Cocoa Beach has changed. A lot. If you drive down A1A today, you’ll see the shiny new builds and the high-rise condos that look like they belong in Miami, but tucked away right on the sand is a place that feels like the Florida people actually remember. Ocean Landings Resort & Racquet Club isn't trying to be a minimalist boutique hotel. It’s a sprawl. It’s a legacy. Honestly, it's one of the few spots left where you can get a multi-bedroom condo with a full kitchen without paying "luxury resort fee" prices that make your eyes water.
Most people find this place because they want to be near the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier or they’re catching a cruise out of Port Canaveral the next morning. But then they get there and realize it’s basically a self-contained village. You’ve got two pools, a massive tennis center, an indoor racquetball court (who even does that anymore? Ocean Landings does), and a bar that serves drinks strong enough to make you forget your flight was delayed. It’s not fancy. It’s functional, sun-drenched, and surprisingly massive.
The Layout: Caribbean vs. Oceanfront
One thing that trips people up is the way the resort is split. It’s not just one big building. You have the Oceanfront side and the Caribbean side. If you want to wake up and see the Atlantic crashing into the shore from your balcony, you’ve gotta book the Oceanfront units. Simple. The Caribbean units are just across the parking lot—still on the property, still a thirty-second walk to the sand, but usually a bit cheaper.
The rooms themselves? They range from standard hotel rooms to two-bedroom suites that can sleep six people easily. This is a huge win for families. Trying to cram two kids and a teenager into a standard Marriott room is a recipe for a divorce, but having a full kitchen and a living room changes the vibe completely. You can actually buy a box of cereal and some milk at the Publix down the street instead of spending $80 on a mediocre breakfast buffet every single morning.
Why the Racquet Club Part Actually Matters
Most Florida resorts throw the word "Club" in their name just to sound prestigious. Here, it’s literal. The Ocean Landings Resort & Racquet Club has a legitimate tennis program. We’re talking ten courts. They have a pro shop. They have actual pros who will help you fix your backhand.
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Even if you don’t play tennis, the athletic club serves as the heartbeat of the "land" side of the resort. It’s where the gym is located, and it’s where you’ll find people hiding from the midday Florida sun. The indoor racquetball courts are a total throwback. In an era where every square inch of real estate is being converted into "luxury lofts," seeing dedicated space for racquetball feels like a win for the 1980s. It's quirky, sure, but it gives the place a soul that a cookie-cutter Hilton just doesn't have.
The Reality of a Timeshare Resort
Let's be real for a second. Ocean Landings is a timeshare-heavy property. If you’ve ever stayed at one, you know the drill. Sometimes the check-in takes a little longer because they’re managing owners and nightly guests. Sometimes the decor feels a bit "Florida Classic"—think teal accents and tropical prints.
But there’s a massive upside to the timeshare model here: the staff. Many of the people working the front desk or maintaining the grounds have been there for decades. They know the best spots for fish tacos (hint: go to Florida's Seafood Bar & Grill nearby) and they know exactly when the sea turtles are nesting. You aren't getting a seasonal intern; you're getting someone who treats the property like their own backyard.
The Beach and the "Secret" Amenities
The stretch of sand behind Ocean Landings is prime. You’re far enough away from the public pier that the crowds thin out, but close enough that you can walk there for a sunset cocktail if you feel like it. The resort has a private boardwalk, which is a big deal because Cocoa Beach has strict dune protection rules.
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Gregory’s Steak & Seafood
You cannot talk about this place without mentioning Gregory’s. It’s right there on the property. It’s a bit of an institution in Cocoa Beach. Is it the most modern dining experience you'll ever have? No. But the prime rib is legendary, and they have a comedy club upstairs on the weekends. It’s that old-school dinner-and-a-show vibe that’s becoming increasingly rare. Honestly, it's kinda nice to just walk downstairs from your room, have a steak, see a comic, and not have to worry about calling an Uber.
The Pools and the Bar
There are two pools. The one by the ocean is usually the "party" pool—lots of kids, music, and the Gregory’s Beachside Bar. If you want peace and quiet, head to the pool on the Caribbean side. It’s usually tucked away and much more chill. The beach bar is where the magic happens, though. It’s a classic Florida tiki-style setup. You can get a bucket of beers or a frozen pina colada and just watch the waves.
What to Know Before You Book
Don't come here expecting the Ritz-Carlton. If you're a person who needs a marble bathroom and a pillow menu, you’re going to be disappointed. This is a place for people who want space, value, and immediate beach access.
- Check the Building: If you have mobility issues, ask for the Oceanfront building with the elevator. Some of the older sections are two stories with stairs only.
- Parking: It's free. That’s a miracle in Cocoa Beach.
- Space: If you’re a family of four, skip the "Hotel Room" and go for the one-bedroom suite. The price difference is usually negligible, but the sanity-saving value of a separate bedroom is priceless.
- Kitchens: They are fully stocked with pots and pans. You can actually cook a real meal here.
Location, Location, Location
You’re about six miles from Port Canaveral. If you’re planning a cruise, staying here for two nights before you sail is a pro move. You get your beach time in, you’re close to the Kennedy Space Center (about a 25-minute drive), and the port is a straight shot north.
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For the space nerds, this is one of the best spots to watch a SpaceX launch. You just walk out onto the beach, look north toward the Cape, and watch the Falcon 9 go up. You don't have to fight the traffic at the parks or pay for a viewing pass. Just bring a chair and a cold drink.
The Verdict on Ocean Landings Resort & Racquet Club
The Ocean Landings Resort & Racquet Club occupies a specific niche. It’s for the traveler who values the "Old Florida" feel—where the buildings are sturdy, the palm trees are tall, and the focus is on the Atlantic Ocean rather than high-tech gadgets. It’s comfortable. It’s reliable.
People come back year after year because they’ve formed a community here. You’ll see the same families at the pool every July. You’ll see the same tennis players hitting at 8:00 AM every Tuesday. In a world that feels increasingly temporary, there’s something really grounding about a resort that knows exactly what it is and doesn't try to be anything else.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
- Request a High Floor: In the Oceanfront building, the views get significantly better starting at the third floor.
- Book Direct or Check Resale Sites: Since it's a timeshare, you can often find owners renting out their weeks on platforms like RedWeek for even lower prices than the official site.
- Visit the Pier Early: If you want to walk the Cocoa Beach Pier, do it at sunrise. It’s a 15-minute walk from the resort, and you’ll avoid the $20 parking fees and the 10:00 AM crowds.
- Stock Up at Publix: There is a Publix Super Market at Cocoa Beach Causeway just a few minutes away. Hit it before you check in so you aren't paying resort prices for bottled water and snacks.
- Check the Launch Schedule: Go to the Kennedy Space Center website and see if there’s a scheduled launch during your stay. If there is, don't leave the resort; the view from the beach right behind the rooms is spectacular.