I photograph families, couples and small elopements on Cocoa Beach, and the question I hear most from out of town clients is "where should we stay?" These are my picks, and every one of them is within about a mile of Lori Wilson Park, a beautiful beach park in the heart of Cocoa Beach with boardwalks through the dunes and free parking. Stay at any of these and you can walk to the sand, grab dinner nearby and get to your photo session in minutes.
Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. I only share places I'd genuinely recommend.
Quick picks
- Best for big families: Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort
- Closest to Lori Wilson Park: Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
- Best reviewed: The Resort on Cocoa Beach
- Best for Hilton points: Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
- Best for Marriott points: Courtyard Cocoa Beach Cape Canaveral
The best hotels near Lori Wilson Park
Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
You can't get much closer than this. The Hilton sits right next door to Lori Wilson Park, directly on the ocean, and it was recently renovated. There's a restaurant on site, surf lessons right at the hotel, a kids pool and free cribs, so it's an easy, full service pick for families. You'll also earn Hilton Honors points.
Book Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
The Resort on Cocoa Beach
About a two minute walk from the park, this is one of the highest rated places to stay in town, with guests giving it 9.4 out of 10. The suites come with full kitchens, a washer and dryer and a private balcony, and there's a heated pool with a tiki bar. It's perfect for families who want room to spread out, or anyone staying more than a couple of nights.
Book The Resort on Cocoa Beach
Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
An 8 minute walk from Lori Wilson Park, this oceanfront hotel has balcony rooms with ocean views, a pool, a restaurant and even a shuttle to the cruise terminal. It's a great choice for a shorter stay or a night before or after a cruise, and it earns Hilton Honors points too.
Book Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort
About a mile north of the park, this all suite resort is right on the beach and made for families. The suites have full kitchens and sleep big groups, which makes it a favorite for grandparents, cousins and everyone traveling together. Kids love the lazy river and the free water park passes, and there's a shuttle to the Cocoa Beach Pier.
Book Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort
Courtyard Cocoa Beach Cape Canaveral
Also about a mile north, near Ron Jon Surf Shop, the Courtyard was recently refreshed and is a short walk to the beach. You'll find a pool, hot tub and fire pit, and you can earn Marriott Bonvoy points on your stay.
Book Courtyard Cocoa Beach Cape Canaveral
Coming soon: The Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa
A brand new Westin is being built just steps from Lori Wilson Park and is expected to open in 2027. I'll update this post once it's open.
Why stay near Lori Wilson Park
- Easy beach days. The park has free parking, restrooms, outdoor showers, a playground and boardwalks over the dunes, and it's open daily from 7am to 7pm.
- Sunrise from your balcony. Cocoa Beach faces east, so an oceanfront room means sunrise right over the water.
- Launch views. Rocket launches from Cape Canaveral are a regular thing now, and watching one from the beach is unforgettable.
- Orlando is close. The theme parks are about an hour's drive, so you can easily split a trip between the parks and the beach.
Planning photos while you're here
If your family is visiting Cocoa Beach, a beach session is the easiest way to bring home photos you'll actually frame. I'm Jamie, an Orlando and Cocoa Beach family, couples and senior photographer, and I'll help you pick the right beach spot, timing and outfits so all you have to do is show up and enjoy each other. I also offer a small Cocoa Beach elopement collection for couples saying "I do" with their closest people.
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