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Sea turtles celebrate 72-miles of secluded seashore while space shuttles and rockets soar through anxious skies discovering worlds unknown. Florida's Space Coast offers every out-of-this-world attraction from the simple beauty of the environment to the technology of space. In between these two extremes, meander through marvelous museums, wander along wooden piers and hunt for treasures in three historic districts.
Call 800-USA-1969 or view more attractions on this site.
Kennedy Space Center
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
This 220-square mile, 140,000-acre haven, with more federally endangered species than any refuge in the United States, threads around Kennedy Space Center wrapping almost half the area in water. A six-mile driving tour with shaded boardwalks weave through lush pine and oak hammocks of the second-largest sanctuary in Florida. (321) 861-0667
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Sense galactic adventures at this 140,000-acre megaplex including a replica of a space shuttle, two extraordinary IMAX movies that launch viewers into space, a Rocket Garden riddled with Mercury and Gemini era rockets and bus tours viewing breathtaking launch pads along pristine shores. (321) 449-4444
Apollo/Saturn V Center
See an authentic Saturn V rocket -- the most powerful ever built -- created to transport man to the moon. From reenactments of an Apollo launch and lunar landing to real flight hardware and an actual moon rock, celebrate one of humankind’s greatest achievements. (321) 449-4444.
Cape Canaveral
Air Force Space and Missile Museum
Located at the original launch facility -- Launch Pad 26 -- this museum showcases the early stages of space exploration. Explorer I -- the first satellite to be launched into space -- blasted off from this historic site, as well as the first true heroes in space, monkeys Able, Baker, Gordo and Ham. The museum also houses 55 different missiles, rocket engines and Gemini II -- the only capsule used twice in space, only accessible on the “Then and Now” tour from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. (321) 449-4444.
Canaveral National Seashore
Nearly 20 wooden walks dive over 15-foot sand dunes scattered with dancing sea oats and prickly pear cactus to this 24-mile stretch of platinum-colored quartz sand, including the pristine Atlantic beaches of Klondike, Apollo and Playalinda, with imposing launch pads creating awe-inspiring backdrops. (321) 267-1110
Titusville
The Enchanted Forest
The mysterious four hundred-acre hardwood hammock lovingly received its name as an enchanting jungle of cabbage palms, saw palmettos, moss-hung oaks and grape vines. Fields of ferns and Beauty Berry blooms mesmerize curious visitors and serious eco-adventurers in a maze of wondrous woods. (321) 633-2016
A Day Away Kayak Tours
Experience nature up close. Variety of kayaking trips is available for amateur and experienced paddlers. (321) 268-2655
Island Boat Lines
Three daily eco-tours on the “Miss Florida” and “Sunshine” pontoon boats depart from various locations throughout the Space Coast immersing visitors into the nature of the area while they glide alongside dolphin fins and manatee “footprints.” A special trip through THE LOCKS of Port Canaveral provides up-close excitement of the cruise and Navy ships, submarine base, Space Lab and the US Coast Guard Station. (321) 302-0544
Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum
More than 35 vintage war planes, including Flying Tigers and C-47 Transports, are maintained in top flight condition as tours breeze by eras of military aviation from Sopwith Camel bi-plane days through the P-51 Mustang hardships of World War II. (321) 268-1941
U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame
Relive the daring exploits of the first 44 American Astronauts. Experience the rigors of astronaut training aboard unique simulators designed to allow visitors to feel the forces of gravity and the thrill of aerial acrobatics. Squeeze inside a Mercury spacecraft, bring the Shuttle in for a landing or float in a “virtual” spacecraft. (321) 449-4444
Camp KSC ® Florida at the Hall of Fame
Witness the pint-size, “astronauts of tomorrow” learn the ropes of astronaut training. Spring and summer campers are immersed in motion-based simulators, space mission training, interactive learning, space science and even get the opportunity to meet and talk to an Astronaut. (321) 449-4444
U.S. Space Walk of Fame
Edging the Indian River and overlooking Kennedy Space Center, it is the only riverwalk in the United States that preserves America’s history in space through displays of memorabilia, interpretive plaques, public art, sculptures and bronze markers. The waterfront terrace is a favorite viewing platform for NASA shuttle unmanned rocket launches. (321) 267-7241
Space Coast Nature Tours
Nestled next to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, the “Skimmer” cruises on the Indian River Lagoon, where dolphins play, eagles soar and alligators lurk. River views of NASA’s massive shuttle assembly building and the towering launch pads uncover the refuge that coexists with the only place in the United States where man is launched into space. (321) 267-4551
North Brevard Historical Museum
The storefront museum displays county firsts -- a 100-year-old safe, an 1877 printing press that cranked out the “Florida Star,” and handprints of the original Mercury astronauts, including Deke Slayton’s nine and a half fingers. (321) 269-3658
Cocoa
Astronaut Memorial Planetarium and Observatory
Spy comets crash on Jupiter, sneak a peek at the rings of Saturn and study the surface of Mars up to 450 million light years away at the planetarium claimed “The Best in the World” and all under a signature 70-foot aluminum dome. (321) 634-37
Space Coast
Indian River Lagoon
The most diversified estuary in the nation parallels the ocean for 156 miles. It nurtures more than 4,000 species of plants and animals, including the precious Florida manatee, within its rich salt and brackish waters. (321) 722-5363
Island Boat Lines
Three daily eco-tours on the “Miss Florida” and “Sunshine” pontoon boats depart from various locations throughout the Space Coast immersing visitors into the nature of the area while they glide alongside dolphin fins and manatee “footprints.” A special trip through THE LOCKS of Port Canaveral provides up-close excitement of the cruise and Navy ships, submarine base, Space Lab and the US Coast Guard Station. (321) 302-0544
Palm Bay
Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area
Boasting quite contrasting acclaims -- both a top fishing and surfing destination in Florida -- the stunning inlet, with a dramatic stone pier, fishing jetties and crashing waves, also touts the highest attendance of all Florida State Parks. (321) 984-4852
Turkey Creek Sanctuary
Surrounded by sand pines, saw palmettos and live oaks emerging from ancient sand dunes created 2,000 years ago, a 4,000-foot boardwalk twists and turns along the murky, black water creek. A major stopover for spring and fall migratory birds, including the pileated woodpecker and rare purple martin. (321) 952-3433
Cocoa Beach
Ron Jon Surf Shop and Sports Park
A house of worship for beach lovers, this psychedelic palace of sand and surf rents and sells everything under the sun. “Hang 10” in the sports themed courtyard featuring six “bigger than life” sand sculptures of beach sports. The store is famous for outrageous billboards scattered up and down the Eastern seaboard. (321) 799-8888
Cocoa Beach Pier
A 41-year-old landmark of sorts, the pier stretches 840 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and serves as a beachside grandstand for space launches and endless festivals from surfing to seafood. Three eateries and several eclectic shops riddle the walkway as do anxious fishermen reeling for flounder. (321) 783-7549
Melbourne
Space Coast Stadium
The spring training home of the Montreal Expos and year-round home to their Single-A affiliate -- the Brevard Manatees -- is swinging with batter's up from March - September at the 7,600-seat stadium. (321) 633-9200
Brevard Zoo
The only Zoo in the United States with on-site kayaking and an educational Zoo School, the Brevard Zoo includes a 7,000 sq. ft. educational complex “Paws On,” “Animal Encounters” and “Wild Side Zoo tours.” The newest exhibit, “Expedition Africa” places guests in the wilds of Africa during nose-to-nose meetings with exotic animals. Visitors hand-feed giraffes, kayak through the man-made river, ride the train through a lush savanna and explore an aviary of African and Australian birds. (321) 254-WILD
Brevard Museum of Art and Science
From quirky exhibits of Elvis items to touring classics by Monet and Matisse, the largest museum in the area portrays a mix of canvas creations, sculptured sensations and artistic demonstrations. (321) 242-0737
Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science
A bizarre collection, including swarms of honeybees and Indian trading beads, reflects the pioneering period of the Space Coast while 22 acres showcasing three ecosystems and a hands-on science center complement the many things to see and do. (321) 632-1830
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