If you’ve ever driven down A1A in Cocoa Beach, you’ve seen it. Ocean Landings Resort and Racquet Club Cocoa Beach isn't one of those glass-and-steel mega-hotels that looks like it belongs in Dubai or Vegas. It has a vibe. It’s that classic, sprawling Florida getaway that somehow feels like home and a vacation at the same time. People have been coming here for decades. Literally decades. You'll see families at the pool where the grandparents first visited back in the 80s, and now they're chasing toddlers around the same deck.
It’s right on the sand. That’s the big draw, obviously. But there is a lot more to this place than just being close to the water.
Cocoa Beach itself is a bit of a weird, wonderful contradiction. It’s the "Surf Capital of the East Coast," but it’s also the backyard for NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. You can be sipping a drink at the resort’s tiki bar and watch a SpaceX Falcon 9 punch a hole through the clouds. It’s wild. Most people don’t realize how much the history of the Space Coast is baked into the DNA of these older resorts. Ocean Landings is part of that fabric. It’s not just a place to sleep; it’s a landmark.
What Actually Sets Ocean Landings Apart?
Let’s be real: you can find a room anywhere. But the Ocean Landings Resort and Racquet Club Cocoa Beach offers something most modern hotels have engineered out of existence—space. Because it’s a mix of a resort and a vacation ownership property (timeshares, basically, though you can book them like a regular hotel), the units are massive.
We aren't talking about a cramped 300-square-foot box with a mini-fridge. You’re looking at one- and two-bedroom suites that have full kitchens. If you’ve ever tried to feed a family of four on vacation, you know that eating out for three meals a day is a recipe for a drained bank account and a very cranky stomach. Having a stove and a full-sized fridge changes the game. You can hit the Publix down the street, grab some Publix subs (a Florida requirement), and keep your beer cold without constantly buying bags of ice for a leaky cooler.
The "Racquet Club" part of the name isn't just for show either. While many resorts are tearing out their courts to put in more parking or "wellness centers" that no one uses, Ocean Landings keeps the spirit of the sport alive. They have solid tennis courts and, keeping up with the times, they’ve embraced the pickleball craze.
The Layout Matters
The resort is split. You’ve got the oceanfront buildings and then the buildings across the street near the tennis courts. If you book a room, you need to know which one you’re getting. The oceanfront side is exactly what it sounds like—wake up, look at the Atlantic, drink coffee. The "Caribbean" and "Antilles" buildings are tucked back a bit. Some people get annoyed by the walk, but honestly? It’s two minutes. Plus, the back section is often quieter if the poolside bar gets a little rowdy on a Saturday night.
There are two pools. This is key. One is right by the beach, and it’s usually where the action is. The other is more secluded. If you want to read a book without being splashed by a ten-year-old doing a cannonball, head to the back pool. It’s a pro move.
Dining and Drinks at Gregory’s and the Tiki Bar
You can’t talk about this place without mentioning Gregory’s Steak and Seafood. It’s right there on the property. Now, usually, "hotel restaurants" are mediocre at best and overpriced at worst. Gregory’s is an outlier. It’s a local favorite. They do a comedy club upstairs on the weekends which is surprisingly good.
- The Food: The steaks are aged, and the seafood is what you’d expect from a town that sits between the Banana River and the Atlantic.
- The Vibe: It’s a bit old-school. Think dark wood, white tablecloths, and service that doesn't feel rushed.
- The Secret: Get the early bird specials if you want to save a few bucks, but the real win is the lounge.
Then there’s the Tiki Bar. It’s called Greg’s Picnic Terrace, but everyone just calls it the tiki bar. It’s the soul of the resort. There is something about sitting under a thatched roof with the salt air blowing through that makes a rum runner taste better. It’s not fancy. It’s plastic cups and paper napkins. It’s perfect.
The Reality of a Legacy Resort
I want to be honest with you. If you are looking for a Ritz-Carlton experience, Ocean Landings Resort and Racquet Club Cocoa Beach might surprise you, but maybe not in the way you think. It is an older property. Some of the furnishings might feel a little "Florida Classic"—lots of teals, corals, and tropical prints.
But here’s the thing: it’s clean. The staff actually cares. You see the same faces year after year. That kind of institutional knowledge is rare in the hospitality industry today, where turnover is usually 100% every six months. At Ocean Landings, the maintenance guys know exactly how the plumbing works in the 400-block because they’ve been maintaining it since 1995. There is a comfort in that.
The beach access is private. This is a huge deal in Cocoa Beach. During the height of summer or during a big rocket launch, the public parks like Lori Wilson or the Pier get absolutely packed. At Ocean Landings, you have your own boardwalk. You walk over the dunes, and you’re there. The sand is wide, the water is warm, and you have enough room to spread out your chairs without being on top of a stranger.
Things to Do Nearby (That Aren't Just the Beach)
Cocoa Beach is a launchpad—literally and figuratively. If you’re staying at the resort, you have to venture out.
- Kennedy Space Center: It’s about 20-25 minutes north. Don't just do the basic tour. Pay the extra for the Saturn V center. Standing under that rocket is a spiritual experience.
- Ron Jon Surf Shop: It’s a tourist trap, yes. But it’s a 24-hour tourist trap that is basically a cathedral to beach culture. You have to go once.
- The Cocoa Beach Pier: About two miles up the road. Good for people-watching and grabbing a Mai Tai at the end of the pier at Riki Tiki Tavern.
- Kayaking the Thousand Islands: This is the best-kept secret. Go to the Banana River side at sunset. You’ll see manatees and dolphins. If it’s the right time of year (usually summer), the water glows with bioluminescence.
The Logistics: Staying at Ocean Landings
If you’re planning a trip, keep in mind that this is a popular spot for families. If you want peace and quiet, aim for the "shoulder seasons"—May (after spring break) or September/October (though watch the hurricane charts).
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Parking is usually included, which is a relief because the city of Cocoa Beach has gotten really aggressive with their parking meters lately. They also have an exercise room, an activities center for kids, and a sauna. It’s one of those places where you don't actually have to leave the property if you don't want to.
You’ve got to check the schedule for rocket launches. Spaceflight Now has a great launch calendar. There is nothing—and I mean nothing—like standing on the beach at Ocean Landings at 2:00 AM and watching the entire horizon turn into day as a rocket heads for orbit. The sound hits you in the chest about 30 seconds after it clears the pad. It’s a core memory.
Is it worth it?
The price point for Ocean Landings Resort and Racquet Club Cocoa Beach is usually very competitive compared to the newer builds like the Hilton or the Westgate. You get more square footage for less money. If you value space, a kitchen, and a laid-back atmosphere over "modern minimalism" and marble lobbies, then yes, it’s absolutely worth it.
The resort isn't trying to be something it’s not. It’s a beach club. It’s a place for racquet sports. It’s a place where you can sandy-foot your way from the ocean to your room without anyone giving you a dirty look.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you've decided to book, here is how you make the most of it:
- Request an Oceanfront Unit: If you can swing the extra cost, the view of the Atlantic is worth every penny. Being able to hear the waves from your balcony is the whole point of a beach trip.
- Check the Launch Schedule: Download a launch tracker app. If there’s a launch during your stay, plan your beach day around it.
- Bring Your Own Gear: While the resort has amenities, if you’re a serious tennis or pickleball player, bring your own racquet. The house ones are fine, but you'll be happier with your own.
- Hit the Grocery Store Early: There is a Publix and a Winn-Dixie nearby. Stock up on day one so you aren't overpaying for snacks at the gift shop.
- Respect the Dunes: Cocoa Beach takes their sea turtle nesting seriously. If you're there between May and October, don't use bright flashlights on the beach at night—it confuses the hatchlings.
Staying at a place like this is about slowing down. It’s about the smell of salt air and the sound of the surf. It’s about realizing that you don't need a five-star ultra-luxe experience to have a five-star time. Pack some sunscreen, grab a racquet, and just enjoy the Florida sun.