Cocoa Beach Hotels??

We are planning a Jan 1 thru Jan 9 vacation at WDW--but want to go to CoCoa Beach:cool: before WDW (Jan 1& 2) Would like ideas for hotels right along the beach--just steps away! Has anyone recently stayed at the Holiday Inn or Double tree Inn?
Any other suggestions? Thanks!
Any other sites we shouldn't miss at Cocoa Beach? (kids have never seen the ocean)

We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott in October before a cruise. It was torn up due to remodeling but was still nice. It had a walkway to the beach, just a couple minute walk. Of course, it was a free marriott rewards night so the price was right.

Visit the Ron Jon Surf shop. It's huge and open 24 hours.