Category: Merritt Island/KSC

South of (and housing) Kennedy Space Center, west of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, this island is located between the mainland and the barrier island.

Playalinda Beach

www.nps.gov/cana/
★ Canaveral National Seashore FL
+1 (321) 267-1110

Intelsat 35e launching on 5th July 2017 from LC-39A on a Falcon 9, as seen from Playalinda Beach. Photo by Lupi.

Intelsat 35e launching on 5th July 2017 from LC-39A on a Falcon 9, as seen from Playalinda Beach. Photo by Lupi (original)

Spectacular spot for launch viewing; however, due to distance from the launch pads, often subject to closure. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan. Parking $20; restrooms available (“basically brick-and-mortar porta-potties,” per Lupi). Elevated boardwalks are accessible via ramps; beaches themselves are not. Always bring water and bug spray!

Distance to SLC-37B: 9.44 mi / 15.19 km
Distance to LC-39A: 3.59 mi / 5.78 km
Distance to LC-39B: 1.97 mi / 3.17 km
Distance to SLC-40: 7.19 mi / 11.57 km
Distance to SLC-41: 5.72 mi / 9.21 km
Distance to LZ-1/2: 12.79 mi / 20.58 km

Kelly Park East

★ 2504-2526 N Banana River Dr
★ Merritt Island FL 32952

Suggested by JohnEric.

Distance to SLC-37B: 10.6 mi / 17.06 km
Distance to LC-39A: 14.56 mi / 23.43 km
Distance to LC-39B: 14.64 mi / 23.56 km
Distance to SLC-40: 12.07 mi / 19.42 km
Distance to SLC-41: 13.1 mi / 21.08 km
Distance to LZ-1/2: 9.13 mi / 14.69 km

SR 528/A1A

★ SR 528/A1A
★ Merritt Island FL 32952

Suggested by JohnEric.

Distance to SLC-37B: 10.04 mi / 16.16 km
Distance to LC-39A: 14.25 mi / 22.93 km
Distance to LC-39B: 15.4 mi / 24.78 km
Distance to SLC-40: 11.62 mi / 18.7 km
Distance to SLC-41: 12.9 mi / 20.76 km
Distance to LZ-1/2: 8.39 mi / 13.5 km

KARS Park


To the best of our ability to tell, KARS Park and its surroundings are restricted to NASA/KSC staff and guests ONLY. We therefore do not recommend non-credentialed people using this as a potential viewing location.

Distance to SLC-37B: 8.79 mi / 14.15 km
Distance to LC-39A: 12.42 mi / 19.99 km
Distance to LC-39B: 13.48 mi / 21.69 km
Distance to SLC-40: 10.09 mi / 16.24 km
Distance to SLC-41: 11.26 mi / 18.12 km
Distance to LZ-1/2: 7.83 mi / 12.6 km