Space Coast Florida

Debbie Discovers
2 days ago
3 min read

Cape Canaveral/Coco Beach/Merritt Island/NASA/Kenndy Space Center/Titusville

If there’s one place that perfectly blends my love for space and cruising, it’s Florida’s Space Coast. Over the past few years, we’ve found ourselves returning to this incredible area again and again—each visit bringing something new and unforgettable. From the thrill of rocket launches ( I covered the March 2024 for NASA social) lighting up the sky to the excitement of setting sail on a cruise, there’s truly nothing like it.

After so many visits, we’ve discovered some absolute favorites along the way—places to explore, incredible spots to eat, and wonderful places to stay. Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a cruise lover, or just looking for a memorable getaway, here’s our personal guide to the best things to do, see, dine, and experience in the area.

*Means our favorites.

Things to see/do:

*Kennedy Space Center (info coming soon)

American Space Museum There are lots of artifacts here and a great kid gift shop area. Call ahead to see if they have the hands on kid activity and what time it is.

Coco Villiage Playhouse See a play

*Manatee Sanctuary Park 701 Thurm Blvd, Cape Canaveral, FL32920

1/2 Mile Paved Fitness Trail

10 Exercise Stations
Covered Riverside Boardwalk
Picnic Tables & Grills
Covered Pavilion with serving Kitchen
Playground
One Electric vehicle charging station with 2 plugs
- Level 2 - Universal

*Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

This is a great place for peace and quiet and to get close to nature. Near some launches they close some sections so check the website or socials for that. Make sure to stop by the visitor center. They have a bathroom, gift shop, the pretty are in pictures below and learn about bird calls.

Museum of Dinosaurs

Sand Point Park

Space Coast Jazz Society See if there is a perfromance while you are there.

Starfleet Boat Tours I learned abut them during Artemis II and will be taking a boat with the to watch it from the water. Cam has been amazing to work with. Will post more after the trip.

Beaches:

Coconuts Beach 2 Minutemen Causeway Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Jetty Park Beach ( great to see the boats go by)

Playalinda Beach Can have closures due to launches

Places to dine at:

*Brix Project (Titusville )

*Coconuts on the Beach (downtown Coco Beach)

*Dolphins Waterfront Bar and Grill(Merritt Island)

Fish Lips Outdoor Seating and Indoor (Cape Canaveral)

*Florida's Fresh Grill (Coca Beach/More Upscale)

Grills Seafood Dock(Cape Canaveral)

*Pier 220 Seafood & Grill (Titusville) Inside dining and outside

Rusty's Seafood and Oyster Bar (near the Port)

Space Bar (Top floor of Marriott Couryard). There is an elevator in the door area of the hotel to take you straight there. (Hotel is near the bridge before you go over to NASA). You can see the VAB building at NASA in the distance. You can watch launches from here, but sometimes just for hotel guests.

Places to Stay:

*The Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Center Our favorite hotel with the Space Bar. It is conveniently located closer to NASA than the port, while still being only about a 25-minute drive to the cruise terminals.

The rooms are well-equipped with a microwave, coffee maker, and mini refrigerator, offering added convenience for travelers. If available, I highly recommend booking a room with a patio to enhance your stay.

The property features a pool, as well as several dining options, including the Space Bar for dinner and a lobby bar/Starbucks that serves breakfast and lunch. Guests can also enjoy outdoor seating for a more relaxed dining experience.

A unique highlight of this hotel is its robot delivery service, which can bring items such as toiletries directly to your room. The gift shop offers a selection of NASA-themed merchandise, and the hotel provides a launch board with up-to-date launch schedules.

Additional amenities include a fitness center, and for an extra-special experience, guests can request a telescope for in-room use, along with binoculars—perfect for space enthusiasts. Each room has a Space astronaut light to show the galaxy on the ceiling if you want.