The Space Coast bucket list

Visitors to the Space Coast immediately notice that there is not as much traffic and less hustle and bustle than elsewhere in Florida.

The region offers spaces to learn something new, explore the unexpected and relax in natural surroundings.

Don’t forget to add some of these favorite activities to your travel wish list.

A rocket launch close up: There were 72 launches on the Space Coast in 2023 and more are expected in 2024. The Space Coast launch app  is available for Apple and Android phones and is a valuable tool for visitors, showing the launch schedule from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Base. The app also has a countdown function at T-2 hours and T-5 minutes, live camera launch coverage with audio when available and also a compass feature for use when in the destination pointing towards the correct launch pad. The app also supplies useful information on the actual launch.

Visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: This complex is a must-see in the destination and transports guests through the United States’ journey to the stars. From Explorer One, the first satellite launched by NASA, to the upcoming Artemis missions, visitors can chronicle the major events that lead to man´s exploration of deep space.

Explore the beaches: The Space Coast boasts 72 miles of Atlantic coastline with uncrowded sandy beaches for the whole family. During the summer months (March to October) four different species of sea turtles visit the region to lay their eggs; amounting to over 52,000 nests in 2023 and the largest nesting grounds in the US. Visitors can partake on a guided sea turtle walk to learn more about the nesting behavior. Busier beaches include Cocoa Beach, Indian Harbour Beach and Indialantic where visitors can find ample beach rentals, surf shops, and parks with playgrounds. Less crowded beaches include the Canaveral National Seashore in the north, plus the centrally located beaches of Patrick Space Force Base, and Melbourne Beach in the south.

Take a Surf Lesson: The Space Coast is also known as the Surfing Capital of the East Coast. The consistent surfable waves and 72 miles of accessible shoreline make for the perfect surfing conditions. Sporty family members can check-out the surf schools available for individual and group classes. They can even learn to surf from the likes of pro surfer Todd Holland.

Combine it with a Cruise: Port Canaveral is one of the busiest cruise ports in the US, with seven popular cruise lines homeporting 21 ships. Many area hotels offer packages that allow visitors to park their car, shuttle to and from the cruise terminals, and even to and from the airports. Day visitors can relax and enjoy their time on the decks of some incredible waterfront restaurants in The Cove.

Brevard Zoo: One of the best zoos in the US, it has interactive and immersive loops featuring animals from Florida, Africa, Australia and Latin America. It is very accessible for smaller children and offers additional highlights such as being the only zoo in the US where guests can kayak past animal exhibits; or ziplining through a rainforest.

Navigate the Indian River Lagoon: This biodiverse estuary is home to dolphins, manatees, and many species of fish. Visitors enjoy an impressive array of native and migratory birds feeding and relaxing on its waters. All family members can hop on an eco-tour for a guided experience. A kayak tour is also a fun, way to explore mangrove tunnels and have close encounters with marine mammals and comb jellies. Every year the Space Coast is an epicentre of the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence. Between June and October guests can book a bioluminescence tour of the Indian River. 

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