Planning a cruise out of Port Canaveral? This Travels with Darley podcast episode is your essential guide to making the most of your pre- or post-cruise time in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. Just 45 minutes from Orlando, this affordable, space-inspired beach destination is not only convenient for cruisers boarding ships like Carnival Mardi Gras and RCL Utopia of the Seas, but it’s also full of opportunities to relax and explore. From family-friendly resorts and surf shops to tiki bars and rocket launch viewing spots, Darley Newman shares her weekend experience discovering where to eat, stay, and play before setting sail.

Darley rides the Cocoa Beach Express shuttle from Orlando International Airport to the Radisson Resort at the Port, meeting fellow travelers like Lisa and Michael Carso, who’ve taken 35 cruises, and newcomers like Denise and Terry Cochran from Knoxville. She explores shuttle options, hotel packages, and accessibility services. She chats with locals like Jonathan Bloomfield, a top-rated bellman who knows the ins and outs of parking, luggage, and hospitality. Darley also connects with solo female traveler Caretta Campbell of New York and a multigenerational group from Missouri to hear real cruiser tips—what to pack, where to eat (like Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar), and how to make the most of an overnight stay.

Whether you’re headed out on your first cruise or your fifteenth, this episode offers insider insights and real traveler stories to help you navigate Port Canaveral and your Cocoa Beach vacation with confidence. From breakfast buffets and bike rides to beach days and sunset cocktails at Fishlips, it’s a relaxed yet informative listen to help you launch your next voyage smoothly—and with style.

Head to Florida’s Space Coast to explore Downtown Cocoa Beach and beyond—where surf culture, space launches, and laid-back local vibes collide. Cocoa Beach is not only a top spot for rocket launch viewing and beachside relaxation, but also an ideal destination for affordable, family-friendly travel, including pre- and post-cruise getaways out of nearby Port Canaveral. Darley meets up with longtime local Jack Kirshenbaum to walk downtown North Orlando Avenue, checking out art galleries, wine bars, and favorite local hangouts like Café Surfinista, where surfboards line the walls and smoothies fuel conversations about Cocoa Beach’s past, present, and future.

Listeners also go behind the scenes at Cocoa Beach Surf Company, a women-led retail and hospitality complex across from the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop. Darley chats with Sandi McBride, Janet Antoon, Megan Campbell, and Amy Jones, who share insights on surf fashion, favorite beach activities, and space-themed gear that celebrates the area’s NASA connection. From space-inspired t-shirts to bikinis, shopping turns into a local experience—and wraps up with peach margaritas and BLT pizza in the on-site restaurant.

With special events like Thunder on Cocoa Beach, world-class surfing at First Peak and Monster Hole, and welcoming locals ready to offer tips, Cocoa Beach is a destination where you can stroll downtown, cycle to the shore, or watch rockets launch into the sky. Whether you're planning a weekend beach trip or a stopover before a cruise, this episode offers authentic travel ideas for making the most of your Cocoa Beach vacation.

Set sail for Florida’s Space Coast with this on-location adventure podcast through Cocoa Beach! From rocket launches and tiki bars to mermaids and mahi tacos, Darley Newman explores the best pre- and post-cruise experiences with locals and fellow travelers.

In this first episode of Travels with Darley: Cocoa Beach Escapes podcast series, journey to Florida’s legendary Space Coast for an unforgettable family-friendly adventure—perfect for a pre- or post-cruise getaway. Just a short drive from Orlando and home to Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach offers the perfect blend of surf, space, and sunshine without breaking the bank.

Host Darley Newman helps you to experience what makes Cocoa Beach so unique, from rocket launches and sandy shores to colorful art made from ocean plastics. You’ll hear from local changemakers like Daniel Todd, owner of 4th Street Fillin Station—a gastropub housed in a vintage gas station with a vast craft beer selection and menu catering to families and travelers with food sensitivities—and artist Cory Redwine, who transforms coastal trash into meaningful art. Darley also explores top family-friendly accommodations like the Radisson Resort at the Port and the retro-chic Beachside Hotel & Suites with Suzanne McCarthy, where mermaids make poolside appearances and lazy rivers entertain all ages.

Whether you're looking to spot a Falcon 9 rocket launch at Jetty Park, enjoy eco-adventures on Merritt Island, or relax with a frosty drink steps from the beach, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring stories from locals and fellow travelers. Discover how to cruise and play—without overspending—on Florida’s most accessible beach.

Join host Darley Newman for an inside look at the growing world of river cruising. From her scenic journeys through Europe with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises to expert insights from Uniworld's CEO Ellen Bettridge and Chief Marketing Officer Shrinett Fleet, this episode covers everything from top destinations and packing tips to the rise of women-only and multigenerational travel. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or new to the idea, get ready for a relaxing, immersive way to explore the world—one river at a time. Learn about Uniworld’s first-ever women’s only cruise, exploring Burgundy and Provence and departing August 24th, 2025. Special guests include Rachel Dratch from SNL and Uniworld CEO Ellen Bettridge. 

Learn more about the August 24th, 2025 women-only cruise at darley.link/uniworld.

Learn about Uniworld’s first-ever women’s only cruise, exploring Burgundy and Provence, departing August 24th. Designed by women, this unique cruise will have special guests, including comedian Rachel Dratch and Uniworld’s CEO Ellen Bettridge. Hear from Ellen Bettridge and Uniworld Chief Marketing Officer Shirnett Fleet about what makes this cruise an exquisite experience—from lavender weaving and burlesque workshops to wine tastings, candlelit concerts, and a comedy show and Q&A with Rachel Dratch from SNL. This episode explores how women travelers are shaping the future of tourism and how river cruising is evolving to meet their needs—with luxury, connection, and fun at the heart of it all.

Learn more about the August 24th, 2025 women-only cruise sailing through southern France at darley.link/uniworld.

Take a Québec road trip along the historic Chemin du Roy or King’s Road with travel expert Darley Newman. Tune in to the third episode of this three-part road trip as we travel from Montreal to Québec City, making scenic stops along the way to uncover the rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and mouthwatering food. Discover roadside stops, like Fromagerie Alexis de Portneuf, Magasin Général Paré and Ti Oui Snack Bar where you can try goat cheese and poutine and restock on road trip supplies. Discover Aventure Inukshuk, located at Duchesnay Resort, where travelers can take on dog sledding adventures in the winter and observe wildlife during the warmer months in a Canadian national park around Saint-Joseph Lake. Get out on the trails at Vallée Bras-du-Nord, mountain biking through a lush forest to stunning waterfall views at Delaney Falls and grabbing a local beer at nearby microbrewery, Le Roquemont. At Station Touristique Duchesnay, stay at an eco-resort that offers activities like paddleboarding on calm lake waters. Get ready for a travel journey filled with breathtaking nature, local culture, and tasty hidden gems of Québec.

Road trip from Montreal to Québec City along the historic Chemin du Roy or King’s Road with travel expert Darley Newman. Tune in to the second episode of this three-part road trip as we go in depth with the locals and explore eco-friendly escapes and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Dive into a historic walking tour of Trois-Rivières with tour guide Jean-Philippe Marcotte and get the scoop on where to eat pizza and poutine. Discover Distillerie Mariana, where you can savor gin crafted from local products in a repurposed building that’s over a hundred years old. Soar above the vibrant fall foliage of La Mauricie National Park in a seaplane with Hydravion Aventure. Buckle up for an unforgettable journey through Québec’s rich history, local flavors, and stunning nature.

Take a road trip in Québec between Montreal and Québec City along the historic Chemin du Roy or King’s Road. The King's Road stretches over 170 miles along the St. Lawrence River and passes historic cities, quaint villages, national parks and farms. Grab a drink with entrepreneur Florence Mailhot at Distillerie Grand Dérangement, a sustainable family-run distillery sharing local history of the Acadians and organic products in Saint-Jacques.

Forage for wild mushrooms on a gourmet hike with Marie-Renee Buczkowski at Marcheur des Bois in Saint-Côme. Learn about unique places to stay, from cozy chalets at Les Boisés de la Rivière Noire to Le Baluchon Eco Resort, where you can explore breathtaking nature and make furry friends. Le Baluchon is like a summer camp for adults and families. Patricia Brouard introduces Darley Newman to archery, hikes to waterfalls and tasty poutine.

Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or road trip enthusiast, this thrilling road trip adventure will give you ideas for your next vacation! Dive into the first episode of this three-part series, exploring Canadian sustainability, history, and hidden gems.

Take an immersive journey through the Guadeloupe Islands in this special Black History Month episode. Join host Darley Newman and local guides on an exciting island-hopping adventure, discovering the rich culture, delectable cuisine, hidden travel gems, and captivating history of this French Caribbean destination. Venture to the island of Les Saintes to explore the bustling markets of Terre-de-Haut. Enjoy views at Fort Napoléon and unwind on the pristine white sands of Pompierre Beach. Savor fresh seafood and hear about restaurants you might like to experience like Au Bon Vivre.

On the island of Basse-Terre, indulge in a wellness escape at Spa Tendacayou, where Darley shares what it’s like to try a unique fish pedicure. Off the coast, go snorkeling and scuba diving at La Reserve Cousteau, a protected area with biological diversity and a vibrant marine ecosystem.

Get expert tips on where to stay and the best times to visit the Guadeloupe Islands from Audrey Yacou, PR and Marketing Officer for the Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Board. Learn about the upcoming Saint-Georges International Music Festival, which showcases performances honoring the legacy of Saint-Georges and celebrating diversity in classical music. Pack your swimsuit and love of learning on an adventure in the French Caribbean!

Discover the hidden gems of the Guadeloupe Islands, a French Caribbean paradise brimming with culture, history, and natural beauty. Join travel expert Darley Newman and local guides on an island-hopping adventure. Stroll through the lively markets on the island of Grand-Terre in the city of Pointe-à-Pitre, savoring fresh tropical fruits and the vibrant sounds of Gwo-Ka music—an Afro-Caribbean musical genre rooted in African, European, and Caribbean traditions. 

Dive into the history of the islands at the Memorial ACTe Museum, dedicated to the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.On Basse-Terre, walk in the footsteps of freedom fighters at Fort Delgrès, named in honor of Louis Delgrès, who heroically resisted the re-establishment of slavery in 1802. Savor local flavors with a taste of Guadeloupe’s iconic rum and indulge in the bokit, a beloved sandwich that captures the essence of island life.

Next, get active with a hike through the lush landscapes of Guadeloupe National Park and the towering La Soufrière Volcano. Hear from Audrey Yacou from the Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Board about annual events you might like to experience like Carnival, a celebration that showcases the rich cultural diversity of the islands. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, this episode offers practical tips on the best hotels and travel options, including convenient year-round direct flights from Miami. Don’t miss this immersive guide to the ultimate Guadeloupe getaway!