Things to do in Cape Canaveral

Things to do in  Cape Canaveral

Launchpad for adventure

Synonymous with space travel, Cape Canaveral is home to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and the famed site of many NASA shuttle launches, including the Apollo missions. Naturally, learning about the cosmos is one of the top things to do in Cape Canaveral, which is located on the Atlantic coast of Florida, also known as the Space Coast. But beyond offering the chance to learn about the history of NASA, Cape Canaveral is also a gateway to nearby outdoor activities including kayaking, eco tours to see dolphins and manatees, and fishing charters.

Top 2 attractions in Cape Canaveral

#1
Exploration Tower

Exploration Tower

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The Exploration Tower stands tall beside the Canaveral Lighthouse at Cape Canaveral. This interactive attraction was built in 2013 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Canaveral Port Authority. It hosts seven stories of exhibition and event space, including indoor and outdoor observation decks for viewing cruise ships, sunrises, and rocket launches.More
#2
Florida Beer Co.

Florida Beer Co.

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A local brewery with Southern-style beers, the Florida Beer Co. was an early part of the craft beer scene since it was Indian River Brewery in Melbourne, Florida. Now with its large new facilities and tasting rooms, the brewery makes 28 different styles of beer, many with a distinct Florida touch such as a hint of orange or key lime.The brewing process can be viewed from the visitors center, which as 100 feet of plate glass windows to watch behind. Florida Beer Co. has some of the most modern equipment in brewing, employing the latest in beer technology and quality control. There’s also a tap room which has 25+ of the original beers and ciders, including some limited releases available only in the tasting room, on tap at any given time. The top regional brewery is available to see in full by private tour only.More

Top activities in Cape Canaveral

All about Cape Canaveral

When to visit

Florida’s Space Coast is a fitting place to launch an out-of-this-world vacation. The “dry” season (the opposite of hurricane season) from November through May is the best time to visit, as rocket launches have a lower chance of being scrubbed during this time. If you do visit during hurricane season, make it during the early fall—the weather is still warm enough for beach days but the crowds have thinned as summer vacation ends.

Getting around

Whether you’re stepping off of a cruise or landing at a nearby airport, you’ll likely hop on a Port Canaveral shuttle or rideshare to get to Cape Canaveral’s downtown area. Public buses run a daily route from George King Boulevard, near the port, all the way down to where Cape Canaveral turns into Cocoa Beach. It’s best to skip the long, hot waits at the bus stop and opt for a rental car that offers more comfort and convenience.

Traveler tips

Kennedy Space Center is worth the visit, though it’s technically not in Cape Canaveral. A 20-minute drive stands between you and the visitor’s center, however, and a viewpoint to see the rocket launches is right beside the cruise terminals. Waking up to watch the sunrise is a must, regardless if there’s a rocket launch. This barrier island is just over a mile (1.6 kilometers) wide, so getting to Banana River Park or Manatee Sanctuary Park for morning sunrises and evening sunsets is as simple as it sounds.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
2
Tours
104
Reviews
1,638
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People Also Ask

What is special about Cape Canaveral?

Cape Canaveral is special because it’s a favorite launching point for visits to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, only a half-hour drive from Cape Canaveral’s beaches. There are rocket launching viewing areas near Port Canaveral, the hub for cruise ships. Orlando and Cocoa Beach are also nearby.

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What are two things located at Cape Canaveral?

Port Canaveral and launch complexes for the Kennedy Space Center are located at Cape Canaveral. Port Canaveral hugs the north end of Cape Canaveral, housing cargo, cruise, and naval ships. The launch complexes sit against the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, offering a scenic backdrop for visitors watching from the launch viewpoints.

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How far apart are Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral?

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is approximately 17 miles away from the center of Cape Canaveral by car. Kennedy Space Center is technically located on Merritt Island just northwest of Cape Canaveral. However, Rocket Launch Viewpoint near the launch complexes is only five miles away from Cape Canaveral.

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Does Cape Canaveral have a beach?

Yes, Cape Canaveral has public beach access from Jetty Park Pier in the north stretching down to Cocoa Beach in the south. Beaches are open year-round and most access points provide free street parking. There are Little Free Libraries and a communal toy box near some beach access points.

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How many days do you need in Cape Canaveral?

You should spend at least two to five days in Cape Canaveral. The Kennedy Space Center visit can take up a full day and you will want to spend at least one day enjoying the beach. Cape Canaveral’s proximity to Orlando makes it ideal for additional day trips to the theme parks.

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Is Cape Canaveral worth visiting?

Yes. Cape Canaveral is worth visiting even if you’re not touring Kennedy Space Center. It shares the coast with Cocoa Beach and Port Canaveral, so you can spend hours enjoying the sun and surf. The Wizard of Oz Museum is just one example of a small yet unique attraction in the area.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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