The Dinosaur Store

Imagine a place where the boundaries of time blur, and you find yourself face-to-face with the giants of the past. The Dinosaur Store in Cocoa Beach is not just a retail space, but an impressive two-story museum complex covering over 2,400 square meters, located in the USA. This private non-profit space combines a passion for paleontology with a deep respect for human history.

The first floor of the complex is entirely dedicated to the Mesozoic Era. Here, visitors are greeted by skeletons of more than 16 dinosaur genera, including the majestic 14-meter Giganotosaurus and dramatic Allosaurus hunting scenes. In addition to paleontological finds, the exhibit introduces the forces of nature: plate tectonics, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes that shaped our planet millions of years ago.

The second floor transports guests into the world of ancient cultures. Here, you can see a detailed replica of Tutankhamun's tomb, terracotta warriors from China, and artifacts from Mesoamerican civilizations. The collection includes authentic items up to 6,500 years old, making The Dinosaur Store one of the most significant private exhibits in Florida.

To inquire about special events or group visits, you can contact the administration by phone or through the official website. The Dinosaur Store is always open to connecting with enthusiasts of antiquity.

In this unique location, everyone will find something to enjoy. The main draw is undoubtedly the full-sized skeletons of ancient reptiles. Be sure to check out the 46-foot Giganotosaurus and the intricately detailed Parasaurolophus. For those who love action, there is a scene of Allosaurs attacking a Diplodocus, which allows you to literally feel the atmosphere of the Jurassic period.

The interactive elements make the visit especially memorable for children. Here, you can try your hand as a real paleontologist by panning for gold and minerals to find your own fossils or gems. Additionally, the museum is home to live alligators and snakes, which can be observed in a safe environment.

Don't forget to head up to the second floor for a cultural world tour. Exploring a replica of the Chichen Itza temple and studying Paleolithic tools will expand your knowledge of evolution. To round off your visit, stop by the store itself, where you can purchase authentic fossils, rare minerals, or unusual scientific souvenirs as keepsakes.

Reaching this paleontological treasure trove is quite simple. The Dinosaur Store is located at 250 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, in close proximity to popular beaches. If you are traveling by car, the most convenient route is via the A1A (Cocoa Beach Causeway), turning off from I-95 or FL-528. Free parking is available for visitors on-site.

For those who prefer public transport, Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT) buses connect Melbourne and Orlando to Cocoa Beach. The bus stop is within walking distance of the museum entrance. Taxis and popular ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available.

If your trip begins in Orlando (MCO airport), the drive will take approximately 45–60 minutes. Many tourists combine a visit to the museum with a trip to the nearby Kennedy Space Center for a full-day itinerary.

The history of this fascinating place began in November 1996. Originally, it was a modest fossil and mineral shop with just a couple of display cases. However, the passion of the founders, Steve and Donna Cayer, for paleontology allowed the project to quickly grow beyond a simple retail outlet into a large-scale educational center.

In 2017, the ambitious project reached a new milestone with the opening of the Museum of Dinosaurs and Ancient Cultures. Over $3.7 million was spent on construction and building the collection, while the design and preparation of the exhibits took about eight years. The creators aimed to make the museum non-profit, ensuring all ticket proceeds go toward maintaining and developing this unique collection of artifacts.

Today, the museum's collection is valued at approximately $3 million. It spans vast stretches of time: from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods to ancient civilizations that existed over 6,500 years ago. The attention to detail and scientific accuracy make this a key destination for anyone interested in anthropology and natural history.

When planning your visit to The Dinosaur Store, expect to spend at least 2–3 hours here. This is enough time to leisurely browse the exhibits on both floors and visit the gift shop.

For families with children, we recommend setting aside about 4 hours. Interactive zones, such as panning for treasure or observing live reptiles, usually fascinate young explorers so much that it’s simply impossible to leave quickly.

The Dinosaur Store and museum welcome guests throughout the week, with the exception of one day. Please note the schedule to ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible.

Doors are open on Monday and from Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The museum is closed on Tuesday. On Sunday, visits are possible in the afternoon from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

After immersing yourself in the world of prehistoric giants and ancient cultures, it’s a great idea to take a stroll around the area. Cocoa Beach offers many interesting locations where you can relax by the ocean or sample local cuisine.