Looking for rockets, beaches, and a front-row seat to space history? Head to Cape Canaveral! Situated on Florida’s Space Coast, Cape Canaveral blends sunny shoreline relaxation with high-tech wonder. Whether you're dreaming of watching a rocket launch or just soaking up coastal views, this destination offers something truly out of this world.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Cape Canaveral is from November through April. If you want sunny skies and mild temperatures without summer humidity, winter and early spring are ideal. Summer can be hot and rainy, but it’s also a popular time for family vacations and launch viewing.
How to Get There
- By Car: Cape Canaveral is located off Florida’s east coast via State Road A1A and the Beachline Expressway (FL 528). It’s about 1 hour from Orlando and 3.5 hours from Miami.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO), about 45 minutes away. Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is another nearby option.
- By Cruise: If you’re setting sail, Cape Canaveral is home to Port Canaveral—one of the world’s busiest cruise ports. Plan a pre- or post-cruise stay to explore the area.
Where to Stay
- Radisson Resort at the Port – Close to Port Canaveral, this popular hotel offers a tropical pool, cruise parking, and a shuttle to the terminal.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral – Ideal for families or longer stays, with kitchenettes and a free hot breakfast just minutes from the beach and space center.
- Beachside Hotels & Rentals – If you want ocean views, consider beachside condos and rentals along Ridgewood Avenue or in neighboring Cocoa Beach.
Top Attractions
1. Kennedy Space Center
Rating: ★★★★★
No trip to Cape Canaveral would be complete without a visit to the famous Kennedy Space Center, which has something for everyone. Perhaps the biggest draw is that guests can witness an actual live launch of a space rocket at the center, as well as visit their museum that features everything from astronauts’ suits to pieces of real moon rock.
You can also see the impressive Atlantis shuttle, as well as many other rockets and memorabilia charting the history of space exploration from the past to the present. Make sure to have a look at their space shop to find a fitting souvenir before you leave.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, State Road 405, FL 32899, 866-737-5235
2. Jetty Park
If you want to spend the day exploring over thirty-five acres of lush parklands then look no further than Jetty Park. There is a stunning beach that sprawls over four acres and has all the necessary amenities for enjoying some fun in the sun such as deck chairs and beach umbrellas. If you would prefer to spend the day fishing then there is a dedicated pier that stretches into the sea, allowing for an unrivalled angling experience.
There is also a playground for little ones to enjoy and even pavilions for rent that are ideal for larger gatherings or group picnics amidst the beautiful landscape of Jetty Park.
9035 Campground Circle, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, 321-783-7111
If you are looking to do something romantic
3. Cape Canaveral Lighthouse
The first lighthouse was erected some 150 years ago to warn mariners of the dangerous areas along the shore. Unfortunately, the first lighthouse, which was only 60 feet tall, was not tall enough. The next one was too close to the shore and had to be moved, which was not an easy task in terrain full of swamps and lowlands. Finally, after ten months of rebuilding, the new lighthouse was relit in 1894 in the location where it stands today. The new tower is made of iron plates that are bolted together and covered with two layers of brick. The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is 151 feet tall, and it sends a beam of light 22 nautical miles towards the sea.
4. Exploration Tower
A proud landmark in Cape Canaveral, Exploration Tower invites visitors to learn all about the history, culture, and flora and fauna of the region. Spread over seven floors, the tower has several observation decks for visitors to take in the spectacular views over Cape Canaveral, as well as exhibits that focus on giving you a hands-on experience through interactive play.
There are film areas and photographic galleries, and you can even pilot a virtual boat or witness a space rocket launch from the nearby Kennedy Space Center. If you are feeling hungry after a day touring the tower there is a cafe onsite as well as a gift shop.
670 Dave Nisbet Drive, Port Canaveral, FL 32929, 321-394-3405 or 321-394-3408
If you are traveling with kids
5. U.S. Air Force Space & Missile Museum
If you want to learn all about the history of rocket and space flight then you need look no further than the U.S. Air Force Space & Missile Museum. Opened in the 1960s, the museum is packed full of exhibits dating from the early days of space flight until the present, some of which include rockets, satellites, missiles, and historic displays that chart key moments in the history of space exploration such as famous female astronauts and previous unmanned missions.
The museum is not just an indoor venue, and there is even a rocket garden for visitors to wander through and witness retired rockets, launch pads, and control towers.
Air Force Space and Missile History Center, 100 Space Port Way, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, 321-853-9171
6. Manatee Sanctuary Park
Located on the quaintly named Banana River, Manatee Sanctuary Park spans over ten acres and boasts a whole host of activities that visitors of all ages are sure to enjoy. There are paved trails and exercise activities available for those looking to keep fit, or if you want to go for a stroll then you can explore the covered boardwalk.
Those who want to bring along some refreshments can use the picnic and grill facilities at the park. There are even manatee (also known as a sea cow) sightings so scan the waters and you may be lucky enough to see one of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
701 Thurm Boulevard, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, 321-868-1226
7. Victory Casino Cruise
Victory Casino Cruise brings you more than a casino – it is a casino located on a cruise ship that departs twice a day for trips around the Cape Canaveral area. Guests can choose from a late morning or evening cruise, and there are trips available seven days a week to fit with your schedule.
Aside from the casino located in the ship, there are meals provided at Atlantic Dining that include succulent freshly caught seafood, and if you catch an evening cruise you can dance the night away at Big Norm’s Club V with an in-house DJ and dancers. Day cruisers also won’t miss out, as drinks in the sun are available at Dolphin Bar.
180 Christopher Columbus Drive, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, Terminal B-2 Port Canaveral, 855-468-4286
8. The Wizard of Oz Museum
Opened in late 2021, The Wizard of Oz Museum spans 20,000 cubic feet of space and will instantly transport visitors to the land that Dorothy explored. Guests to the museum can step into Dorothy’s shoes and soar through a tornado. Explore Munchkin Land, explore the Dark Forest, or stroll through the Poppy Field into Emerald City with the museum’s enchanting exhibits and attractions. When you’re done exploring the museum’s innovative exhibits, tread into a more traditional museum set up to explore rare artifacts such as toys, original props, costumes, and the like. The Wizard of Oz Museum even has the first editions of the novel dating back to 1900.
7099 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920, Phone: 888-949-6369
9. Orlando Princess & Canaveral Princess Deep Sea Fishing
For something a little different book a trip and go deep-sea fishing in Cape Canaveral. The Orlando Princess & Canaveral Princess will take you out on the water and the friendly staff will give you all the best tips and tricks so that you will have the best chance of catching some fish.
Meals are provided along with unlimited drinks, and you don’t need to bring any fishing tackle, as everything you need is available on board. There are a variety of trips to choose from including full or half day trips and even night trips to catch sharks, which are known to be more active after the sun goes down.
670 Glen Cheek Drive, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, 800-481-3474 or 321-784-6300
Plan Your Trip