5 Places to Experience a FL Rocket Launch

Growing up on Florida’s Space Coast meant we would often run outside to witness a Space Shuttle or rocket launch. Over the years we witnessed hundreds of launches and everyone was just as exciting as the one before it.

When the end of the Space Shuttle program was announced it sent shock waves across the Space Coast. The last few Shuttle launches brought thousands of people to the East Coast, each wanting to catch a glimpse of history.

Then the Space Coast withstood years of job losses and only a few rocket launches. It was eerily quiet. The tourist didn’t come in droves. But we endured.

Now here we are in 2019 and the Space Coast is coming alive again! The United States is on the verge of sending humans into space again from Florida. The excitement is building! People are returning to the area to catch a glimpse of a whole new space program.

Now, you are probably wondering “where do I go to see a rocket launch?” Well, I put together 5 Places to Experience a FL Rocket Launch just for you.

#1 Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The number one spot to watch a rocket launch is from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. They offer up to 4 different viewing options; LC-39 Observation Gantry ($49 in addition to daily admission), Banana Creek Launch Viewing Area which is next to the Saturn V Center ($20 in addition to daily admission), NASA Causeway ($40 in addition to daily admission), and the main visitor complex next to Space Shuttle Atlantis (included with daily admission).

It is highly recommended that you purchase tickets ahead of time online. They do sell out. Be sure to read all the specifics, such as what happens if there is a scrub. Daily admission to the Visitor Complex is $57 for adults and $47 for kids. Plus, there is a $10 parking fee. If getting an up-close and full launch experience is what you are looking for, then the KSC Visitor Complex is for you.

#2 Playalinda Beach

Playalinda Beach is located in Canaveral National Seashore. It is the closest beach to the north of Kennedy Space Center. In fact, while driving to the beach you are adjacent to KSC and can get some great glimpses of launch complex 39B and 39A. This beach will also give you some of the best views of a rocket launch. Occasionally, Playalinda will close for launch prep or for an actual launch. It is wise to check online before making the drive out.

This beach is undeveloped. There are no hotels, condos, restaurants, or public transportation. It is approximately 15 miles from exit 220 (Garden Street) on I-95 and you will pass through Titusville. There is an entrance fee to Playalinda Beach. As of August 2020, the fee was $20 per vehicle. National Park Passes are accepted. One thing to note about this beach is that it does reach capacity quickly on launch day. Arrive early if this is your go-to spot!

Want to read more about Playalinda Beach? Check out my post, Canaveral National Seashore’s Playalinda Beach.

#3 Titusville

Titusville is the Gateway to Nature and Space. It sits directly across the Indian River from Kennedy Space Center. Anywhere along Titusville’s riverfront, you can catch a glimpse of the KSC’s VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building) and, of course, rocket launches.

Titusville has many great places to experience a rocket launch. To name a few, Max Brewer Bridge (which often closes to vehicular traffic near launch time to accommodate launch viewers), Marina Park, Sand Point Park, Parrish Park, and Space View Park. The Titusville Chamber of Commerce produced a wonderful map of launch viewing sites along with popular restaurants. You can find the PDF here.

Titusville would also make a great place to spend the night if you are traveling to see a launch. It offers a good number of chain hotels, restaurants, and shopping.

The key to getting a good viewing spot in Titusville is to arrive early.

#4 Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral is to the south of Kennedy Space Center and is adjacent to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. You can get some really great views from this spot if you arrive early. There are a number of spots to watch a launch from including, Jetty Park (which has an admission fee and will close when it reaches capacity), the Cove restaurants, Exploration Tower, and sometimes along State Roads 401 and 528. In recent days, officials have not allowed parking along the road. Be prepared to change your plans. Parking in Port Canaveral lots is $15 cash only, as of April 2019.

Port Canaveral is a very busy area, especially on cruise ship arrival and departure days. Be aware that parking may be hard to find. If you do find a spot and it is a cruise ship day, I highly recommend watching the ships depart. It is quite a sight!

#5 Cocoa Beach

Last on my list is Cocoa Beach, home of the world-famous Ron Jon’s Surf Shop. Cocoa Beach is located south of Kennedy Space Center and Port Canaveral. This beach town has tons of options to view a rocket launch. Anywhere along the beach will give you a glance at a launch. Many hotels have beach access. There are also a couple parks with beach access; Alan Shepard Park, Sidney Fisher Park, and Lori Wilson Park. There is a parking fee at each park.

The Cocoa Beach Pier is a fantastic viewing spot. It stretches 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and offers opportunities to fish or dine in one of its many restaurants. There is a fee to park in their parking lot.

Again, the key to getting a good viewing spot is to arrive early. This is a very busy beach town and launch days just make it busier. Cocoa Beach has tons of hotels, restaurants, and shopping opportunities.

Booster Landing

If you happen to be watching a SpaceX launch where the booster(s) are returning to Cape, be on the lookout for them about 5 minutes after launch. You can see and hear them coming back. The sonic boom can be quite startling. You won’t get the view pictured below, but you can still see them pretty well. Your best views will be from KSC or the beaches. SpaceX booster landings are usually announced ahead of time.

Conclusion

There you have it, my 5 Places to Experience a FL Rocket Launch. All are great spots. Even if you can’t make it to one of these, you can view a launch from anywhere along the Space Coast. The closer you get to KSC the better they look, sound, and feel. Viewing a launch is a moment you won’t soon forget.

Looking for other things to do while on the Space Coast.

• Rediscovering the Brevard Zoo
• Viera Wetlands with Kids
• Titusville’s Enchanted Forest Sanctuary with Kids

Want to read stories about space exploration, check out my friend and fellow blogger’s page Space Age Chronicle.

Buddy, the Traveling Monkey also has a great post on things to do in Titusville.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this post are solely my own. I was not compensated for this post. Please double-check your viewing spot before traveling. Closures are not uncommon. Rocket launch dates are not set in stone. Scrubs and delays are frequent. Plan accordingly!