Florida's Space Coast - Highlights

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind holiday on the only beach that doubles as a launch pad

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind holiday on the only beach that doubles as a launch pad. Florida’s Space Coast is over 70 miles of family-friendly paradise located 45 minutes east of Orlando. Only here will you be able to experience a rocket launch up close, embark on a cruise from bustling and beautiful Port Canaveral, and relax to the sound of crashing waves on uncrowded beaches.

Beaches range from the more well known, such as Cocoa Beach and Melbourne Beach with miles of beach to comb, nearby boutique shops and typical cuisine, a chance to take your first surf lesson or improve your surfing style to more remote spots such as Canaveral National Seashore in the north of the region or Sebastian Inlet in the south.

Enjoy the surprise of our top attractions like the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex where you’ll experience the past, present and future of space exploration. At the same time, note that regular rocket launches are now taking place from Cape Canaveral, so visit our live launch schedule and the best viewing locations. Other key attractions include Brevard Zoo where everyone can kayak and zip line through animal exhibits while contributing to the conservation of local ecosystems. Or immerse yourself in the natural beauty with a guided tour of the Indian River Lagoon. Kayak with manatees, fish with dolphins and experience the awe of summertime bioluminescence, glowing algae best seen on a nighttime guided kayak tour between July and September. Get wild on an alligator-seeking airboat ride or search for sea turtle tracks at sunrise. The sea turtle season runs from March to October and every year Leatherbacks, Loggerheads, Green Sea turtles and sometimes Kemps Ridley turtles return to the beaches to lay their clutches of eggs. This is best experienced on organized Sea Turtle walk.

No trip is complete without sampling the typical cuisine in one of our many communities offering unique dining choices to tempt your palette. From oceanfront dining to locally owned restaurants you’ll be hard pressed not to find something you like. Craft breweries have been popping up on the Space Coast where best brewmasters are creating new and unique flavors that incorporate the laid-back Florida style with their one-of-a-kind brews.

UK holidaymakers can fly directly into the Space Coast via TUI Airlines flights into Melbourne-Orlando International Airport (MLB) from London Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham, Bristol, Doncaster and Newcastle. Alternatively via the nonstop connections with Aer Lingus, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from the main UK airports to Orlando International Airport (MCO), followed by a short drive. Accommodations range from oceanfront resorts to riverfront hotels with views of rocket launches to bed & breakfasts with vacation rental options, too.

The destination is perfect for exploring all Central Florida has to offer. There’s no end to the adventures that await. For more information, go to: https://www.visitspacecoast.com. Once there, check out our new Visitor Information Center at 267 W. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, 32931 Florida for local information.