I Dream of Jeannie Lane and Marker
A beautiful, family-friendly beach park in Cocoa Beach offering free parking, gentle waves, and scenic boardwalks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
I Dream of Jeannie Lane and Marker
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful, family-friendly beach park in Cocoa Beach offering free parking, gentle waves, and scenic boardwalks.
"Free parking, spacious beach, and shallow waters make this a top choice for families!"
🚗 Free Parking is a Gem!
Score free parking at Lori Wilson Park, a huge win compared to other local beaches. Arrive early on weekends!
☀️ Pack Your Own Provisions
Bring snacks and drinks as vendors are scarce, usually just an ice cream cart.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lori Wilson Park Beach
Cocoa Beach
Expansive, clean beach with shallow waters perfect for wading and boogie boarding. Free parking available!
Boardwalk & Dune Walkover
Lori Wilson Park
A scenic boardwalk and dune path lead to the beach, offering a touch of nature before you hit the sand.
Proximity to Cocoa Beach Pier
Adjacent to Lori Wilson Park
Just a short distance from the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier, offering dining, entertainment, and fishing opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Parking & Amenities
Beach Conditions & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Free Parking is a Gem!
Score free parking at Lori Wilson Park, a huge win compared to other local beaches. Arrive early on weekends!
☀️ Pack Your Own Provisions
Bring snacks and drinks as vendors are scarce, usually just an ice cream cart.
🌊 Boogie Board Paradise
Waves are generally gentle, ideal for boogie boarding and wading, but not prime surfing conditions.
⛱️ Sun Protection is Key
The beach is very sunny with minimal natural shade. An umbrella is a must for comfort.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Free Parking is a Gem!
Score free parking at Lori Wilson Park, a huge win compared to other local beaches. Arrive early on weekends!
☀️ Pack Your Own Provisions
Bring snacks and drinks as vendors are scarce, usually just an ice cream cart.
🌊 Boogie Board Paradise
Waves are generally gentle, ideal for boogie boarding and wading, but not prime surfing conditions.
⛱️ Sun Protection is Key
The beach is very sunny with minimal natural shade. An umbrella is a must for comfort.
🐶 No Pets Allowed
Despite seeing some dogs, pets are not permitted on the beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Lori Wilson Park's free parking and beautiful, spacious beach, highlighting its suitability for families with its shallow waters and gentle waves. While some note the sand can be coarse and amenities limited to an ice cream cart, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it as a top beach destination.
"Plenty of parking and a short walk to the beach over the dunes, and it opens up to a beautiful white soft sand, a very long and shallow beach edge, you can wade out 30 feet and just be up to your waist, Great for the little one. waves are medium to low on a good day, great for boogie boarding but not so much for surfing, there are vendors walking the beach, but my advice pack up your own snacks and beverages. no pets tho i did see a doggy living his best. Great view of the rocket launches if your lucky and the big cruise ships heading out to sea. also very sunny an umbrella is a must, grab the family and enjoy this beautiful local getaway!"
S C
"Decent long beach. Water isn't clear and the sand is course but clean. They have an actual restroom and outdoor showers. Definitely pack you own food/drinks as there isn't anything around. Only a ice cream cart that rolls up and down."
Joe Lee
"Nice small park, older but clean bathrooms and clean beach. The parking lot is small but there are 3 different spots to park. Short walk to the beach. Definitely popular. Sadly no shells worth picking up but the kids enjoyed the water. It has a couple rinse stations too!"
Maria A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lori Wilson Park is located in Cocoa Beach, Florida. It's easily accessible by car, with ample free parking available. Many visitors arrive via car and find the park straightforward to locate.
Yes, Lori Wilson Park offers free parking. There are multiple parking lots, though they can fill up quickly on busy weekends. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
Absolutely! The parking lots are conveniently located near the beach, with a short walk over the dunes or via a boardwalk to reach the sand.
While specific accessibility details are not widely publicized, the boardwalk and park amenities generally aim for accessibility. It's advisable to contact the park directly for the most up-to-date information.
From Orlando, take FL-528 E towards the beaches. Exit onto FL-3 N (North Atlantic Ave) and follow signs for Lori Wilson Park. The drive is typically around an hour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Lori Wilson Park is a public park and does not charge an entrance fee. Parking is also free, which is a significant advantage.
The park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. Specific hours for facilities like restrooms may vary, but the beach access is typically available throughout daylight hours.
No tickets are required for beach access at Lori Wilson Park. It's a public beach open to everyone.
Yes, Lori Wilson Park sometimes hosts events like the Cocoa Beach Air Show, which offers VIP seating options. Check local event listings for upcoming activities. +1
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the beach at Lori Wilson Park. While some visitors have reported seeing dogs, it's best to adhere to the park's regulations.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
The park offers restrooms, outdoor showers, water fountains, picnic pavilions, grills, and a dog park. There are also on-site vendors, though options are limited.
The beach features soft, white sand and a long, shallow edge perfect for wading. Waves are typically medium to low, good for boogie boarding but not ideal for surfing.
It can get popular, especially on weekends and during events. However, the beach is spacious, and many visitors find it less crowded than other local spots. Arriving early helps.
Yes, if you're lucky, you might catch a rocket launch from nearby Cape Canaveral. It offers a unique view of space exploration.
While there are limited on-site vendors, you can walk to nearby restaurants and cafes, including those at the Cocoa Beach Pier. Coconuts on the Beach is also a popular nearby option.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning sunrise shots over the Atlantic, the scenic boardwalk, and the expansive beach. The unique dune walkover also makes for great photos. +1
While known for sunrises, the western side of the park, away from the immediate beach, might offer some sunset views. However, the primary photographic appeal is the oceanfront.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with local authorities and park management regarding drone operation policies before flying.
Early morning for sunrise and soft light is ideal. Late afternoon can also offer beautiful lighting before sunset. +1
The boardwalk and dune walkover provide a natural, scenic backdrop. The proximity to the Cocoa Beach Pier also offers iconic photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
The park also offers a playground area, providing an alternative for kids who might need a break from the sand and surf. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, making it a stress-free destination for a day out. The boardwalk and dune walkover also add a touch of adventure for curious little explorers.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
While you'll need to bring your own food and drinks to save money, the park provides the essential facilities like restrooms and showers to keep you comfortable. This makes it an ideal spot for a picnic lunch or a simple day of relaxation without breaking the bank. It's a prime example of a beautiful, accessible public space that offers great value.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
If you're specifically seeking more challenging surf conditions, you might want to explore other nearby beaches known for better breaks. However, for a fun day of bodyboarding or simply enjoying the water, Lori Wilson Park is still a great option. The spacious beach and free parking make it an accessible choice for a casual day of water activities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Lori Wilson Park: Beyond the Beach
The park's layout includes a charming boardwalk and dune walkover that leads to the beach. This elevated path offers a pleasant, natural transition to the shoreline and provides a different perspective for photos. The beach itself is known for its soft, white sand and a long, shallow edge that extends far into the water, making it exceptionally safe for children and ideal for wading. While not a prime spot for surfing, the gentle waves are perfect for boogie boarding and general water play.
Beyond the immediate beach area, the park's location offers proximity to other attractions. It's a short distance from the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier, where you can find dining, entertainment, and fishing opportunities. The park is also a known vantage point for rocket launches from nearby Cape Canaveral, adding an element of unexpected excitement to a beach visit.
Navigating Cocoa Beach: Parking and Access
Beyond the main lots, there are often secondary parking areas further from the beach, which can be a good backup option. The park's design ensures that even if the closest spots are taken, a short walk is usually required to reach the sand. This walk often involves traversing a pleasant dune walkover or boardwalk, which adds to the experience rather than detracting from it.
For those looking to explore beyond Lori Wilson Park, the Cocoa Beach Pier is a notable landmark with paid parking. Visitors often suggest combining a visit to Lori Wilson Park with a stroll down to the pier for a meal or to enjoy the atmosphere. Understanding these parking dynamics can significantly enhance your visit to the Cocoa Beach area.
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