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12 Reasons to Visit the Florida’s Space Coast (2024)

Last Updated on November 21, 2023

Ever wish you could glide over a river marsh, learn to surf, and explore space history? Then you need to visit Florida’s Space Coast!

Photo of the Atlantis Rocket at the Kennedy Space Center

Brevard County is also a place where you can enjoy a rocket launch, an airboat ride, encounter sea turtles, and so much more.

Visiting Florida’s Space Coast

Table of Contents
    Photo of the rocket garden at the kennedy space center
    Kennedy Space Center Rocket Garden

    Ever wish you could soar like an eagle, blast off like a rocket, glide over a river marsh or paddle through mangrove tunnels, be dazzled by bioluminescence, or dine dockside on fresh seafood?

    What about relaxing on a beach, learning to surf, discovering the wonders of sea turtles nesting, seeing Florida’s most beautiful birds, exploring space history, and picking strawberries and blueberries yourself?

    Titusville image from City of Titusville
    Source: City of Titusville

    There’s a special place in Florida where you can do all of that. It’s the Space Coast, stretching 72 miles along the Atlantic Ocean in Brevard County.

    It’s anchored by Titusville to the north, Melbourne Beach to the south, with Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach in between.

    Photo of Cocoa Beach Pier
    Cocoa Beach Pier

    There is especially plenty of space history in this area. Think rocket launches, a mission to Mars, and flights to the moon.

    But beyond the space program, there is much more to discover. There are plenty of “real”, natural, and historic Florida sites.

    Photo of a space coast beach

    Miles of beaches, vast wilderness areas, and numerous waterways make the Space Coast a leader in Florida’s eco-tourism.

    Birds at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
    Source: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

    There’s a major wildlife refuge, sanctuaries, parks, and one of Florida’s primary sea turtle nesting grounds.

    And the Space Coast is also a surfing in Florida mecca with a collection of charming beach towns and wide expanses of sandy beaches.

    Soar Through the Air

     

    Certainly, a unique start to your Space Coast adventure is to see it from the air aboard a vintage bi-plane with Florida Air Tours.

    From high above the mosaic of wildlife refuges, towns, farms, waterways, the seaport, and the spaceport are unforgettable.

    bi plane on a field
    Source: Florida Air Tours

    And true adventurers can give the pilot the “thumbs up” for some aerial acrobatics.

    Florida Air Tour excursions include flights over Merritt Island, the St. Johns River, Cocoa Beach, Port Canaveral, and Kennedy Space Center – or combine the sights into an all-in-one trip.

    Florida Air Tours Helicopter
    Source: Florida Air Tours

    Florida Air Tours also offers helicopter excursions leaving from the new Port Canaveral site with whirlybird views of the Space Coast.

    Fresh Catch at the Port

    Photo of Port Canaveral
    Port Canaveral

    Hungry after your flight? Port Canaveral offers plenty of fresh seafood. Enjoy a dock-fresh meal from local favorites such as Wild Ocean Seafood, Seafood Atlantic, or Rusty’s Seafood.

    Rustys Seafood
    Source: Rustys Seafood

    Dine and watch cruise boats stream by or fishing boats hauling in the fresh catch. Afterward, drive around one of the busiest U.S. cruise ports and tour Jetty Park.

    Exploration Tower
    Source: Exploration Tower

    To get some real insight into the port, and also get a taste of area culture, head to the seven-story Exploration Tower.

    There’s a dazzling array of colorful sculptures depicting marine life made from recycled materials sourced from local beaches.

    Exploration Tower View Binoculars
    Source: Exploration Tower

    Then head upstairs to the observation tower for a panorama of blue skies, cruise ships, cargo tankers, and fishing vessels navigating the aqua blue waterway.

    Blast Back

    Photo of a rocket at the kennedy space center
    Kennedy Space Center

    Plan to spend a full day at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex chronicling more than 50 years of space history through displays and exhibits.

    Astronaut of the Day Kennedy Space Center
    Source: Kennedy Space Center

    Meet an astronaut in the Astronaut Encounter, and see the Space Shuttle Atlantis in an immersive exhibit telling the compelling story of the shuttle program.

    Shuttle Launch Experience from Kennedy Space Center
    Source: Kennedy Space Center

    Try a simulated shuttle launch, watch a Space Station IMAX 3-D movie, and see real rockets up close and personal in the Rocket Garden.

    And don’t miss the Apollo/Saturn V Center featuring an authentic representation of the 1960’s Apollo 8 launch.

    Photo of The Shuttle Atlantis
    The Shuttle Atlantis, Kennedy Space Center

    Afterward, walk around the Saturn Center to experience the spectacle of a moon landing.

    And you may want to check the Space Coast Launch schedule for the next rocket launch to time your visit for a one-of-a-kind experience.

    Launch at Kennedy Space Center
    Source: Kennedy Space Center

    Locals report the best places to see a launch are from:

    • Cocoa and Playalinda Beaches ($5 per car, for daytime launches)
    • Titusville’s Space View Park on the Indian River
    • The Exploration Tower Observation Deck ($15 fee, Port Canaveral
    • Jetty Park fishing pier ($15 entry fee, Port Canaveral.)

    The Wild Side

    Photo of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
    Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

    Titusville is the gateway to the Kennedy Space Center and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

    Spanning 140,000 acres the refuge protects more endangered animals than any other U.S. refuge.

    Gopher Tortoise from Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
    Source: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

    Here you’ll see manatees, bald eagles, Florida scrub jays, gopher tortoises, and alligators. Also on Merritt Island is the Canaveral National Seashore, which extends 24 miles with pristine beaches and majestic dunes.

    birds flying over water
    Source: Visit Space Coast

    The refuge and seashore are both ideal locations for hiking, biking, kayaking, and bird watching. And plan to visit the Indian River Lagoon too, where fresh and saltwater meet creating a rich estuary of fish, birds, plants, and manatees.

    Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Address: 1987 Scrub Jay Way #32782, Titusville, FL

    Birds, Birds, and More Birds

    Photo of a birding sign at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
    The Space Coast is a renowned birding destination

    The Space Coast is located on the Atlantic Flyway and is a nationally renowned birding location with more than 300 species of birds.

    Sandhill crane in a flower field
    Source: Nature Coast Birding and Wildlife

    During January Titusville hosts the Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival where festival attendees mix with distinguished birding experts as they conduct workshops and field trips.

    Bird at Black Point Wildlife Drive
    Source: Black Point Wildlife Drive

    Many birders follow these trails at the Merritt Island Refuge: Black Point Wildlife Drive (for wading birds), the Bio Lab Road (for wading and shorebirds),

    East Gator Creek Road to Peacocks Pocket (for shorebirds and ducks), the Scrub Ridge Trail (for the endangered Florida scrub jay), and the Oak Hammock (for songbirds).

    Person on a kayak
    Source: Merritt Island Refuge

    For even more adventures, try a guided kayak ride to Bird Island, a major bird nesting island in the Refuge.

    Bird at Ritch Grissom Viera Wetlands
    Source: Ritch Grissom Viera Wetlands

    Also gaining wide recognition among birders is the Ritch Grissom Viera Wetlands, a series of connected ponds with observation areas often frequented by rare species.

    Ritch Grissom Viera Wetlands Address: 3658 Charlie Corbeil Way, Viera, FL 32940

    Mesmerizing Lights

    Photo of a bioluminescence kayak tour
    Bioluminescence Kayak Tour, photo courtesy, Day Away Kayak Tours

    As the evening stars twinkle, head back to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge to experience an evening bioluminescence kayak tour.

    Titusville’s Day Away Kayak Tours features a nighttime paddling trip where living lights dance in the water.

    Kayakers in the sunset
    Source: Day Away Kayak Tours

    Mullet jump as manatees and dolphins keep you company. With each water movement, bioluminescence sparkles with emerald green flashes caused by tiny organisms that glow when stirred up.

    hand in bioluminescent lights in the water
    Source: Day Away Kayak Tours

    Darting fish create glowing trails, and paddle strokes produce eerie wisps of mesmerizing nightlight.

    Tours run from May through September.

    Day Away Kayak Tours Address: 1390 Old Dixie Hwy., Titusville, FL 32796

    Photo of a mural in Titusville
    Titusville historical mural

    After your outdoor adventures take some time to tour Titusville, and stop at the North Brevard Historical Museum which chronicles the experiences of rugged pioneers before the arrival of the Kennedy Space Center.

    North Brevard Historical Museum Address: 301 S Washington Ave., Titusville, FL 32783

    If you are a history lover, don’t miss the 32 Florida Museums in the Time Travelers Network – 2023.

    Wall mural in Titusville

    From there, take a walking tour of Titusville’s picturesque murals depicting history, culture, and the environment.

    Crabs
    Source: Lloyd Have Mercy Restaurant

    For good eats, try down-home soul food at Loyd Have Mercy with mullet, blue crab, catfish, barbecue, and fried green tomatoes, then follow with a slice of sweet potato cake.

    Loyd Have Mercy Address: 3434 S Washington Ave., Titusville, FL 32780

    Shrimp plate at Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant
    Source: Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant

    For local rock shrimp (and more), try the well-known Dixie Crossroads, owned and operated by Laurilee Thompson, a local leader, and eco-tourism champion.

    Dixie Crossroads Address: 1475 Garden St., Titusville, FL 32796

    Where the Gators Go

    Climb aboard an airboat and skim over the St. Johns River marsh.

    Enjoy the beauty of the unique ecosystem and get a close-up view of alligators, bald eagles, blue herons, grazing horses, cattle, and even hogs.

    Airboat in a river in Florida
    Source: Airboat Rides at Midway

    Florida’s longest river is home to freshwater marshes, swamps, and wetlands—Airboat Rides at Midway in the town of Christmas offers tours with knowledgeable boat captains.

    Airboat Rides at Midway Address: 28501 E Colonial Dr., Christmas, FL 32709

    If you want more ways to see alligators, check out the 10 Florida Alligator Parks You Won’t Want to Miss.

    Lone Cabbage Fish Camp
    Source: Lone Cabbage Fish Camp

    Experience the great St. Johns River Conservation area and the cypress forest of the Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area.

    Or nearby, in the town of Cocoa, the Lone Cabbage Fish Camp features airboat tours.

    Lone Cabbage Fish Camp Address: 8199 W King St., Cocoa, FL 32926

    Lone Cabbage Fish Camp Dinner
    Source: Yelp

    Afterward, enjoy a meal at the Lone Cabbage serving a “sampler” of fried catfish, frog legs, and alligator.

    In Melbourne, consider the Camp Holly Airboat Rides featuring eco-rides, night tours, and Indian artifact expeditions.

    Camp Holly Airboat Rides Address: 6901 US-192, Melbourne, FL 32904

    Looking for more airboat rides throughout Florida? Check out 12 Best Airboat Rides in Florida.

    Starry Night Sea Turtle Crawls

    Photo of Sea Turtle walking back to the water after nesting
    Mother Sea Turtle returning to the ocean after nesting, courtesy of Edward Perry

    Sea turtles nest on Space Coast beaches from May through October.

    Guided evening turtle walks, carefully managed by local conservation groups, let you observe mother sea turtles lumbering onto shore to dig sandy nests and deposit more than 100 eggs.

    Spessard Holland South Beach Sunset
    Source: Spessard Holland South Beach

    It’s a magical experience. There are tour locations on the north end at the Canaveral National Seashore but most are concentrated in the southern end of the county.

    You can see them in Melbourne at Spessard Holland Park, in Satellite Beach at Pelican Park, both managed by the Sea Turtle Preservation Society; in Melbourne Beach Barrier Island Sanctuary and Sebastian Inlet State Park.

    Barrier Island Sanctuary
    Source: Barrier Island Sanctuary

    If you miss the walks or visit at a time other than summer, consider seeing the sea turtle conservation exhibits at the Barrier Island Sanctuary located in the Archie Carr Refuge.

    Barrier Island Sanctuary Address: 8385 S Hwy. A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951

    For more sea turtle experiences, Don’t Miss a Florida Sea Turtle Walk.

    Dig in or Hang Ten

    Photo of a hammock and chairs near the beach
    Find beaches with more privacy, Cocoa Beach Place Guesthouses

    With more than 70 miles of coastline, you can dig your toes into the sand at one of many beaches. Want to escape the crowds?

    waterfront in Melbourne
    Source: City of Melbourne

    Try Picnic Tables Park at Patrick Air Force Base, or two sandy spots at Melbourne Beach, Ocean Avenue, or Juan Ponce de Leon Landing Park.

    And to really escape, make sure to head north to the pristine, undeveloped Canaveral National Seashore.

    Photo of Canaveral National Seashore
    Canaveral National Seashore

    If you like action, Cocoa Beach is your place. Eleven-time World Surfing Champion, and Cocoa Beach native, Kelly Slater, learned how to ride the waves here and you can too.

    Sobe Surf building exterior
    Source: Sobe Surf

    Take a lesson with local outfitter Sobe Surf at the beach, offering surfboard or SUP instructions from a local pro.

    Surfing hot spots include the Patrick Air Force Base Second Light Beach (for longboarders); Playalinda Beach at the Canaveral National Seashore; or for advanced surfers, the Sebastian Inlet State Park.

    Photo of a man paddleboarding with a dog
    SoBe Surf also provides stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lessons

    While in Cocoa Beach, a must-see is the historic Cocoa Beach Pier, the iconic backdrop to Florida’s east coast surfing capital. And you’ll want to visit the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop – the world’s largest surf shop.

    Photo of the Cocoa beach pier
    Cocoa Beach Pier

    Cocoa Beach Pier Address: 401 Meade Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

    If you love to surf, don’t miss the 14 Best Surfing Beaches in Florida.

    Tunnel Through Mangroves

    Spoonbill from Up a Creek Kayak Tours
    Source: Up a Creek Kayak Tours

    Mangroves, “Florida’s Trees of Life,” create a unique coastal ecosystem that supports many inhabitants as nurseries for fish, oysters, crabs, and shrimp to shelter and feed among the roots of this tropical plant.

    Heron at Up a Creek Kayak Tours

    Additionally, many varieties of birds roost in the branches. And mangrove forests are popular with people too.

    Throughout Florida are “mangrove tunnels” – small waterways under a canopy of mangroves that create a tunnel effect.

    Kayakers in the water

    Paddling a kayak, canoe, or SUP through a mangrove tunnel is a magical venture where the light is subdued, and nature is amplified.

    Photo of a mangrove tunnel
    Florida mangrove tunnel

    There’s an “old Florida” mangrove tunnel in the Thousand Islands just minutes away from Cocoa Beach called “The Amazon.”

    Enjoy a tour with Cocoa Beach Kayaking as a naturalist guide provides insight into this magical world.

    Photo of two manatees

    You are likely to see dolphins and manatees on your way in and once in the depths of the mangrove forest you may encounter roseate spoonbills, ibis, and herons.

    Cocoa Beach Kayaking Address: Multiple Locations

    If you love to kayak, don’t miss the 9 Best Places to Kayak in Florida.

    U-Pick Farm Fresh Eats

    Photo of a basket of strawberries
    Farm fresh strawberries

    For a change of pace, visitors can enjoy fresh produce from local farms when touring the Space Coast.

    Sledd's U-Pick Farm
    Source: Sledd’s U-Pick Farm

    Near Titusville, the community of Mims is home to small family farms specializing in U-Pick crops.

    Sledd’s U-Pick Strawberry Farm, with more than 30 acres of strawberries, blackberries, and vegetables is great for picking during the growing season.

    Photo of a strawberry plant

    Strawberries ripen on the vine in January, and blackberries follow in May. During the Fall (and Spring) Sledd’s opens its farm for families to walk through a towering sunflower maze and choose a prize pumpkin.

    Photo of blueberries on a stem
    Blueberry season on the Space Coast

    Other local farms open for U-Pick around May (but call ahead first). These include Meadors Blueberry Farm and Ever After Farms.

    Mangos on a tree at Rockledge Gardens
    Source: Rockledge Gardens

    Other farm fresh opportunities include Saturday farmers market at Rockledge Gardens, and coming soon a 6-acre hydroponic farm operated by the Riley family that will grow mangos, avocados, bananas, and some citrus.

    They also provide U-Pick kale, spinach, lettuce, blueberries, and blackberries.

    Florida is home to amazing farms. Find out Where to Find the Best U-Pick Farms in Florida.

    Accommodating You

    Photo of the Cocoa Beach Place Guesthouses
    Cocoa Beach Place Guesthouses

    The Space Coast also has many accommodations, from ultra-modern to old-fashioned.

    Guest house at Beach Place Guest Houses
    Source: Beach Place Guest Houses

    Beach Place Guest Houses located in historic Cocoa Beach offer “boutique” accommodations and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean.

    Seagrapes line the courtyards, while outdoor sculptures and colorful artwork create a tropical relaxing vibe.

    Beach Place Guest Houses Address: 1445 S Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

    Beach view at Beach Place Guest Houses
    Source: Beach Place Guest Houses

    Wooden decks equipped with chairs, hammocks, and fire pits provide the perfect perch for viewing the seascape.

    At night, enjoy the stars and ocean breezes and watch for sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs before returning to the ocean.

    Photo of Tuckaway Beach
    Tuckaway Shores Resort offers “old” Florida charm right on the beach

    And Tuckaway Shores Resort in Indialantic provides a comfy, authentic, and memorable experience full of “old” Florida charm.

    Reminiscent of the 1960s, but updated for comfort, and directly on the Atlantic, you will enjoy the miles of stunning world-class beach taking you into a “no-worry zone.”

    Tuckaway Shores Resort Address: 1441 S Miramar Ave, Indialantic, FL 32903

    Photo of a spaceman statue
    Titusville’s Fairfield Inn & Suites provides comfortable lodging with easy access

    Another comfortable getaway, near Titusville, and also a good choice is the Fairfield Inn & Suites (Kennedy Space Center).

    It is ideally situated off I-95 with easy access to the Kennedy Space Center, the Merritt Island National Refuge, and Port Canaveral.

    Looking for more Florida fun?

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