant that serves giant shrimp cocktails at a modest price, often paired with a classic lemon jin with some salt on the edge of the glass.

Beach VibesDiscover North Carolina's Most Charming Beach Towns

Conclusion

The expansive East Coast boasts a multitude of hidden villages, each granting its own beach and delectable local take on seafood cuisine. Whether planning an inexpensive family beach escape in Pompano Beach, a leisure journey along the Black River shores in Tybee Island, a weekend getaway trailing around Cape Cod Canal in Wareham, or just a day at the white-sand beach in Carolina Beach, one can undoubtedly find what floats one's boat. By seeking out these affordable destinations, travelers can create unique memories and find a genuine connection with their surroundings without making a hole in their wallets.

A MAP has revealed some of America's most dangerous beaches when it comes to shark attacks and natural disasters and many of them are located in a tourist hotspot.

As the weather grows warmer and people flock to the beach, shark attack reports begin to trickle in, affecting dozens of unsuspecting swimmers and surfers.

The majority of the most dangerous beaches in the country are located on the East Coast, according to data collected by Travel Lens.

Most concerningly, many of the beaches are located in Florida, one of the most popular beach destinations in the United States.

Travel Lens used data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and The Shark Institute to determine the most dangerous beaches in the country.

In their January 2023 analysis, they gave each beach a danger score out of 10 based on surf fatalities, shark attacks, and hurricane frequency.

READ MORE SHARK ATTACKS

BLOODY WATERS

NEW RECORD?

With a danger score of 8.4 out of 10, Florida's New Smyrna Beach was dubbed the most dangerous beach in America.

Since 2010, the beach has seen 32 reported shark attacks, according to the company's analysis.

Additionally, 151 hurricanes struck the beach between the years 1851 and 2020.

Cocoa Beach, Ormond Beach, and Panama Beach, all of them in Florida, also saw multiple shark attacks and hurricanes over the years.

Other beaches that made the list are located in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama.

Beaches that saw the most shark attacks since 2010 included:

Seven other US cities saw three shark attacks each, including Gulf Shores, Alabama; Isle of Palms, South Carolina; Jacksonville Beach, Florida; Jensen Beach, Florida; Kauai, Hawaii; Lori Wilson Park, Florida; and Ocean Isle, North Carolina.

This year, 19 people have been bitten by sharks in the US, with some experts believing that it could be the start of a new record.

Over the course of the Fourth of July holiday, when large flocks of people were visiting beaches, five shark bites were reported in Long Island, New York.

Some parts of the beach were closed after schools of sharks were spotted during routine patrols.

There were also some startling shark sightings in Florida.

"Each year, we should have more attacks than the last because there are more humans entering the water, and more hours spent in the water," George Burgess, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research, told Time.

While shark attacks are scary, they remain incredibly rare occurrences.

Whenever we hear about something crazy happening in the U.S., the first thought is, “bet that happened in Florida.” For summer shenanigans, you better believe Florida has you covered. If you plan to spend summertime on the sand, we’re here to tell you to skip Florida beaches. The most dangerous ones in the country are in that southern state, so pay attention to which ones to stay far away from and why.

Contents

The most dangerous beaches in the U.S.

Travel Lens looked at a number of factors — like hurricanes, fatalities, and shark attacks — to determine the most dangerous beaches in the U.S. Wondering which beaches topped the list?

Let’s dive into some of the factors that earned these beaches their spots on the list.

Hurricanes are never fun

First of all, Florida has the most hurricanes. Florida beats out rivals Texas and Louisiana for the top spot in that category. And not just a little — by almost double the number of the following highest states. Texas and Louisiana see 64 and 62 hurricanes, but Florida blows them out of the water with a total of 120 hurricanes, with 37 of those considered significantly dangerous.

So, in general, not a good look for Florida or anyone looking to go near the water. Florida clocked more hurricanes than the next three states combined (after Texas and Louisiana), and it takes the next four to beat the sunshine state.

Florida is the real-life equivalent of Sharknado

Sharks are everywhere, yet in Florida, they seem to be extra aggressive. Since 2010, the Top 10 spots for the most shark attacks are dominated by Florida.

On the low end, Jensen Beach and Jacksonville Beach have had three each, and Ormond Beach saw four, putting it in the top five most dangerous beaches for shark attacks. Melbourne Beach holds strong at number four with six attacks overall. The top three are majority Florida-bound, with third place going to good old Cocoa Beach with seven shark attacks.

But it’s number one that does it for us to avoid the state completely. New Smyrna Beach, which is located just south of Daytona Beach, has seen an impressive — or scary — 32 shark attacks since 2010. No, thank you.

The water itself will try to kill you

If you want to do a little surfing, Florida’s waters have other plans. The Top 10 most dangerous beaches for surfing have a Florida location in six spots. The top three are — again — mostly Florida beaches.

In fourth place, though, is that lovely New Smyrna Beach with ten surf zone fatalities. That beach shouldn’t have people allowed to go near it between the sharks and surfing deaths. Second place goes to Daytona Beach, with 16 surf-related deaths, so maybe stay on the sand there. Top honors go to Panama City Beach with a staggering 24 deaths since 2010.

The most dangerous beaches, taking everything into account, have Florida on the map seven times. No surprise New Smyrna Beach takes that top spot.

So, if you want to survive your vacation, pick any state other than Florida. Or stick to the usual Disney days if you do visit there. Just to be on the safe side, maybe check out the coast along Massachusetts instead.

Editors' Recommendations

Westgate Hotels and Resorts is a renowned timeshare company offering large, luxurious accommodations, extensive amenities, and exceptional customer service across its properties throughout the United States. With features like water parks and golf courses, their resorts provide a range of activities for guests. Established in 1982 by David Siegel, Westgate Resorts has grown into the largest privately held timeshare company globally, boasting over 20 resorts and continuously expanding. Recognized with prestigious awards, including titles like "The World's Best Timeshare Company" by Travel + Leisure magazine, Westgate is committed to providing top-notch vacation experiences for its owners and members.

With its excellent location and timeless Manhattan charm, Westgate New York Grand Central offers a classic old-school ambiance. It is conveniently situated near the UN Headquarters, making it a top choice for visitors. Following its impressive $20 million renovation in 2021, the hotel now boasts comfortable beds, blackout shades, and soundproof windows, ensuring a restorative sleep experience. Additionally, its Midtown location allows for easy access to popular restaurants and attractions while providing a quieter atmosphere on 2nd Ave.

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Westgate Flamingo Bay Resort

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Westgate Park City Resort & Spa

Westgate Park City Resort & Spa offers a home-like atmosphere, providing a relaxing environment for guests. The amazing showers with steam/sauna feature add to the luxurious experience, while the friendly and helpful staff ensure a pleasant stay. The property is clean, well-maintained, and perfect for families, with some units even featuring a master shower with a steam room for ultimate relaxation. Despite its compact size, the resort offers a multitude of features and activities to enjoy.

Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort

Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort provides a great hotel experience with its unique layout and tranquil location. The property is great for families with daily activities for children, a lazy river, a water park, pools, and it is only a 4-minute walk to one of the best beaches in Florida, Cocoa Beach. The spacious and updated rooms, along with the friendly staff, contribute to a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Guests can appreciate the laid-back and safe atmosphere, where open doors and windows create a sense of relaxation and comfort.

Related: 12 Top-Rated Florida Party Beaches To Enjoy This Summer

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino

Nestled near the renowned Las Vegas Strip, Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino stands as an exceptional destination offering the epitome of luxury and excitement. Boasting top-notch facilities and a wide variety of accommodations, this legendary establishment ensures a remarkable experience for its visitors. Featuring top-tier gaming options and an abundance of onsite attractions, Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino stands as the ultimate selection for families in pursuit of an unforgettable vacation.

Westgate Resort and Ranch Rodeo

The Westgate Resort and Ranch Rodeo offered an incredible and memorable experience for guests of all ages. The resort exuded professionalism, cleanliness, and exceptional service, ensuring a delightful stay. With a diverse range of amenities, including horseback riding, a petting farm, and a scenic bike trail, there was something all guests could enjoy. The well-maintained common areas provided a relaxing environment for guests to unwind and create lasting memories.

Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort

Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort offers charming and beautifully remodeled cottages that perfectly capture the essence of Williamsburg. Situated in a prime location, the hotel is surrounded by numerous dining options and is just a short distance from attractions like the Jamestown Settlement. Families will appreciate the resort's kid-friendly atmosphere, with multiple pools to choose from and engaging activities organized by the hotel, such as arts and crafts and movie nights by the pool.

Related: Indulge In Luxury: 10 Best High-End Hotels In Williamsburg, Virginia

Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort

Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort in South Carolina is the perfect place to enjoy the beach and the ocean. The resort is pet friendly, so guests can bring their pets and stay in comfortable rooms with amazing views. It is also designed for families to have a great time at the on-site bars, such as the popular Drafts sports bar. Guests can relax in the lazy river and pool or explore nearby attractions like the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.

Special to FLORIDA TODAY

Maybe the Beach Boys had it wrong the entire time.

It was never about Waimea Bay or Redondo Beach or the Ventura County line.

Apparently, "everybody's gone surfing" in Cocoa Beach, which recently was named as the "No. 1 surf destination in the USA" by analysts at the international travel blog ParkSleepFly, where factors such as Google searches, Instagram tags, coastline length and average sea temperatures are all part of the equation.

"As a surfer, I'm shocked ... in a good way," said Cocoa Beach Mayor Ben Malik, soaking up more "good vibrations" from a town that is home to not only the greatest surfer of all-time, Kelly Slater, but also the world's largest surf shop, Ron Jon.

More Brevard County surfing:

Malik, 57, moved to the area at 15 and still lives a block from where he first learned to surf.

"It's by no means a death-defying wave," he said, laughing. "But, it's consistently marginal, sometimes head high, so it's perfect to learn on. It certainly produces a lot of talent."

Cocoa Beach, with a recorded 5,800 monthly Google searches and more than 3,000 surfing-related Instagram hashtags, beat out Waikiki, Oahu (with its record 122 surf breaks) and Huntington Beach, Calif., as the most popular.

It's not known if some of those searches are related to tourists who come for a cruise and learn to surf while in the area, or those who are just curious to see where Slater grew up and the now-famous bronze statue that honors the 11-time world champion.

"Kelly helped put us on the map," Malik said, "and coupled with the rocket launches and everything else going on ... hey, we'll take it."

Melody DeCarlo started surfing in Cocoa Beach 50 years ago. Now 70, the former Natural Art team member, whose official two-piece windbreaker hangs in the newly remodeled Florida Surf Museum in Cocoa Beach, still rides the waves in peak conditions.

"I consider Cocoa Beach as one big beach area, from the jetties (Jetty Park) to Sebastian Inlet," DeCarlo said. "There are so many places to surf, if you're a longboarder, an older surfer, a beginner — it all comes into consideration."

She was surprised, however, at Cocoa Beach's ranking, since East Coast hot spots such as Sebastian Inlet, Ponce Inlet, New Smyrna Beach and the Poles at Jacksonville Beach are among the prime spots for established surfers.

Just two weeks ago, DeCarlo hosted the 12th edition of the "Women of the Waves," in which some 35 women trekked to Cocoa Beach just prior to Hurricane Ian's arrival and dressed in '60's swimsuits and flower power attire to surf and rekindle some great memories back when "bushy, bushy blond hairdos" were in vogue.

"Back in the day, being on that Natural Art team, was the greatest thing for me," DeCarlo said.

Todd Holland has surfed at Cocoa Beach for 45 years

Veteran professional surfer Todd Holland is synonymous with Cocoa Beach, having surfed in the area for some 45 years and having graduated from tradition-rich Cocoa Beach High, where a "who's who" of East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame members launched their careers.

Just three days after graduating from high school, Holland signed a three-year pro contract.

"I gave myself three years to make it onto the (world) tour," he said, with the option of going to college. "My first year I was 27th (only the top 30 qualified at that time)."

He spent 10 years on the world circuit, finishing as high as eighth.

These days, he and his wife, Lauren, operate the year-round School of Surf, where they teach visitors and locals of all ages, including 10 weeks of summer camps for some 160 kids.

"I love the vibe of Cocoa Beach," Holland said. "Just the whole town. It's really opened up our business, and we work with other (surf shops in the area) when we send them our clients and help their business, too."

ParkSleepFly's analysis

The ParkSleepFly analysis claims there are 78 surf breaks for the nearly 12 miles of coastline within the Cocoa Beach area.

"One at every street," said Florida Surf Museum Executive Director John Hughes. "It's cool they highlighted Cocoa Beach as the surf center because it really is, even though Florida is not known for having excellent surf. But it's the ideal place where an average surfer can surf, and we have times when the surf can get even better.

"There are tons of rentals, and they're easy to find; accommodations are reasonable; 200 surf schools, it seems like sometimes; and the parking to the beach access is plentiful, maybe the best on the East Coast. I mean, there are some spots in California, you can't access the beach (from the highway)."

After the top three, the list of top surfing destinations in the U.S. are: Montauk, N.Y.; Folly Beach, S.C.; San Clemente, Calif; La Jolla (San Diego), Calif.; Virginia Beach, Va.; Half Moon Bay, Wash.; and Santa Cruz Harbor in Orange County, Calif.

ParkSleepFly also has released a world's top surfing destinations list, in which the top three are: Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca, Mexico; Noosa in Queensland, Australia (Instagram's most popular with 16,036 tagged posts); and Tofino on Vancouver Island, Canada. Also, Bali, Indonesia, has been the world's "most searched for surfing spots" with more than 10,000 monthly searches over the past year.

But when it comes to Cocoa Beach, there are plenty of reasons to soak up the sun — even in December, where the ParkSleepFly analysis lists the Brevard County shoreline as the No. 1 spot in the world to catch waves, a nod perhaps to the world-famous Surfin' Santas event on Christmas Eve morning.

"Cocoa Beach is awesome," Holland said. "There are only like, what, 14,000 full-time residents here? It still has that small-town vibe, and there's enough tourism for locals to live on with the Space Center, the cruise ships, and being the closest beach to Orlando. I go out (surfing) whenever I want. I'm either fishing, surfing or working, you know?"

Now, if only the Beach Boys can find what rhymes with Cocoa Beach. After all, they did it with Kokomo.

Top 10 surfing sports, according to ParkSleepFly.com

1. Cocoa Beach, Florida

2. Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii

3. Huntington Beach, California

4. Montauk, New York

5. Folly Beach, South Carolina

6. San Clemente, California

7. La Jolla, San Diego, California

8. Virginia Beach, Virginia

9. Half-Moon Bay, Washington

10. Santa Cruz Harbour, California