Everything international tourists need to know before visiting Cocoa Beach. Practical logistics, cultural differences, what to expect and how to get the most from the Space Coast.
You have flown across an ocean. You have arrived in Orlando. You have rented a car on the wrong side. Here is what Cocoa Beach means for you.
Orlando International Airport is 60 miles west of Cocoa Beach. Rent a car at the airport (American cars are automatics — you don't need to request this). Take FL-528 East (signs say Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral). The drive takes 60-75 minutes on a direct route. The road is straight, well-signed, and tolled. Keep the E-Pass/SunPass transponder from the rental company (worth the fee) or use cash in toll lanes.
A few things confuse UK, European and Australian visitors specifically: the tipping culture (15-20% on restaurant bills is mandatory, not optional), the driving culture (right side of the road, right turn on red is legal), the sun intensity (UV at Cocoa Beach latitude is significantly stronger than northern Europe — use SPF 50 and reapply), and the scale (everything is designed for cars, walking between locations is often not practical).
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