Cherie Down Park

Cherie Down Park is Cape Canaveral's best-kept secret for family beach days. While tourists pay for parking at busier spots, locals know to head to Cherie Down for free parking, free beach access, and a playground on-site — all in one spot.

The park sits right off Ridgewood Ave with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. It has a playground that keeps younger kids occupied, covered picnic pavilions with tables for family meals, and a clean stretch of beach that doesn't get as packed as the more commercially known spots nearby.

For families staying in Cape Canaveral who want to spend a full beach day without paying for parking or crowds, this is the answer. The combination of playground + beach + free picnic area means you can literally spend an entire morning here without spending a dollar.

The beach access path is manageable but not totally stroller-friendly — be prepared to carry or fold the stroller for the last stretch to the sand. Once there, the beach is wide and clean with typical Atlantic Coast conditions.

Evenings at Cherie Down are particularly nice — the sunset from the beach side is excellent and the crowds thin out after 4PM. If your kids have been inside all day at a museum or attraction, this is the perfect spot to end the day with some outdoor time and ocean air.