Tourists are naturally attracted to Cape Canaveral due to its museums and attractions, family-friendly activities, romance, and food.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the busiest attraction of the area. Passes to the center will include access to museums, IMAX movies, a rocket garden, and bus tours of former shuttle preparation and launch facilities. The Air Force Space and Missile Museum, located on two historic Launch Complexes, introduces visitors to the history of rocketry and space flight, while the Air Force Space and Missile History Center is an extension to the museum. The center features historic information and displays for each Launch Complex at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, plus a gift shop and picnic area. The Exploration Tower is another unique attraction of the cape - an architectural landmark with 7 floors of interactive exhibits and observation decks, plus a cafe and gift shop.
Other nearby sights include the Astronaut Memorial Planetarium and Observatory which hosts an exhibit Hall, planetarium, IWERKS movies, laser light shows, and observatory, as well as the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science which traces the area's history from the days of woolly mammoths and sabretooth cats to rockets and space shuttles. The Brevard Zoo is also popular, featuring activities like a treetop trek, guided kayak tours, and opportunities to feed animals.
Beyond the "Space Coast" attractions, there are also a few parks and beaches frequented by visitors, some of which include Jetty Park and Cherie Down Park. There is also the Manatee Sanctuary Park which features over 10 acres of waterside beauty with exercise stations, a boardwalk, picnic facilities, and horseshoe pits. While in any of the parks you may catch sight of local wildlife like sea turtles, manatee, and dolphin.
In addition to visiting the attractions mentioned above, there are a number of things to do at the cape from relaxing on the beach or hopping on a cruise to deep sea fishing and zero gravity flight experiences. Beachside activities beyond sun bathing and swimming include things like kayak fishing, kayak manatee and wildlife viewing, surfing lessons, stand-up paddle boarding lessons, cruise shore excursions, and all kinds of fishing. Rentals for surfboards, paddleboards, kayaks, bikes, and beach gear are also available.
Evening and extended cruises are offered from Port Canaveral, while deep sea fishing charters can also be arranged from Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach.
For those seeking a closer to space experience, Zero Gravity Corporation allows individuals to experience true "weightlessness" without going to space. Packages range from a learning workshop and merchandise at $120 to a full weightless experience plus professional photos, video footage, merchandise, and catering for around $5000.
Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures also offers a unique opportunity to navigate through a series of challenges set in a canopy of beautiful live oak trees, 45 feet in the air. There are three different trails and levels of difficulty that allow participants the choice to challenge only the obstacles they feel comfortable with.
Museums and Attractions:
Cape Canaveral boasts some of the world's most well-known museums and landmarks. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Cape Canaveral. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex from Port Canaveral Cruise for $67 details
- SUP Paddleboard Lesson and Tour - Port Canaveral & Cocoa Beach for $95 details
- Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket for $56 details