Category: Launch Viewing Areas

Locations from where rocket launches can be viewed.

KSC LC-39 Observation Gantry


OSIRIS-REx, launching on an Atlas V 411 from SLC-41 on 8th September 2016, as seen from the LC-39A gantry. Photo by Lupi.

OSIRIS-REx, launching on an Atlas V 411 from SLC-41 on 8th September 2016, as seen from the LC-39A gantry. Photo by Lupi (original)

When launch viewing is offered at this site, this is the best possible viewing location. Admission to this site, when offered, is a premium surcharge on top of your KSC admission. Check KSCVC website for more info. Accessible via bus from KSCVC (parking available). Wheelchair & scooter accessible via KSCVC buses. Food & restrooms available. Recommended by Wayward.

Distance to SLC-37B: 5.5 mi / 8.85 km
Distance to LC-39A: 1.19 mi / 1.92 km
Distance to LC-39B: 2.2 mi / 3.54 km
Distance to SLC-40: 3.38 mi / 5.44 km
Distance to SLC-41: 2.26 mi / 3.64 km
Distance to LZ-1/2: 8.79 mi / 14.15 km

KSC Banana Creek/Saturn V Center Launch Viewing


On-site at KSC at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. For launches for which LC-39A gantry viewing is not offered, this is the best possible viewing location. When launches occur during normal business hours, admission to this site is often included with your KSC admission; at other times, it’s offered at a premium surcharge. Check KSCVC website for more info. Accessible via bus from KSCVC (parking available). Wheelchair & scooter accessible via KSCVC buses. Food & restrooms available. Recommended by Wayward.

Distance to SLC-37B: 8.18 mi / 13.16 km
Distance to LC-39A: 3.9 mi / 6.28 km
Distance to LC-39B: 3.29 mi / 5.29 km
Distance to SLC-40: 6.35 mi / 10.22 km
Distance to SLC-41: 5.4 mi / 8.69 km
Distance to LZ-1/2: 11.22 mi / 18.06 km

NASA Causeway Viewing Site


Not to be confused with the segment of NASA Causeway that connects Titusville with Merritt Island, and brings visitors to Kennedy Space Center. Admission to this site, when offered, is a premium surcharge on top of your KSC admission. Check KSCVC website for more info. Accessible via bus from KSCVC (parking available). Wheelchair & scooter accessible via KSCVC buses. Food & restrooms available.

Distance to SLC-37B: 2.73 mi / 4.39 km
Distance to LC-39A: 7.16 mi / 11.52 km
Distance to LC-39B: 8.58 mi / 13.81 km
Distance to SLC-40: 4.15 mi / 6.68 km
Distance to SLC-41: 5.51 mi / 8.87 km
Distance to LZ-1/2: 3.5 mi / 5.63 km

KSCVC North Lawn


This is the “Visitor Complex” viewing included with your main admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The actual moments of ignition and liftoff will be obscured by trees, but the launch will be visible once the rocket clears the treeline. Landings at LZ-1 and LZ-2 are not visible from here.

Distance to SLC-37B: 6.98 mi / 11.23 km
Distance to LC-39A: 7.3 mi / 11.75 km
Distance to LC-39B: 7.86 mi / 12.65 km
Distance to SLC-40: 6.69 mi / 10.77 km
Distance to SLC-41: 7.08 mi / 11.39 km
Distance to LZ-1/2: 8.65 mi / 13.92 km

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

Route 401 Viewing Stands

★ Route 401
★ Port Canaveral FL

OTV-5 launch (7th September 2017) as seen from the SR-401 viewing stands. Photo by Lupi.

OTV-5 launch (7th September 2017) as seen from the SR-401 viewing stands. Photo by Lupi (original)

NOTE: As of 12 April 2019, there are strong indications that Route 401 may not be open for future launch viewing, on the request of Brevard County officials. Pay close attention to official sources of information for further updates, and plan to use an alternate viewing location for launches after this time.

Route 401 is the closest available location for viewing booster landings at LZ-1 and LZ-2. The stands are located outside the CCAFS gate, opposite SpaceX LLCC and AF Sands Space Museum. Parking available, port-o-johns uncertain. Generally accessible, but terrain can be uneven for those with limited mobility. This site is sometimes reserved for badged access only, and therefore not accessible to the public; if this is your plan, get there early and have a backup plan available. The western curve of 401, when space allows, is a good alternative. Recommended by Wayward.

Distance to SLC-37B: 8.16 mi / 13.13 km
Distance to LC-39A: 13.08 mi / 21.05 km
Distance to LC-39B: 14.42 mi / 23.21 km
Distance to SLC-40: 10.04 mi / 16.16 km
Distance to SLC-41: 11.46 mi / 18.44 km
Distance to LZ-1/2: 5.99 mi / 9.64 km

Route 401 Western Curve

★ Route 401
★ Port Canaveral FL

Falcon Heavy's debut flight, as seen from SR-401's Western Curve. Taken by Lupi on 6th February 2018.

Falcon Heavy’s debut flight, as seen from SR-401’s Western Curve, 6th February 2018. Photo by Lupi (original)

NOTE: As of 12 April 2019, there are strong indications that Route 401 may not be open for future launch viewing, on the request of Brevard County officials. Pay close attention to official sources of information for further updates, and plan to use an alternate viewing location for launches after this time.

Route 401 is the closest available public viewing for booster landings at LZ-1 and LZ-2. Publicly accessible; parking haphazard; facilities uncertain. Generally accessible, but terrain can be uneven for those with limited mobility.Cars will park along this entire stretch of road, wherever vegetation allows for a clear view, to watch launches. For popular launches, the entirety of 401 is liable to fill up VERY FAST. Get there early, and have a backup plan.

Distance to SLC-37B: 8.6 mi / 13.84 km
Distance to LC-39A: 13.15 mi / 21.16 km
Distance to LC-39B: 14.4 mi / 23.17 km
Distance to SLC-40: 10.32 mi / 16.61 km
Distance to SLC-41: 11.67 mi / 18.78 km
Distance to LZ-1/2: 6.78 mi / 10.91 km

Exploration Tower

www.explorationtower.com/
★ 670 Dave Nisbet Dr
★ Cape Canaveral FL 32920
+1 (321) 394-3408

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.

Distance to SLC-37B: 9.19 mi / 14.79 km
Distance to LC-39A: 13.97 mi / 22.48 km
Distance to LC-39B: 15.26 mi / 24.56 km
Distance to SLC-40: 11.01 mi / 17.72 km
Distance to SLC-41: 12.4 mi / 19.96 km
Distance to LZ-1/2: 7.06 mi / 11.36 km