If you are a launch rat on the Space Coast, this is THE place to go. All the history, all the rockets, the Atlantis space shuttle, bus tours, IMAX movies, rocket launch viewing; space nerd paradise. Don’t bother with the multi-day ticket; buy a season pass, it will pay for itself by day 2, and you will want more days here than that. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by just about every launch rat ever.
Category: Areas
The cities, towns & neighborhoods of the Space Coast.
American Space Museum & Walk of Fame
Exploration Tower
7-story observation deck & attraction in Port Canaveral. $5 admission, generally $15 for launch viewing. Check prices/availability in advance if this is your plan, as sometimes the tower is reserved for private parties. NOTE: Tripods are NOT PERMITTED for launch viewing from Exploration Tower.
KARS Park
★ nasaexchange.ksc.nasa.gov/KARSParkInformation/AboutKARS
★ Merritt Island FL 32953
★ +1 (321) 867-3891
★ Merritt Island FL 32953
★ +1 (321) 867-3891
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.
Nicol Park
★ www.inbrevard.com/port-st-john/parks-and-recreation-guide/19/nicol-park.html
★ 6660 N Cocoa Blvd
★ Port St John FL 32927
★ 6660 N Cocoa Blvd
★ Port St John FL 32927
Offers picnic areas, restrooms & parking.
Kennedy Point Park
NOTE: Park is CLOSED and under construction following Hurricane Irma. Do not use this as a viewing location at this time.
William J. Manzo Memorial Park
Publicly accessible; parking available; facilities uncertain. 13 miles west of SLC-40 & 41.
Space View Park
★ Indian River Ave & Broad St
★ Titusville FL
★ Titusville FL
Publicly accessible; free parking available; facilities uncertain (fast food nearby); can be reached by public transit (#2 bus). 12.3 miles due west of LC-39A.
Jetty Park
★ www.portcanaveral.com/Recreation/Jetty-Park-Beach-Pier
★ 9035 Campground Circle
★ Cape Canaveral FL 32920
★ +1 (321) 783-7111
★ 9035 Campground Circle
★ Cape Canaveral FL 32920
★ +1 (321) 783-7111
Often used by photographers for snapshots of incoming booster-laden barges. Open 5 am – 11 pm. Restrooms & concessions available 7 am – 7 pm. Parking $15.
Playalinda Beach
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!