Saturn V rocket displayed above Apollo command and service modules at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at the Kennedy Space Center.

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Space Coast

More than 40 miles of barrier-island Atlantic Coast stretch from Canaveral National Seashore south to Melbourne Beach, encompassing undeveloped stretches of endless white sand, an entrenched surf culture and pockets of Old Florida.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Saturn V rocket displayed above Apollo command and service modules at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at the Kennedy Space Center.

    Kennedy Space Center

    Space Coast

    Within this 140,000-acre campus, the dreams of some of the greatest scientific minds of the 20th century took flight all the way to the moon and back…

  • Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida.

    Brevard Zoo

    Space Coast

    For more than 22 years this community-built zoo has set standards for imaginative design, immersive wildlife experiences, education and conservation…

  • The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), sometimes referred to colloquially as a gator or common alligator, is a large crocodilian reptile endemic to the southeastern United States. It is one of two living species in the genus Alligator within the family Alligatoridae, it is larger than the other extant alligator species, the Chinese alligator. Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 5 m in length, and can weigh up to 453 to 600 kg. Females are smaller, measuring around 3 m. The American alligator inhabits freshwater wetlands, such as marshes and cypress swamps from Texas to North Carolina. Alligators are apex predators and consume fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Hatchlings feed mostly on invertebrates.

    Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

    Space Coast

    This unspoiled 140,000-acre refuge is one of the country's best birding spots, especially from October to May (early morning and after 4pm). More…

  • Klondike Beach

    Klondike Beach

    Space Coast

    The stretch between Apollo and Playalinda is as pristine as it gets: there are no roads and it's accessible only on foot or by bike (if you are skilled…

  • Canaveral National Seashore

    Canaveral National Seashore

    Space Coast

    The 24 miles of pristine, windswept beaches here comprise the longest stretch of undeveloped beach on Florida's east coast. They include family-friendly…

  • Old fish net washed ashore on Cocoa Beach Florida with the Cocoa Pier in the background with a beautiful sunrise

    Cocoa Beach Pier

    Space Coast

    Souvenir shops, restaurants and bars stretch along this 800ft pier built as a family attraction in 1962. It remains the focus of annual events such as the…

  • Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum

    Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum

    Space Coast

    What started off as a hobby for 12 combat veterans has grown into a 1500-member-strong club and fascinating museum, which celebrates the region's aviation…

  • EFSC Planetarium & Observatory

    EFSC Planetarium & Observatory

    Space Coast

    Discover new galaxies and constellations in this 70ft domed planetarium that projects the night skies in startling detail, enhanced with laser effects and…

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Articles

Latest stories from Space Coast

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spacex shuttle on the launchpad in Florida, with sunny blue skies

3-2-1: how to experience a rocket launch on Florida's Space Coast

Jun 24, 2019 • 7 min read

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Guidebooks

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