Why did I choose Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach?
While following Google to plan a peaceful trip to Florida in March 2025, I ended up at Wilson Park. It had an ocean and oceanfront location, free parking, a dog-friendly area, and peaceful nature. I didn’t want to go to a crowded tourist spot, and Lori Wilson Park, which seemed perfectly secluded, wasn’t very long, but it was still close to the sounds of Coco Beach.
Is Lori Wilson Park Public or Private?
A question that comes up frequently is whether Lori Lisson Park is public or can only be accessed by private means. The answer is that it is known as a public park. Since its entire management is under the influence of the city of Cocoa Bean, it is open to all people and does not require any kind of membership or special access.
My Arrival at Lori Wilson Park, Cocoa Beach
And when I went to Lori Wilson Park in March, I found the weather warm but not the weather consistent. There was free parking here. At that time, due to the convenience, I parked my car in the parking lot and took my backpack with me from the car and entered the park while going under the shade of the palm tree. As time passed, I could feel the waves of the beach and the breeze blowing with it, and along with that, I could smell the salty taste in the air. It was no less than any natural scene.
What Makes Lori Wilson Park Special?
It can be assumed that it does not have the facilities or the view as special as the big parks in Florida, but what makes it famous and special inside Lori Wilson Park is its beautiful view that attracts people with its charm. From a beautiful sandy beach and peaceful seafront swings to the charming and beautiful views of the ocean, it is full of nature.
This park provides a clean and also provides friendly environment for families. There are not a lot of commercial users here, so I liked that people who come here can avoid the rush and meet up somewhere. In addition, there were different sites for rent here and there were clean restrooms.
In addition, we could easily freshen up with the outdoor shower inside. This park provides a great experience at the beach.
Best Time to Visit Lori Wilson Park
If you want to go to Lori Wilson Park, I highly recommend that you go there in the spring because it is one of the seasons that provides a pleasant atmosphere. The temperature here stays in the mid-70s and low 80s, which makes for a pleasant atmosphere for people to share.
It is not at all affected by the summer, and the sea is warm enough to explore. If you prefer to visit here for swimming, you should visit early in the morning on weekdays and enjoy its swimming and the rest of the black spot because in the summer it attracts more black and on the other hand in the winters which are calm but there is no one here due to the cold winds. Before going, check carefully that no type of hurricane is going to hit here. Usually, from August to October, there is a risk of storms.
What I Did at Lori Wilson Park in March 2025
When I started my visit to the park, I walked straight along the Maritime Haymark Trail, and it felt like I was stepping into a forest. If I could imagine the scene, I made sure I headed towards the beach and with the help of the shops on the beach, I rented an umbrella and a chair and started enjoying the natural scenery there.
After some time, I got a smoothie from a vendor sitting nearby and then enjoyed watching some surfers riding the waves of the sea and before leaving from there, I enjoyed playing with the dog there and I considered this visit an unforgettable visit because it was a day full of sunshine, sea breeze and a peaceful atmosphere.
Activities You Can Do at Lori Wilson Park
There is much more to see and do within Laurie Wilson Park, along with natural scenery. Here is a list of some:
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- Beach Relaxation – Set up your towel or rent chairs and umbrellas.
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- Swimming & Surfing – The waves here are beginner-friendly.
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- Fishing – Bring your gear; surf fishing is allowed.
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- Nature Trail Walks – Explore the maritime hammock.
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- Picnicking – There are pavilions and grassy areas.
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- Dog Park Fun – There are separate bar areas for dogs here.
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- Photography – You can also take pictures of the beautiful views of the ocean, as well as the breathtaking sunsets.
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- Shell Collecting – Especially rewarding after high tide.
You can get free parking here, in addition to completely clean public toilets, picnic tables, and outdoor showers. Here you can get everything that beachgoers need.
Lori Wilson Park Rules and Safety Tips
- To keep your visit smooth and safe, here are a few park rules I noted:
- Open from sunrise to sunset
- No alcohol allowed
- No loud music
- Dogs must be leashed.
- Keep your valuables with you carefully, or keep them in a safe place in your car.
- Be careful when you go near water because guards may not be present everywhere.
- Check the necessary items for good swimming technique.
Is Lori Wilson Park Dog Friendly?
Yes, of the best things about it, the best thing was that it was a pet-friendly place because it is a dog park where locals come to walk their dogs and play with them, but you have to keep them on a leash and bring a clean-up bag to bring them with you. I saw a lot of dogs enjoying the sun and sand here.
Hotels and Restaurants Near Lori Wilson Park
If you want to stay overnight here or go out to eat here, you can find several options within minutes:
Hotels near Lori Wilson Park:
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- South Beach Inn
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- La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach
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- Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
Restaurants nearby:
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- Jazzy’s Mainely Lobster
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- The Fat Snook
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- Famous and delicious cafes and bakeries
You can go to any of the restaurants for lunch and enjoy the seafood available there.
Weddings and Events at Lori Wilson Park
When I went near the beach, I saw a wedding taking place there, which was taking place along the dunes. If you want to have your wedding here or a small function, Lori and Lison Park is there to provide its beautiful views.
Surfing & Outdoor Fun
Surfing at Laurie and Lawson Park is very popular with beginners. You can rent just a board or a bodyboard from the shops nearby, but I didn’t surf this time, but many people were catching the small waves and enjoying them. If you like collecting shells on the beach, you will have the opportunity to do so here. Fishing is also a hobby of the people who come here.
Who Was Lori Wilson?
Laurie V. Lawson, a Florida Reda state park ranger and environmentalist who provided public access to beaches and protected natural areas, was named in honor of her contributions and dedication to protecting the beach.
FAQs
Who is Lori Wilson Park named after?
The park was named after Lori Lawson because she played many important roles in conservation, as she was a Florida senator and lawyer.
Does Lori Wilson Park have showers?
Yes, there are clean toilets and convenient outdoor showers inside the park.
How far is Lori Wilson Park from South Beach Inn?
It is a three-minute drive or a 10-minute walk from South Beach.
How good are the waves at Lori Wilson Park?
The waves are moderate, making it a great place for beginner surfers and bodyboarders.
How much is the entrance fee for Lori Wilson Park?
There is no entry fee of any kind to enter it; the entire visit here is completely free.
Is Lori Wilson Park open all year round?
It is open all year round, its hours are from sunrise to sunset.
Are there lifeguards on duty?
Yes, seasonal lifeguards are usually seen on duty on days that are peak hours.
Can you host events or weddings at Lori Wilson Park?
Yes, this park is subject to permits for weddings or small events. You can also contact Cocoa Beach City Hall to check the details.
Is Lori Wilson Park family-friendly?
Yes, it is completely safe, especially for children, as there are many facilities here that can meet their needs.
Are beach rentals available at the park?
Yes, you can rent things on the beach according to various needs. For example, you can rent chairs, umbrellas, and more as needed.
Conclusion
If you are a true nature lover or want to go to any kind of recreational places, then you can go to Lori Wilson Park Cocoa Beach, because my visit in March 2025 was completely and completely free from the sight of natural and charming scenery and crowds.
Its natural beauty and the provision of facilities along with it show its charm, where the heart wants to go again and again.
Don’t forget to bring your towel along, and don’t forget to bring your dogs along.
