The Space Coast Bucket List

Visitors to the Space Coast immediately notice that there is not much traffic and less hustle and bustle than elsewhere in Florida, instead the region offers spaces to learn something new, explore the unexpected and relax in the natural surroundings. First-time or even repeat visitors should not miss some of the favourite activities in the area. 

Witness 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 which is available for Apple and Android phones is a valuable tool for visitors, showing the launch schedule from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Base, 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 chronicle the major events that lead to man´s exploration of deep space. It is fascinating for guests of all ages! 

Explore the Beaches: The Space Coast boasts 72 miles of Atlantic coastline with biscuit-coloured, 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 USA. Visitors can partake on a guided sea turtle walk to learn more about the nesting behaviour. Busier beaches include Cocoa Beach, Indian Harbour Beach and Indialantic where visitors find ample beach rentals, surf shops, and parks with playgrounds and pavilions. Less crowded beaches include the Canaveral National Seashore in the north, 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, great weather year-round, 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 and can even learn to surf from the likes of pro surfer Todd Holland. If the waves here are good enough for some of the best surfers in the world, such as world-champion Kelly Slater, it is certain that the first time on a board will be an experience to remember when learning to surf on the Space Coast. 

Combine a Visit with a Cruise: Port Canaveral is one of the busiest cruise ports in the United States, with seven popular cruise lines homeporting 21 ships for couples and families. 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: Sipping a tiki drink while watching cruises embark; savouring fresh seafood while viewing the ships that caught it unload today’s catch or sitting back as rocket boosters glide by on drone ships. 

Experience the Brevard Zoo: One of the best zoos in the USA, voted in the top five zoos in the Southeast for the past 3 years by USA Today Travel. Interactive and immersive loops feature 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 USA where guests can kayak past animal exhibits; ziplining through a rainforest amongst spider monkeys and giraffe-feeding at eye level! 

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, relaxed experience. A kayak tour is also a fun, active 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 Lagoon to experience an explosion of green-blue light when the water is touched.

The Space Coast offers an exciting element to any Florida holiday where the sand meets the stars and life teems below. Holidaymakers can start planning on the official website and once in the area the Visitor Information Center at 267 W. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, 32931 Florida provides local information and as well as some popular photo opportunities.