Just a short hop from Orlando’s theme parks, Cape Canaveral shows a different side of Florida. Miles of beaches invite you to linger, and interesting wetlands and wildlife tempt you to explore. This sunny port town is a hub for cruising, so pick a spot at one of the waterfront restaurants and watch the ships glide by.
The other kind of ships to regularly make an appearance in Cape Canaveral are spaceships – it’s Nasa’s home base and the launch site of US space missions since the 1960s. The prime attraction on Florida’s Space Coast is the Kennedy Space Centre where you can discover the story of NASA through a series of themed exhibitions and thrilling, hands-on experiences.
Top three things to do in Cape Canaveral
Discover the Kennedy Space Centre
There’s so much to see and learn at the NASA visitor complex. Find out all about the past, present and future of space travel, enjoy lots of interactive exhibits and see real space rockets including Atlantis Space Shuttle up close. This is a world-class space attraction on Florida’s Space Coast - home to the USA’s Space Program.
Enjoy the beach scene
Learn the secrets of surfing on Cape Canaveral’s shore, where one of the best-known surf breaks on Florida’s east coast can be found at Sebastian Inlet. For traditional beachside fun head for the boardwalks at Melbourne Beach, Indialantic and Cocoa Beach, or you can easily lose the crowds on some of the more secluded stretches.
Meet the wildlife
Port Canaveral boasts important wetland ecosystems perfect for exploring by kayak or boat trip. Dolphins are usually easy to spot in the Indian River Lagoon, while manatees are protected and can be seen at various sanctuaries and conservation areas. From June to October try a night paddle in the Indian River Lagoon to experience the phenomenon of bioluminescence.
