Westgate Resort Cocoa Beach Review

Last Updated on March 4, 2026 by Kimberly Stroh

Just an hour and a half from Central Florida’s theme parks, Orlando’s closest beach escape is Cocoa Beach. Nestled along the Space Coast, this laid-back destination blends an authentic, not-overbuilt beach vibe with the excitement of nearby NASA activity and Kennedy Space Center launches. For a family-friendly beach getaway that keeps you close to it all, book a centrally located stay at The Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort.

The Westgate Resort Cocoa Beach: Made For Families

Once described as a “mom and pop motel,” Westgate Cocoa Beach has undergone a stunning transformation, with more than $15 million in renovations bringing it to its current, refreshed state. Today, the hotel is thoughtfully designed with families in mind, which is why so many choose it as the go-to spot for family reunions in the Cocoa Beach area. There’s a welcoming charm here that keeps guests coming back year after year.

Westgate Cocoa Beach Location Is Ideal

The number one reason to consider Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort is simple: location. As Orlando’s closest beach, Cocoa Beach offers an easy coastal escape from the theme parks, and the resort sits directly on the sand. You can wake up steps from the ocean while still being close enough to spend a day riding roller coasters or exploring Central Florida’s top attractions.

It’s also an ideal choice for a pre- or post cruise stay when sailing out of Port Canaveral. The resort is just minutes from the port and the Kennedy Space Center, making it easy to turn your cruise into a full vacation experience. Bookend your sailing with a stay at Westgate Cocoa Beach and trade travel-day stress for beachfront relaxation before and after you set sail.

Westgate Cocoa Beach Includes Large Suites With Full Kitchens

Since having kids, a standard hotel room just doesn’t cut it anymore. At Westgate Cocoa Beach, families can spread out and settle in with the comfort of a true suite-style stay. Parents get their own private retreat, and everyone benefits from the convenience of a fully equipped kitchen—perfect for quick breakfasts before the beach, easy lunches between activities, or snacks after a long day in the sun.

Each spacious suite is thoughtfully designed for families, featuring a king bedroom with a separate shower area, a second bedroom with two twin beds, and an additional bathroom for added convenience. The full kitchen includes everything you need to cook and dine in, while the living and dining areas provide space to relax together. It’s the kind of layout that makes traveling with kids feel less hectic and a lot more like home—just steps from the ocean.

The spacious suites are perfect for larger families or guests who need the kitchen. We found the suites to be extremely comfortable for a family of four, with room to spare. You can also book connecting suites.

Westgate Resort Cocoa Beach Resort Amenities

One of the biggest highlights for my kids is hands down the resort’s pool area. It’s not just one pool—it’s three distinct water experiences in one thoughtfully designed space. There’s a relaxing lazy river perfect for floating the afternoon away, a fun splash pad that keeps younger kids entertained for hours, and a traditional deep-end pool for those ready to swim and dive in.

As a parent, I especially appreciate a well-designed splash pad. It gives kids the freedom to run and play safely, while I can actually sit back, relax, and enjoy a moment in the sun without hovering every second. The pool deck has plenty of seating, shaded areas, and space to spread out, so it never feels cramped.

Beyond the pool complex, the resort continues to impress with direct beach access just steps away, private cabanas for added comfort, fire pits for evening gatherings, and convenient on-site dining options. Whether your family prefers beach waves or lazy river floats, Westgate Cocoa Beach makes it easy to fill your days with sunshine and your evenings with total relaxation.

They also offer kids’ activities all day long around the pool. From games to crafts, they’ve got it covered. Plus, on certain evenings of the week, they show a movie by the pool.

Of course, no pool day would be complete without a cocktail to sip on. The Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort has a tiki bar that serves cocktails and lunch offerings – for the perfect poolside treat.

Beach Chair and Umbrella Rentals at Westgate Cocoa Beach

If you’re more interested in a lazy beach day, you’ll want to reserve one of their covered beach chair areas for the family. For $10/hour or $25/day, guests can enjoy benefits that come with the chairs: sunglasses cleaning, speakers, sunscreen, and beach toys. Guests can also rent bikes or book surf lessons through the resort.

Westgate Resort Cocoa Beach Offers Shuttles to the Pier

The iconic Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier stretches 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the most popular gathering spots in the area. It’s more than just a place to take in ocean views—visitors can enjoy waterfront dining, grab tropical drinks at open-air bars, browse surf shops and boutiques, or watch local surfers catch waves below. There’s often live music and special events, giving the pier a lively, beach-town energy both day and night. Whether you’re stopping by for fresh seafood, sunset photos, or simply a stroll over the water, the Cocoa Beach Pier offers a classic Florida coastal experience.

Resort guests have access to a trolley that runs all day between the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier and the resort property. The pier is a bustling hub for locals and tourists alike. The Rikki Tiki Tavern offers 360º views from the tip of the pier along with appetizers and tropical concoctions. 

Book Per Night Or Become a Westgate Owner

While you can absolutely book Westgate Cocoa Beach for a nightly stay, there’s also the opportunity to take your vacations a step further by becoming a Westgate Resorts Owner. As the largest privately held vacation ownership company in the world, Westgate Resorts features 28 properties in sought-after destinations—Cocoa Beach being one of them.

However, there’s absolutely no pressure to become an owner and the resort welcomes pay-per-night guests, which I love for pre-cruise travel.

If you find yourself falling in love with the spacious suites, beachfront location, and family-friendly amenities as we did, vacation ownership can turn a one-time trip into a tradition. It’s a simple way to guarantee your family has a place to reconnect, relax, and return to year after year—creating lasting memories in a destination that already feels like home.