Enter: Cocoa Beach.

If you live in Orlando and you’re looking for a senior session that feels coastal, iconic, and totally Florida…this is the spot.

Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Central Florida that still gives you actual beach energy. Not just a strip of sand and a couple palm trees, but waves, texture, character, and that little hit of nostalgia.

She’s got history. She’s got surf-town soul. And yes, she’s literally the hometown of Kelly Slater, who is basically the Beyoncé of surfing.

(If you know, you know.)

Here’s the Breakdown: All the Spots I Love

1. The Classic Beach Shot

This is the one.

The iconic. The beautiful. The barefoot-in-the-sand moment. The “this is my senior year and I’m thriving” shot.

The ocean in the background, waves doing their thing, birds flying overhead like a Disney movie, and that Atlantic energy that makes every photo feel alive.

Gulf beaches? Calm. She’s minding her business.

Atlantic beaches? They brought movement. They brought drama. They brought foam. They brought cinematic realness.

Sometimes there’s seaweed, and honestly? It’s giving actual mermaid…not “ew, what was that?”

2. Beach Shots with the Pier in the Background

This setup adds depth, mood, and a little extra story to your photos. The pier sits off in the distance behind you, framing the scene just enough to give it that beach-town magic.

It gives surfer movie vibes in the best way.

Like you just stepped out of a teen drama where you spent the summer lifeguarding and falling in love with someone who plays guitar.

That’s the energy.

(But make it Florida.)

3. The Grassy Sand Moment

Technically not dunes. Let’s not get carried away.

But we do have soft sand + beach grass that creates the prettiest texture. It’s not bright white sand like the Gulf, it’s a little more golden, a little more natural, and it photographs beautifully. You get color, contrast, and coastal chic energy.

Perfect for sitting shots, dreamy golden hour light, or just walking barefoot like you’re the chillest person alive. Love her.

4. Under the Pier

This is where we go when we want drama (but, like, the good kind).

You’ve got these huge wooden beams and thick concrete supports underneath that give a little California surf grit without ever leaving Florida. The waves hit hard under here, it’s loud and wild and full of movement, and your photos will look like an editorial ad. In a good way.

Bonus: it’s shady. So if we’re shooting while the sun is trying to fry us, this is our go-to safe zone for soft, moody light.

5. The Little Beach Shack

Not fancy. Not Pinterest-perfect.

Just a humble little storage shack for chairs and umbrellas.

But somehow?

She photographs better than she has any right to.

It adds that rugged, beach-town feel to your gallery. Super cute with a sundress, a swimsuit cover-up, or even a hoodie and sandy feet. It’s lowkey, but she’s doing the most.

6. The Cocoa Beach Pier Sign

Okay, this? This is your iconic Florida girl photo.

The sign is bold, bright, and so recognizable. Locals know it. Visitors love it. And if we’re shooting at sunrise?

You get it all to yourself.

Throw a peace sign, flip your hair, smile like you just picked the perfect senior session location (because you did), and boom. It’s the shot. She’s giving major Gen Z energy.

7. The Wooden Walkways to the Beach

These boardwalk-style paths are perfect for that “walking into the sunshine” vibe.

You’ve got beach grass, little palm shadows, weathered wood, and soft sand at your feet. It’s a whole mood. And it makes for some of my favorite quiet, in-between moments…feet in the sand, morning light all around you. Yes please.

Sunrise vs. Sunset: What’s Best

Sunrise? She’s gorgeous.

The sun rises right over the ocean, so you can get that glowy backlight that makes every shot feel magical. There’s also the magical blue hour shots you can get right before the sun starts glowing. Who doesn’t love a good cotton candy sky?

No crowds, no distractions, no beachgoers watching you pose. The air’s cooler, the light’s softer, and the pier is all yours.

Sunset? It works.

But it’s front-lit, so if the ocean’s behind you, we’re in squint city. That said, the pier lights up beautifully with golden hour vibes.

And once the sun dips? We pivot into soft blue hour skies and pastel colors that still photograph like a dream over the water.

Which one do I recommend?

Sunrise. All. Day. Long.

Cocoa Beach is Close to Orlando (Which, Let’s Be Honest, Matters)

This beach is just over an hour from most spots in Central Florida. No, you don’t have to drive three hours to get pretty water and a cute pier. We love a straight shot.

If you live in Winter Garden, Windermere, Lake Nona, wherever, you can do a sunrise shoot and still make it to brunch. It’s giving maximum beauty, minimal travel.

Still Here? Still Thinking About That Dream Beach Session?

Let’s do it.

Whether you’re all about the sunrise drama or want to rock your coastal vibes at sunset, I promise Cocoa Beach Pier has everything we need. One location. All the variety. And a gallery that looks like you hit five spots, not just one.

Need more inspo before locking it in?

Want outfit ideas? Check out what to wear for your senior photos (I’ve got ideas for every vibe).

Curious about other senior photo locations? Peek at some of my favorite senior photo locations near Orlando to see what else Central Florida is serving.

Already dreaming up your session? Click below or email me at hello@petalandstonephoto.com and let’s plan it all out.

Let’s make it official →