Brevard Beaches & Parking
From Playalinda to Sebastian Inlet: which beach parks charge for parking, where the lifeguards are, the rules to know and how to check rip currents before you go.
Beaches & Parking
Reviewed October 25, 2026Before you go: check the rip current risk
NWS Melbourne posts a daily beach forecast with rip current risk for Brevard 16
- Free Parking
- 4 parks here
- Paid or Fee
- 7 parks here
- Cocoa Beach Meters
- $6/hr, $25/day
- Weather
- Our Weather page
The Space Coast has 72 miles of Atlantic beaches1. Most public parking in Brevard is free; Cocoa Beach and Indialantic have paid public parking1. Here's what the county, the cities and the parks say about each spot.
Explore This Guide
Lifeguards & Rip Currents
Brevard County Ocean Rescue lists full-time lifeguard towers, staffed daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Cocoa Beach Pier, Shepard Park, Lori Wilson Park, Minutemen Causeway and Paradise Beach/Howard Futch Park10. Seasonal towers open on weekends starting the last week of May, daily from Memorial Day to the first week of August, then weekends again until Labor Day10. Port Canaveral provides year-round lifeguards at Jetty Park104.
Calm day, still dangerous. The National Weather Service warns that rip currents often form on calm, sunny days, so great beach weather doesn't always mean it's safe to swim17.
Rules & Sea Turtles
- Sea turtle nesting season generally runs March to October, and it's illegal to disturb sea turtles or their nests1.
- Live on the beach? The state wildlife agency asks owners to keep lights low, shielded and amber, orange or red, close curtains at night and leave decorative lights off until nesting season ends Oct. 3119.
- Personal vehicles are not allowed on Space Coast beaches1.
- Most beaches do not allow dogs. The tourism office lists two exceptions, with limits: part of Cocoa Beach at set times, and Canova Beach Park. Check the rules first1.
- Rules vary by park: Jetty Park bans pets in the day park and on the beach, and grilling on the beach4. Check the posted rules at each access.
Common Questions
Which Brevard beaches have free parking?
The county beach parks in this guide, Lori Wilson, Cherie Down, Paradise Beach (Howard Futch) and Spessard Holland North, list free parking6578. Cocoa Beach city lots and Indialantic's parks are paid1.
Where are lifeguards on duty year-round?
County Ocean Rescue lists full-time towers, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Cocoa Beach Pier, Shepard Park, Lori Wilson Park, Minutemen Causeway and Paradise Beach10. Port Canaveral provides year-round lifeguards at Jetty Park10.
How do I pay for parking in Cocoa Beach?
Through the Passport Parking app: $6 an hour with a one-hour minimum, or $25 a day, plus a 35-cent app fee. Pay as soon as you park11.
Sources 20
- Space Coast Office of Tourism: Visitor Information
- National Park Service: Canaveral National Seashore Fees & Passes
- National Park Service: Rocket Launch Viewing, Canaveral National Seashore
- Port Canaveral: Jetty Park Beach & Pier
- Brevard County Parks: Cherie Down Park
- Brevard County Parks: Lori Wilson Park
- Brevard County Parks: Howard E. Futch Memorial Park at Paradise Beach
- Brevard County Parks: Spessard Holland North Beach Park
- Brevard County Parks: Park & Sanctuary Directory
- Brevard County Fire Rescue: Ocean Rescue Services
- City of Cocoa Beach: Parking Information
- City of Cocoa Beach: Beach Access Parks
- City of Cocoa Beach: Parking Permits
- Town of Indialantic: Parks
- Florida State Parks: Sebastian Inlet State Park
- National Weather Service: Melbourne Beach Forecast (rip current risk)
- National Weather Service: Rip Current Safety
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Wheelchair Friendly Beaches
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Sea Turtles and Lights
- City of Cape Canaveral: Mobi-Mats
Last reviewed October 25, 2026. Fees, hours and rules change; check the official source before you go. Spot something out of date? Let us know through Corrections.