“I don’t know what you could say about a day in which you have seen four beautiful sunsets”. Astronaut John Glenn
The space program out of Kennedy Space Center has created a whole destination area. It is such a centerpiece of the area that they changed the area code to 321 (countdown to launch) in 1999! There are many options to consider besides a day at the space center. The Space Coast region offers the perfect combination of sun, sea, and space for vacationers of all ages to enjoy. With dozens of informative, historical, and recreational activities, the Florida Space Coast is an essential destination to your travel itinerary. If you want to plan your trip around a launch, monitor the website www.spacelaunches.com for the latest information. Whether you are visiting with friends, your spouse or on a family vacation the Kennedy Space Center is a must-see destination to add to your itinerary. You may be taking a cruise out of Port Canaveral so spend a couple of days enjoying this area before or after your floating holiday. Read on to learn about the best attractions, lodging, and dining in the Florida Space Coast travel region.
Visiting The Kennedy Space Center Complex
A visit to the space center can end up being an expensive proposition if you are not too careful. Before heading there look for discounts on the base admission pricing. If you can snag a copy, the area visitors guide has a coupon that offers $7 off per person which can really add up for a family. Admission to the complex is $57 for ages 12 and older, $ 47 under 12 but that does not include many different add-ons that they tempt you with. There is an audio guide available for $9, launch director tour( $65), lunch with an astronaut experience ($30 age 12 and older $ 16 under 12), astronaut training experiences, tours, and of course, launch preferential seating. Allow a full day for visiting the Kennedy Space Center. A good place to start is the bus that takes you throughout the complex. You can get on and get off anywhere you want. You will never have to wait more than a couple of minutes for the next bus.
Inside the complex you will find IMAX movies, space exhibits, simulators, the rocket garden, Astronaut Hall of Fame, and much more. There are a multitude of specialty tours but the least expensive one is a four hour walking tour that includes a boxed lunch for $ 20. If you are traveling with a dog you can leave it at their kennel for free for the day. Call the kennel at 321-449-4440 for more details and rules.
If you want to watch a launch for free without going to the Kennedy Space Center head to one of the many free viewing spots in Titusville off of US 1. If you want to see a launch on the premises it can be very expensive and you will have to get there very early to secure a decent spot.
Here Are Some Of Your Many Options:
Kennedy Point Park, Municipal Marina- may be able to see some Manatees in the water there, Rotary Riverfront Park, Sand Point Park– large park with an astronaut memorial, and William J Manzo Park. All of these locations have restrooms and have convenience stores nearby.
Space View Park is 15 miles away directly across the launch pad. You will find all types of monuments there and you can see astronaut mission logos as well as live audio feed for the launch coming from the NASA control room.
Important tip– no matter which spot you pick, don’t forget to bring chairs, food and beverages.
If you want to go eat at a local favorite, head to Dixie Crossroads in Titusville. It has a varied seafood menu and extensive shrimp options. 1475 Garden Street, Titusville
Want a day on the water? Canaveral National Seashore has 24 miles of undeveloped beaches. On the north end is Apollo Beach. On the south end is Playalinda Beach which is known for its surfing and remote setting.
West of the coastline is the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. On Black Point Wildlife Drive there is a seven mile drive where you can stop often observing birds and alligators if you are lucky. Great for bird watching October-May www.fws.gov/merrittisland.
Airboat Experiences
You are very close to the St Johns River so make sure you experience an airboat ride. They are usually one to two hours long and you will come across all types of birds and all sizes of alligators. There are a few companies that offer this so look for the best deal since they are all pretty similar in the experience.
Midway offers one hour trips for $43 13 years and older. 407-588-6109
St Johns Airboat has 1 ½ hour experiences for $50 age 11 and older. $45 under 11. 321-615-8999
Check with both to see if they are running any specials. Your hotel may have coupons or discounts.
Florida Surfing Attractions
Cocoa Beach is only 15 minutes from the Space Center and is a good stop for the day, especially if you have an interest in surfing. 11-time world champion Kelly Slater comes from Cocoa Beach and you can see his bronze statue North of downtown. If you want to be the next Kelly Slater, there are many options for surfing lessons. Pure Aloha Surf offers one hour for $45 and a second person is $ 25. Cocoa Beach Surf offers group lessons at $40. Ron Jon Surf School has group rates at$ 50/hour. Keep an eye on specials offered by Groupon before committing. There is the Florida Surf Museum which is right next door to the world-famous surf shop, Ron Jon, which is open 24 hours a day. Want to watch surfing instead? Head to the Cocoa Beach pier.
Space Coast Dining
A good dining option is the Fat Snook. It is a good casual seafood restaurant with a Caribbean flair. Catch their Happy Hour menu from 4-6 for half price appetizers and discounted beer and wine. www.thefastsnook.com
Scenic Outdoor Attractions
If you are planning a visit to the space coast, there are dozens of scenic outdoor attractions to stop at along the way. Scenic outdoor spots have always been an excellent, affordable stop for your value travel itinerary. The Florida coast is home to thousands of beautiful waterway, beachfront and riverside parks with spectacular scenery. On your visit, be sure to look up the Intercoastal Waterway Park, Kelly Park East, and Osteen Park. You should additionally pay a visit to Kars Park or Samsons Island Nature Park, which are excellent for camping and sunsets. For hikers, Erna Nixon Park is another excellent option right outside of Port Canaveral.
Zoos And Wildlife Attractions
When visiting Kennedy Space Center, there are dozens of unique zoo and wildlife attractions to see. One of the most popular sites is Brevard Zoo. Brevard is a 75-acre nonprofit zoo that is home to over 900 animals. The zoo offers dozens of things to do including behind-the-scenes tours, kayak excursions, and a train ride. At the same time, the zoo even offers giraffe feeding and zip-lining aerial adventures. This can be a great solo travel destination experience. Just north of the zoo, you will find Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to dozens of wetland bird species. In the same area, you should also pay a visit to Banana River Aquatic Preserve, where are you will be able to see dozens of mangroves and Manatees. If you love animals, this is one of the best things to do on the Florida space coast.
Art Museums, Galleries, And Destinations Near The Kennedy Space Center Complex
As you plan things to do at the Florida space coast, there are several incredible art museums and galleries to visit. One of the most popular destinations to admire art is Foosaner Art Museum. Owned and operated by the Florida Institute of Technology, this museum offers several artworks that relate to the past, present, and future. You can also pay a visit to Fifth Avenue Art Gallery. This incredible gallery is owned by local artists, and showcases original fine arts, crafts, and jewelry.Before you book your trip, consider the best art tourism destinations near the Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island Florida.
Bioluminescent Lagoon Adventures
Visiting the Florida Space Coast, it is essential to check out the bioluminescent lagoons. Florida’s cone jellyfish and dinoflagellates plankton create a chemical reaction that cause them to illuminate anytime there water is disturbed. When disturbed, this phenomenon creates a natural, glowing blue water experience that cannot be found elsewhere. To capitalize on the incredible scenery, many companies have begun offering experiences that explore the Bioluminescent lagoon waters. Many tourism companies offer kayak, paddleboard, and other fin expeditions that provide a breathtaking outdoor experience.
Disney Day Trips
When you visit Florida’s Space Coast, you may want to consider taking a day trip to Disney. As the parks begin to re-open, be sure to read about the full post-COVID Disney theme park experience If you have kids, Disney is a must-see experience the entire family can enjoy. When you were already visiting Kennedy Space Center, Disney’s famous Magic Kingdom park is only an hour away. While it is impossible to see all of Disney World in a single day, look at all the parks, different adventures, and options to find an exciting day trip. Remember that  Disney parks can often be incredibly expensive, making it a difficult trip for even the most experienced value travelers. However for the overall experience that Disney provides, you may want to consider adding it to the list of things to do on your upcoming vacation.
Florida Space Coast Shopping
In addition, visitors can also enjoy Florida space coast shopping centers to find a souvenir to remember the trip. On the space coast, you can visit Ron Jon Surf Shop. Other surf shops in the area include the Cocoa Beach Surf Company located in Cocoa Beach and the Longboard House on Melbourne Beach.
These are great places to purchase beach supplies, post cards, and gifts. Of course, Space Beach also offers Historic Downtown Areas in Titusville, Cocoa Village, and Melbourne. Here, you can find great shops to buy antiques and gifts. There are many great places to eat as well, so you can plan trip food allergies during your vacation. Definitely, Florida Space Coast shopping is a great thing to do for shopping-lover travelers near the Kennedy Space Center.
Plan on other activities and experiences other than the space center. You can pack sustainable travel products to make your stay as enjoyable as possible as well. Remember, there is a real possibility that the launch that you are there to see will be delayed due to weather or technical issues. Cancellations can occur minutes before launch time. It can be rescheduled for the next day or two but you may not have the time in your schedule to stay in town. Important tip– plan to go to a launch on your first day of your trip so you factor in delays for the launch!
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