5 Reasons to Visit Florida’s Space Coast
There are some places that really don’t need explanations or reasons to visit them. Such the case of Florida’s Space Coast. This area is sometimes regarded as Orlando’s beaches, because it is a short 45-minute drive from O-town. So, if you have not been to this part of Florida, or it has been awhile, here are five (and there are many more) reasons you should visit soon.
1. 5,4,3,2, and We Have Lift-Off: Of course, you can’t come to this area of Florida with
out spending at least a full day at the Kennedy Space Center. Start at
the Visitors Center Complex and hop on a bus to take a self-paced tour that includes a visit to the Apollo/Saturn V Center where you can relive the launch of Apollo 8. Become an astronaut for a couple of hours through the Shuttle Launch Experience.
Apollo/Saturn V Center (left) and Space Shuttle Lift Of (right), both photos courtesy of Space Coast Office of Tourism
If you time out your trip to the area just so, you can see a real launch. On May 31, Discovery is set to blast off for its 26th mission. Ticket packages for this event are still available.
2. Surf’s Up: If y
ou think you can only surf on the West Coast, you haven’t seen the waves around here. Space Coast is home to over 100 (yes, that’s 100) of the best surfing spots on the East Coast. Don’t have board? Head to Ron Jon’s Surf Shop to get what you need to enjoy the waves.
Space Coast Beaches (left) and Cocoa Beach Pier (right), both photos courtesy of Space Coast Office of Tourism
Speaking of beaches, which there is 72-miles of, don’
t miss out on visiting Cocoa Beach Pier. Everything you need for the best beach visit ever can be found here, from rod and reel rentals to beach stuff rentals, and of course restaurants and gift shops.
3. Get Back to Nature: This area is home to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (neat Titusville), which is 140,000-acres that boarders Kennedy Space Center to the south. It is also one of the gateways to the Great Florida Birding Trail. There are five hiking trails, boating/canoeing opportunities, manatee observation deck and sea turtle watches.
Also near Titusville and borders the north of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is Canaveral National Seashore. In addition, you will also find the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary in Titusville. Another place to visit is the Turkey Creek Sanctuary in Palm Bay.
4. Go Kayaking at the Zoo: Brevard Zoo offers two guided kayak tours. Choose between exploring the restored 22-acres in Wild Florida, or paddling through Expedition Africa.
5. Visit Port Canaveral: It may be one of the world’s busiest ports, but Cape Canaveral also has top-notch beaches and parks as well. Enjoy a day of sun and fun at Jetty Park or Port’s End Park.
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POSTED IN: 5 Reasons, Beaches, Eco-friendly travel, Museums, Southern Byways, Things to See in Florida, Weekend Trip, Zoos
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