7 of the best things to do on Florida's Space Coast

Whether you’re looking to release your inner space geek or take some time to enjoy the Sunshine State’s golden beaches, a trip to Florida’s Space Coast will be a blast.

Famed for rocket launches from Cape Canaveral, the central swathe of Florida’s Atlantic coast is just the place to immerse yourself in all things space travel. But there are also 72 miles (116km) of sandy beaches, as well as quirky surf towns, and rivers and lagoons abundant with wildlife.

The Space Coast is just 45 minutes from Orlando if you want to hit the parks – but once you discover the crowdless strands, world restaurants and fantastic shopping, you might find it tough to leave.

1. Explore deep space at the Kennedy Space Center

When you arrive at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex you won’t miss the huge new building – ‘Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex’ – which opened its doors in 2022. Dedicated to the future of space travel, it’s an exciting addition to the Florida attraction. Not only does it showcase what is happening now – including a mammoth SpaceX Falcon booster, which is suspended from the ceiling over the exhibition – it also looks ahead to NASA’s future plans to return humans to the moon on its Artemis missions and go even further into deep space to Mars.

Kennedy Space Center, Florida. (Image: Courtesy of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex) Courtesy of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

If this gives you an appetite for space travel, then be sure to head to Spaceport KSC to board your own ‘spaceship’ for a thrilling flight from an airport of the future. Thanks to the state-of-the-art screens and simulation, the 4D experience will take you on one of four distinct journeys of your choice: Cosmic Wonders, Daring Explorers, Red Planet and Uncharted Worlds.

You can’t leave the Gateway attraction without having a bite to eat in what is shaping up to be one of the center’s most popular dining outlets. The Space Bowl Bistro’s menu includes healthy acai bowls and smoothies, as well as create-your-own savoury lunch bowls.

2. Meet an astronaut

Have you ever wanted to know how astronauts sleep in space? Or what they think about when they see the Earth from above? At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests get the chance to meet a veteran NASA astronaut during a live Q&A session that’s included with general admission.

Die-hard space fans can also nab some extra time in a more casual, intimate setting during a Chat with an Astronaut. For an extra $50 (£39) ($35/£27 for kids) you can have a conversation with a space traveller and quiz them about their missions in a small group.

Chat with an Astronaut, Kennedy Space Center, Florida. (Image: Courtesy of Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism) Courtesy of Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism

3. Take a foodie tour in Cocoa Village

Days spent out on the surf or at a theme park are hungry work, so reward yourself by booking onto a food tour while in the area. Cocoa Village – which is just a 15-minute drive from Cocoa Beach over the Indian River and Merritt Island – is a charming and historic place with a culinary scene that packs a punch.

Local husband and wife team Halim and Jessica Urban set up Village Food Tours and a three-hour excursion will weave in plenty of the Floridian village’s history as you walk around the tree-lined riverside streets, passing by the likes of the Cocoa Village Playhouse (a historic community theatre, pictured), en route to your next food stop. Each tour visits four venues for tasters and drinks such as Mexican-style tacos, Thai drunken noodles, gator bites and coconut shrimp.

Cocoa Beach, Florida's Space Coast. (Image: Courtesy of Florida Space Coast Office of Tourism). Courtesy of Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism

4. Witness a rocket launch up close

The clue is the name: Florida’s Space Coast really is the place to watch a rocket launch into orbit. Whether you decide to head to the area for a specific launch or just happen to be on holiday at the time of a planned flight, there are plenty of prime viewing spots along the coast.

The Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Center also opened last year with plenty of space-themed surprises. To relax you into your slumber, there's an astronaut light projector in every room, meaning you can go to bed watching mesmerising stars and galaxies on your ceiling. Plus, if you're looking for room service with a difference, then the hotel's robotic concierge, 'Luna', is on hand to deliver items such as towels and drinks to your room. The rooftop Space Bar also has an enviable and elevated view across the Indian River to the launch pads.

Currently SpaceX has regular launches from Cape Canaveral, so be sure to check out the latest news.

Rocket launch on Florida's Space Coast. (Image: Courtesy of Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism). Courtesy of Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism

5. Watch the water glow at night

During the summer months (usually starting in late May/early June through to September), you can quite literally watch the water come alive and glow thanks to the natural phenomenon that is bioluminescence.

After sunset, the water on the Banana River lagoon is illuminated thanks to a microscopic organism that creates a chemical reaction. The lagoon is one of the only places in the world to see it and the best way to experience the glittering wonder is to take an eco-kayak tour at night time. Fin Expeditions offers top trips with knowledgeable guides.

You’ll set off from the banks of the lagoon, and as soon as your paddle hits the water, it begins to shimmer. Watch for jellyfish and (if you’re really lucky) dolphins passing by while you glide through the glittering water. It’s truly a bucket list experience.

Bioluminescent bay on Florida's Space Coast. (Image: Courtesy of Fin Expeditions) Courtesy of Fin Expeditions

6. Learn to surf in Kelly Slater’s home town

Cocoa Beach touts itself as the ‘East Coast Capital of Surf’ – not least because it’s the home of surfing legend and 11-time world champion Kelly Slater, as well as the flagship ‘Ron Jon’ surf shop, the largest of its kind in the world. All that means it would be criminal not to try and catch a wave or two.

If you’re a total novice, then one of the local surf schools, such as the School of Surf in Downtown Cocoa Beach, are worth a look. Run by professional surfers, one or two-hour lessons will arm you with all the tips you need to attempt to stand up on your board. After a day at the beach, you’ll feel like a local.

Surfer on Florida's Space Coast. (Image: Courtesy of Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism.) Courtesy of Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism

7. Witness sea turtle season

With 72 miles (116km) of coastline, the Space Coast is the ultimate paradise for sea turtles to nest, and from March to October each year, thousands come to the dune-dotted beaches to lay their clutches of eggs.

Leatherbacks, loggerheads and green sea turtles are the main species and there are some great wildlife organisations offering guided walks. Top locations include Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Canaveral National Seashore.

Sea turtle in Florida's Space Coast. (Image: Courtesy of Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism). Courtesy of Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism

Getting there

Visitors can fly directly to Orlando Melbourne International Airport with TUI Airways from various UK airports. For more information, see visitspacecoast.com.

Lead image: Courtesy of Florida Space Coast Office of Tourism