We like Cocoa Beach because I like big Atlantic waves, we like the pier and its restaurants fine, and we like La Quinta Oceanfront on Hendry Ave (not to be confused with La Quinta Port Canaveral on Atlantic Ave), right next to the pier. It has nice direct oceanfront rooms with balconies, a poolside bar, nice outdoor deck areas with umbrella tables on which to lounge or eat the free hot breakfast, and you can have two pets per room free of charge (and also take them on the decks while you eat, or any time of day. In fact, don't go there if you don't like dogs!). The direct oceanfront rooms have a larger refrigerator than normal in a motel room, with separate freezer compartment, and we will sometimes go across the street to Publix and buy salads and stuff to microwave because we don't like to eat every meal out.
I have to say we have yet to find particularly superb restaurants, especially for seafood, but a couple of people have recommended two restaurants we haven't tried yet, and I will dig them up if you decide to go there. (The names, not the people...
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There is a historic village of Cocoa Beach a few miles away (we haven't been there yet but will go next time) with shopping.
The other things we like about Cocoa Beach are: there is no driving allowed on the beach, so there is unobstructed view and more beach to access; cruise ships go in and out not far away, and it's fun to sit on the balcony and watch them sail through the channel markers; it's not mobbed, even in season; if there's any kind of rocket launch going on, you have a ringside seat from your balcony. Take binoculars.
It may not be the most hoity-toity beach on the Atlantic in that area, but it's perfect for us for a short beach getaway, and lately we have been hopping over there every month.
There is a trick to getting the right room at La Quinta. If you decide to go, PM me and I will explain.