< Back to The Space Coast
1. Kennedy Space Center
3-2-1 Blast off!
A command module on display in the Visitor Complex
Every young space cadet dreams of being an astronaut, and this is the place where the dream comes true. Since its opening in 1963, the home of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has launched 135 shuttle missions, 26 manned space flights, and countless rockets from the Cape Canaveral base. The highlight of the Visitor Complex is the permanent display of Atlantis, which ended the shuttle orbiter program in 2011.
Key Features
1. Heroes and Legends America’s space pioneers are honored at this exhibit, where superb interactive technology re-creates the dangers of early missions. The US Astronaut Hall of Fame® is housed here as well.
2. Rocket Garden Eight vintage rockets from every stage of the US Space Program reach for the stars in this display area, beautifully lit at night. Walk among the real rockets and replicas of space capsules illustrating the Center’s history of flight.
3. Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted This 10,000-sq ft- (3,048-sq m-) exhibit features a live theater, interactive experiences, and large-scale multimedia presentations to help kids and adults learn about the future of space exploration. The model of Orion, NASA’s next-generation spacecraft, takes visitors through the technology that helps astronauts explore deep space. The Explorers Wanted show runs live, twice an hour.
4. IMAX® Theater Two massive 50-ft (15-m) movie screens show films featuring footage shot by astronauts during actual missions in space, with sound and 3-D effects so realistic that viewers feel they are in space themselves. Films include Hubble 3D, where viewers can “float” alongside astronauts as they build the Hubble Space Telescope, and Journey to Space, narrated by Sir Patrick Stewart, where viewers can learn about NASA’s plans for deep space exploration.
5. Astronaut Memorial This granite memorial, which stands outside the Atlantis exhibit, is inscribed with the names of those who have died in various space programs. Nearly 2,000 sq ft (186 sq m) of the Atlantis exhibit is dedicated to Forever Remembered, which contains a display of items that belonged to the crew of two shuttles – Challenger and Columbia.
6. Space Shuttle AtlantisSM This $100-million exhibit features the space shuttle Atlantis – an Earth orbiter that went into space more than 30 times between 1985 and 2011. This exhibit is one of only three shuttles on display in the world. Its cargo bay door is open and its robotic arm extended.
7. Shuttle Launch Experience® Visitors can ride a thrilling space flight simulator to sample G-forces and zero gravity. After a pre-launch briefing held in a replica launch gantry, strap on as the countdown begins, and the sounds, lights, and sensation of being launched into space propel the imagination into orbit.
8. Astronaut Encounter In this 30-minute show, visitors meet the members of NASA’s astronaut teams, who tell stories of their experiences and answer questions. The 3-D film Eyes on the Universe: NASA’s Space Telescopes employs footage from the Hubble Telescope, allowing visitors to view the farthest reaches of the universe.
9. Apollo/Saturn V Center Explore a reproduction of the Apollo mission control room, marvel at a 370-ft- (112-m-) tall Saturn V rocket, and see space suits that Apollo 14 astronauts wore in outer space in this tribute to the Apollo Space Program.
KIDS’ CORNER
Spacecraft have names too!
Walk around the Apollo/Saturn V Center and find the numbers on these Apollo capsules with sometimes funny names:
1 Gumdrop
2 Charlie Brown
3 Columbia
4 Kitty Hawk
5 Casper
Left behind
The US Space Program has left six landing modules, three lunar rovers, six flags, two pairs of boots, a hammer, and three golf balls on the Moon.
First and last words
Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the Moon, on July 21, 1969. He famously uttered the first words on the Moon, too: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Do you know what the last words on the Moon were? Eugene Cernan, the last man on the Moon aboard Apollo 17 in December 1971, said: “We leave now as we once came, with peace and with hope for all mankind.”
Answers:
1 Apollo 9. 2 Apollo 10. 3 Apollo 11. 4 Apollo 14. 5 Apollo 16.
Letting off steam
Kids can crawl and climb through tunnels, scamper over a rock wall, and command a mini-shuttle in the Children’s Play Dome (on site), a play area with an outer space theme. If commanding rockets does not use up enough energy, head 8 miles (13 km) south to the Rotary Riverfront Park (4141 S Washington Ave, Titusville, 32780), which has a playground and a fishing pier along the Indian River.
Kids exploring the play area in the Children’s Play Dome
Eat and drink
Picnic: under $25; Snacks: $25–50; Real meal: $50–80; Family treat: over $80 (based on a family of four)
PICNIC Publix Supermarket (2000 Cheney Hwy, Titusville, 32780; 321 267 9606 has sandwiches and salads made fresh daily in the deli.
SNACKS G-Force Grill (in Astronaut Encounter) serves tacos, sandwiches, and fish and chips.
REAL MEAL The Orbit Café (next to the IMAX® Theater), the largest eatery in the Kennedy Space Center, has pizza, barbecue, and sandwiches. Buy a Souvenir Sipper Cup and get free soda refills all day.
FAMILY TREAT Lunch With an Astronaut (in Astronaut Encounter) gives visitors a rare chance to converse and eat with an actual spaceman. Call 866 737 5235 to make a reservation.
Meeting veteran space explorers at Lunch with an Astronaut
Next stop…
NEARBY SPACE HISTORY To discover more about space history, head 13 miles (21 km) west to the US Space Walk of Fame Museum (4 Main St, Titusville, 32796; 321 264 0434), with displays on Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and other shuttles. Or head 12 miles (19 km) east to the Air Force Space and Missile Museum (191 Museum Circle, Patrick Air Force Base, 32925; 321 853 9171) to see restored items from the US Air Force’s space launch activities. The Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum (6600 Tico Rd, Titusville, 32780; 321 268 1941; www.valiantaircommand.com), 8 miles (13 km) west of the Kennedy Space Center, is for those interested in terrestrial flight. The museum displays, repairs, and flies vintage airplanes.
Space shuttle model in the US Space Walk of Fame
The Lowdown
Address State Rd 405, Kennedy Space Center, 32899; 1 866 737 5235; www.kennedyspacecenter.com
Car Rent a car from Orlando.
Open 9am–6pm daily, closed Dec 25 and certain launch days
Prices $140–180; under 3s free. Unlimited admission annual pass: $210–70; under 3s free
Cutting the line Book tickets online and avoid visiting during holidays, the spring break in Mar, and late fall. Head for the Shuttle Launch Experience in the morning, as the lines get long later in the day.
Guided tours The KSC Bus Tour (included with admission) takes visitors to launch pads, the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), and the Apollo/Saturn V Center. For a comprehensive tour of the Center, visitors can try the KSC Explore Tour ($70–90 add-on to basic entry tickets; under 3s free), which is guided by an expert. Visitors can learn about sights such as the 525-ft (160-m) tall VAB, where rockets are prepared for launch. Another tour, the Early Space Tour, takes visitors past historic launch sites at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and stops at the Air Force Space & Missile Museum. ($70–90; under 3s free). The free Rocket Garden tour (10:30am and 4pm daily) shows guests the rockets that helped power American astronauts into space.
Age range 6 plus
Activities Kids can ride in a Mars Rover simulator as well as a slowed-down G-force trainer in the Heroes and Legends exhibition.
Allow 4–8 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Restrooms At the Visitor Complex, IMAX® Theater, and all restaurants
Good family value?
Kids, and most adults, are fascinated by the space program, and the all-inclusive price is a bargain for an all-day experience.
2. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
The wildest place in Florida
Manatees in the Observation Area
With its dry coastal dunes and boggy marshes, the Merritt Island area is like a theme park built by nature. Established in 1963, the refuge covers an area twice the size of Orlando. More than 1,500 species of plants, mammals, and reptiles are found here, including endangered animals that live nowhere else. Many migratory birds visit between October and April, and many large birds, such as egrets and pelicans, live here year-round.
The Lowdown
Address SR-402, Titusville, 32782; 321 861 0667; www.fws.gov/merrittisland
Car Rent a car from New Smyrna Beach or Orlando. The refuge begins at the east side of the Max Brewer Causeway.
Open Refuge: sunrise–sunset daily. Visitor Information Center: usually 10am–4pm. Hours vary by season; check website. Playalinda Beach: 6am–6pm daily (life guards are on duty May 30– Sept 1: 10am–5pm). Roads, trails, and boat ramps open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Price Entry to the park is free, as are fishing permits. Black Point Wildlife Drive and boat docking: $5
Guided tours Driving tours of bird habitats (321 861 5601). Free guided hikes leave from the Visitor Information Center.
Age range 9 plus (for walking trails); driving tours for younger children. Head for the southern end of Playalinda Beach, as the northern end is an unofficial clothing-free area.
Activities The Visitor Center holds crafts workshops for kids.
Allow 1–8 hours
Café No
Restrooms At the Visitor Center, Cruickshank Trail stop, and the parking areas at Playalinda Beach.
Good family value?
With free access to one of North America’s last unspoiled wild areas, Merritt Island is great for outdoorsy families.
View from the top of Turtle Mound, Canaveral National Seashore
Letting off steam
Merritt Island is a wilderness area, and disturbing the animals here by running and making a noise is frowned upon. Head for Jetty Park Fishing Pier in Cape Canaveral to catch and release fish in some of the best waters in the state, or check out Seminole Rest and Turtle Mound in the middle of the Canaveral National Seashore. These archaeological sites prove the presence of Native Americans here 4,000 years ago.
Eat and drink
Picnic: under $25; Snacks: $25–50; Real meal: $50–80; Family treat: over $80 (based on a family of four)
PICNIC Publix (125 E Merritt Island Causeway, 32952; 321 452 0288) stocks picnic supplies. Take your lunch to the Sendler Education Outpost Pavilion, near the Indian River Lagoon. It has picnic tables, running water, and restrooms.
SNACKS Taco City (2955 S Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, 32931; 321 784 1475; www.tacocity.net) has a casual atmosphere and lots of easily-held-by-little-hands Tex-Mex items.
REAL MEAL Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar (505 Glen Cheek Dr, Cape Canaveral, 32920; 321 868 2226; www.grillsseafood.com) offers locally caught seafood and outdoor seating by the water. Visitors can watch cruise ships and fishing boats sail by.
FAMILY TREAT The Fat Snook (2464 S Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, 32169; 321 784 1190; www.thefatsnook.com) is a modern Caribbean restaurant that serves interesting dishes such as coffee-rubbed steak and scallops with banana polenta. Call ahead to make a reservation.
KIDS’ CORNER
You’re watching them...
It is easy to spot wild birds if you know what to look and listen for:
1 Bright colors. The blue wings of a scrub jay in the green trees, and a bright pink spoonbill in the dark water.
2 Songs. The high-pitched whistle of an osprey, or the “kuk-kuk-kuk” laugh of a pileated woodpecker.
3 Shadows. Eagles and hawks are usually silent, but they are very large and cast big shadows on the ground.
4 Movement. Wading birds like the gray Louisiana heron and the snow-white ibis stand still for a very long time to catch fish. See if you can spot them moving.
Treasure Hunt
Borrow a GeoHunt kit and GPS device from the Visitor Center, and begin the hunt by car and on foot for the treasures of Merritt Island. Along the way, you’ll be asked to find historical sites, spot birds of all kinds, and write down how long each trail is.
Not made of turtles
Turtle Mound, on Canaveral National Seashore, is called a midden – a big hill made from the shells of oysters eaten by early Native American settlers. It is more than 50 ft (15 m) high and can be seen 7 miles (11 km) out at sea.
...they’re watching you
The freshwater ponds behind the Visitor Center have not-so-secret guests: live alligators who rest on the muddy banks and warm themselves in the sun. Look for the light reflected in their eyes, and if you’re lucky, you’ll hear the low, booming cough of a gator call.
3. Cocoa Beach and Pier
Eating, shopping, and fishing above; sunbathing below
Vacationers at the famous white-sand Cocoa Beach
The city of Cocoa Beach became famous because of its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center, but it was popular long before rockets were launched from here. It nestles on a small barrier island bordered by a fertile lagoon and the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Remains of ancient Native American villages prove that Cocoa was home to native Floridians for thousands of years, and shops, restaurants, and museums keep it lively today. The beach, with its soft white sand, stretches into relatively calm waters and has long been a major draw for visitors. There is always plenty of activity, from families building sand castles to surfers, and treasure-hunters with metal detectors. A landmark since 1962, the wooden Pier has bars, restaurants, and stores selling handcrafted gifts. Live concerts and festivals are also held right on the beach.
The Lowdown
Address Pier: 401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, 32931; 321 783 7549; cocoabeachpier.com/cbp
Car Rent a car from Orlando International Airport.
Price Pier: $15 parking fee; check website for details.
Cutting the line Avoid spring break in Mar, and surfing festivals in Apr and Sep, which draw massive crowds. On July 4, the firework display is spectacular.
Guided tours Wildside Tours (www.wildsidetours.com) runs a boat excursion from Cocoa Beach to the Banana River Lagoon to spot manatees and birds. A Day Away Outfitters (www.adayawaykayaktours.com) offers a nighttime kayak adventure on the Indian River Lagoon to observe bio-luminescence.
Age range All ages
Allow 2 days
Eat and drink PICNIC Cocoa Beach Sunday Farmers’ Market (City Hall, 2 S Orlando Ave, 32931; 321 917 0721; www.brevardfarmersmarkets.com) offers local produce and hand-made baked goods that can be enjoyed on the beach. REAL MEAL Pelican’s Bar & Grill (on the Pier; 321 783 7549) offers freshly caught fish and a spectacular view from high above the Atlantic Ocean.
Take cover
Head for the Dinosaur Store (250 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, 32931; 321 783 7300; www.dinosaurstore.com), which has a vast selection of dinosaur teeth and replicas, meteorites, and toys. Kids will like the fake shrunken heads and arcade games.
4. Ron Jon Surf Shop, Cocoa Beach
Always open, always fun
Opened in 1964, this iconic shop has been here so long it has become a tourist destination in its own right. It has loads lined up for families: shop for swimsuits, board shorts, towels, or flip flops in the fun-looking two-story building fronted by Hawaiian statues. The shop also has a huge selection of kitsch souvenirs, including Ron Jon stickers, tiki statues, keychains, and basically everything imaginable with the word “Florida” written on it. Serious surfers, too, shop here, and the assortment of boards and supplies is first-rate. Look out for discount coupons in hotel lobbies before visiting.
Visit the Florida Surf Museum (www.floridasurfmuseum.org), situated just north of the main store building. It screens movies and features exhibits on the history and heroes of surfing.
Wide variety of fascinating merchandise in the Ron Jon Surf Shop, Cocoa Beach
Letting off steam
Alan Shephard Park (299 E Cocoa Beach Causeway, 32931; 321 868 3258), two blocks away, offers ample opportunities to run around. There is also access to a white-sand beach, and restrooms.
The Lowdown
Address 4151 North Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, 32931; 321 799 8888; www.ronjons.com
Car Rent a car from Orlando International Airport.
Open 24 hours daily. Florida Surf Museum: 8am–8pm daily
Age range 6 plus
Allow 30 mins–2 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Eat and drink SNACKS Simply Delicious Café & Bakery (125 N Orlando Ave, 32931; 321 783 2012) serves breakfast, sandwiches, and baked goods. REAL MEAL The Shark Pit (4001 N Atlantic Ave, 32931; www.cocoabeachsurf.com/SharkPit) has fish tacos, pizza, and a kids’ menu.
Restrooms On both floors
5. Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science
From mastodons to missiles
This charming museum offers a glimpse into the distant past and the technological present of central Florida – from prehistoric fossils to rocket ships. See re-creations of the archaeological dig of the area’s oldest site and of ancient Native American villages to get an insight into Cocoa’s origins. There are also exhibits on the space program and Brevard County’s still-vibrant cattle-ranching. Items from the museum’s own holdings about life in Florida are displayed alongside traveling collections.
Braving it on a zip line in Brevard Zoo, Melbourne
Letting off steam
The ramped treehouse in the Imagination Center (on site) is a high-energy climb and run. The museum’s park has nature trails that offer tree-shaded places to cool off.
The Lowdown
Address 2201 Michigan Ave, Cocoa, 32926; 321 632 1830; www.brevardmuseum.org
Car Rent a car from Orlando International Airport.
Open 10am–4pm Thu–Sat
Price $21–31; under 4s free
Cutting the line Afternoon is the quietest time to visit.
Guided tours The museum runs a pre-arranged guided tour of the nature trails and exhibits for groups of 15 plus.
Age range 6 plus
Activities There are hands-on activities in the Imagination Center.
Allow 1–3 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Eat and drink REAL MEAL Jabbers (4365 Grissom Parkway, Cocoa, 32926; 321 638 4130) offers hearty Southern food. FAMILY TREAT Heidelberg Restaurant (7 N Orlando Ave, 32931; 321 783 4559) serves German specialties and great home-made desserts.
Restrooms In the lobby
6. Brevard Zoo
Get up close to bobcats, whistling ducks, and giraffes
As if Florida were not wild enough, this modern, spacious zoo presents even more wild animals and habitats. In the Wild Florida area, see animals native to Florida such as alligators, bobcats, foxes, whistling ducks, and hawks. The also zoo has re-created African, Australian, and South American jungle habitats populated by exotic wildlife. Climb the 16-ft- (5-m-) high platform in the Expedition Africa zone to look into a giraffe’s eye.
Letting off steam
The Treetop Trek Chutes & Ladders (on site; www.treetoptrek.com) activity course runs on rope bridges, tightropes, and zip lines through, around, and 20 ft (6 m) above the zoo.
The Lowdown
Address 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, 32940; 321 254 9453; www.brevardzoo.org
Car Rent a car from Orlando International Airport.
Open 9:30am–5pm daily (last admission 4:15pm)
Price $60–70; under 2s free
Guided tours A host of tours are offered inside the zoo and in the connecting wetlands. A behind-the-scenes Wild Encounter tour is also available.
Age range 2 plus
Activities Petting zoo, water park & Cape to Cairo Express train ride
Allow 1–3 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Eat and drink PICNIC Flamingo Café (on site) offers snacks and refreshments that can be eaten at the picnic tables outside the zoo. SNACKS Paws On Pizzeria (on site) serves sandwiches, pizza, and chicken.
KIDS’ CORNER
Listen up, dude!
The sport of surfing has its own language, a mix of words from lots of places including Hawaii and California. See if you overhear any of these words:
1 Aloha: hello, goodbye, and what’s up, dude?
2 Bammerwee: not really good or bad, just okay
3 Da kine: Hawaiian for absolutely the best kind of wave
4 Eat foam: fall off a surfboard
5 Gnarly: an awesome, spectacular thing; the only thing better is gnar-max
6 Jivel: everything is going very wrong and not a bit gnarly
7 Tubular: very cool
8 Mahalo: Hawaiian for thank you
Only in Florida
Gators and manatees aren’t the only animals from Florida. Unlike most of their fellow fowl, black-bellied whistling ducks live in trees, or even chimneys, and make a high-pitched “pe-che-che” whistle as they fly. You’ll recognize them right away by their red bills, long pink legs, and, yes, black bellies.
The Bog People
Find out about the ancient Bog People at the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science. Living in the swamps near Cape Canaveral more than 8,000 years ago, they had tools, clothing, and houses 3,500 years before there were pyramids in Egypt! More than 160 mummified skeletons have been discovered in the peat bogs around Titusville, and that is why they are called Bog People.
Where to Stay on the Space Coast
With more than 2,500 hotels and motels, prices and lodgings in this area range from low and basic to outrageous and ultra-luxurious. While most accommodations trumpet their proximity to the beaches, there are a few hidden gems that offer a unique experience in outdoor living.
AGENCIES
Cocoa Beach Best
www.cocoabeachbest.com
Located in the heart of the Space Coast, this agency offers self-catering condominium rentals – from one-bedroom efficiency apartments and tower suites to five-bedroom pool homes – with nightly and weekly rates.
Price Guide
The following price ranges are based on one night’s accommodation in high season for a family of four, inclusive of service charges and additional taxes.
$ Under $150 $$ $150–300 $$$ over $300
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Cape Canaveral Beach Resort
Right on the white sand beach, this resort has a wild water park, a lazy river, and a large pool. Gaming facilities include those for mini-golf, tennis, and shuffleboard. Water sport rentals are available on the beach.
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Pirate-themed water park for kids at International Palms Resort, Cocoa Beach
CAMPING
Jetty Park Campground
A state-owned site offering over 150 pitches, from “rustic” – a tent beneath the trees – to “improved,” with electricity and running water. There is fishing from the pier or beach, and facilities include a bait and tackle shop, laundry, and showers.
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Discovery Beach Resort
This condo rental of one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites has views of the beach, perfect for watching giant cruise ships sail by on their way to Port Canaveral. Full kitchens, hot tubs and sauna, tennis and basketball courts, as well as an arcade room, keep everyone busy.
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The Resort on Cocoa Beach
A few minutes from the Kennedy Space Center, this condo rental resort has two-bedroom suites with balconies and ocean views. Along with a fitness center, there are shuffleboard and beach volleyball courts, and screenings of family-friendly movies. Kids can play on the private beach or in the game room.
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The Inn at Cocoa Beach
Many of the 50 rooms in this French-country-style inn offer both pool and ocean views, while others have Jacuzzi tubs and private balconies with sea views. There are exercise and massage rooms, and a steam bath. Breakfast is free and there is an afternoon wine and cheese bar for adults.
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Anthony’s on the Beach
Built in 1958, Anthony’s is a slice of old Florida beach life. The 19 efficiency rentals have full kitchens and dining areas. The motel is off the main road and affords a bit of quiet in an otherwise traffic-heavy area. The beach is right outside the door.
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