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: Recommendations
Locations recommended by our team of Launch Rats. Note: our recommendations are based on our own opinions and experiences; we accept no responsibility for yours.
Sands Space and History Center
★ 100 Spaceport Way
★ Cape Canaveral FL 32920
★ +1 (321) 853-1919
The Sands Museum is located outside the CCAFS gates and is open to the public. Call for availability information on launch days. Features items & history from the early days of the space program to the present, and a gift shop that offers a variety of interesting things often not found elsewhere. Pay no attention to the ambiguity of Google Maps; the museum is located behind the SpaceX Launch & Landing Control Center, not in it. Recommended by Wayward.
KSC LC-39 Observation Gantry
★ Saturn Causeway
★ Kennedy Space Center FL 32899
★ +1 (855) 433-4210
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.
KSC Banana Creek/Saturn V Center Launch Viewing
★ Kennedy Pkwy North
★ Kennedy Space Center FL 32899
★ +1 (855) 433-4210
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.
Route 401 Viewing Stands
★ Port Canaveral FL
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.
Route 401 Western Curve
★ Port Canaveral FL
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.
Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill
Good food, good drinks, sometimes live guitar music on the upstairs deck, and a great place to watch booster-laden barges sailing into the Port. Highly recommended by Wayward.
Dixie Crossroads
Recommended by Wayward: “The rock shrimp is AMAZING!”
Thai Thai III Restaurant & Sushi
★ 8660 Astronaut Blvd #108
★ Cape Canaveral FL 32920
★ +1 (321) 784-1561
Sushi, Thai & Japanese food. A bit on the higher end, price-wise, but delicious! Recommended by Wayward.
Asian House
Highly recommended by Alicia: “Egg drop soup, very tasty, won ton soup flavor is amazing, fried wontons, omg, full of flavor. Cheap and so much leftovers, and they deliver within a 3 mile radius. Our go-to place from now on!” And by Julia: “Love Asian House!”