Lori Wilson Park is a well-known beach spot in Cocoa Beach, renowned for its wide beach and easy parking. It's pretty much set up for family fun rather than being a hardcore surf destination. That said, when conditions are right, the sandbars here can work decently. Most surfers tend to hit this spot when the northeast swell gets too strong farther south, or if the winds are coming from the northwest, which often makes it a better ride than what you’ll find down the coast.
Surfing here can be good for all skill levels, ranging from beginner to expert. The spot handles swell sizes between 2 to 8 feet (about 0.6 to 2.4 meters) and works best with swell coming from the ENE to ESE directions. The waves are mostly beach breaks, so you can ride both right and left. Low to mid tide works well here, and while high tide can be okay, it’s not always the most reliable. You’ll want to check for winds coming from the south to the northwest for the best conditions. Paddling out is usually pretty chill, but you might find it a bit tougher on bigger swell days.
There’s plenty of space to spread out, so even when it gets crowded during prime surf conditions, you can find a spot to catch some waves. The local vibe is laid-back, drawing inspiration from the calm surroundings. With tons of parking and access from the beach, Lori Wilson Park makes for a convenient surf stop. It's best to visit during the fall to spring seasons, particularly during hurricane swells for more action.