Space Coast

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism
Photo provided by Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism
Photo provided by Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism
Photo provided by Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism
Photo provided by Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism

The home of NASA and space shuttle launches is also known for its untamed beaches, wildlife sanctuaries and surfing contests.

Florida's Space Coast is a region of the Atlantic Coast where nature and pioneering space technology sit side by side. Launch pads and rockets point skyward, surfers compete in world-famous competitions and manatees seek refuge in warm waters. Enjoy lazy days on the beach, take nature walks and see some of the world’s most impressive spacecraft.

For more than 50 years, Florida's Space Coast has been NASA's gateway to the solar system, hence its name. America's first rockets blasted off from Cape Canaveral and all 135 space shuttle missions launched from the area.

Visit the Kennedy Space Center, the nucleus of America’s space program, to see the first rockets that went to the moon. Go to the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame to learn more about the men and women who went into orbit. Explore the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum to pick up insights into America’s military flight history and see aircraft from World War I to the present day.

The Space Coast is one of the largest ecosystems in Florida, with more than 250 square miles (647 square kilometers) of wildlife sanctuaries for Florida’s rare species. Walk along the hiking trails of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge to see manatees and marsh animals. Learn about loggerhead sea turtle conservation with a nighttime guided tour to their nesting sites. Brevard Zoo is a good place to see more exotic animal species from around the world.

With so much beautiful coastline, the beach at Florida's Space Coast is a must-do on anyone’s itinerary. Spend some time at Cocoa Beach, known as the "East Coast Surfing Capital of the United States." If you don’t want to ride the waves, watch the action from Cocoa Beach Pier. World-famous surfing competitions are held here including the Easter Surfing Festival. After your day at the beach, walk along the tree-lined streets of Cocoa Village and browse specialty shops.

Florida's Space Coast’s sand, sea, rockets and wildlife are 35 miles (56 kilometers) east of Orlando. With more than 72 miles (110 kilometers) of beaches, this area has the longest stretch of coastline in Florida.

Where to stay in Space Coast

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Port Canaveral

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Port Canaveral. Make a stop by Victory Casino Cruises or Peacock Beach while you're exploring the area.

Port Canaveral
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Viera

Travelers like the golf courses in Viera, and Viera East Golf Club is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Viera
Beautiful Sunset

Orlando Beach

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Orlando Beach, South Cocoa Beach and Patrick AFB Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Orlando Beach
Perfect Ocean temps.
Great shell pickings.
All shared with these guys.
#BeachBound

Melbourne Beach

5/5(8 area reviews)

Largely residential with beachside parks, Melbourne Beach offers sea turtle nesting sites at Coconut Point Park and attractions like Melbourne Beach Pier and Ryckman Park. A Publix is located nearby.

Melbourne Beach
Cocoa Beach which includes general coastal views and swimming as well as a couple

Downtown Cocoa Beach

While there might not be top attractions in Downtown Cocoa Beach, you can explore the larger area and discover places like I Dream Of Jeannie Lane and Cocoa Beach Skate Park.

Downtown Cocoa Beach
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Indialantic By The Sea

4.5/5(28 area reviews)

Situated between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, this barrier island town offers scenic drives along Route A1A and easy access to Melbourne via the Melbourne Causeway.

Indialantic By The Sea
Radisson Resort at the Port

Radisson Resort at the Port

3 out of 5
8701 Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral, FL
$120 nightly
The price is $134 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$134 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly resort in Cape Canaveral. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,409 reviews)
"My second stay at the Radisson rooms have been upgraded pool is great service is all ways good they have a shuttle bus to take you to the cruise port."

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

Radisson Resort at the Port
Beachside Hotel & Suites

Beachside Hotel & Suites

3.5 out of 5
3901 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL
$159 nightly
The price is $178 total per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$178 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Cocoa Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,649 reviews)
"Walk to beach River pool was nice walk to Ron Jon food and store nearby"

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Beachside Hotel & Suites
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach-Port Canaveral

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach-Port Canaveral

3 out of 5
1275 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL
$99 nightly
The price is $111 total per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$111 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Cocoa Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,022 reviews)
"Very clean place"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach-Port Canaveral
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beach Place Guesthouses

Beach Place Guesthouses

3 out of 5
1445 South Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL
Stay at this 3-star beach cottage in Cocoa Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, a business center, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (669 reviews)
"Loved this property! So vintage Florida..not the new high rises commercial feel. Beautiful, quiet, nice and shady. Giant outdoor chess set was so fun. Loved this beachside stay and will definitely be back!!"

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Beach Place Guesthouses
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort

Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort

4 out of 5
3550 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Cocoa Beach. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and free water park access. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (482 reviews)
Well where do I start
"Upon arrival we were told that the kids water pod was closed until further notice. The washer/dryer area is a little to be desired. My son was full of bites from sitting on the couch in our room as did I one night. St this point I had had enough and left a day earlier. Pool and lazy river was ok. ..."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort
Cape Crossing Resort & Marina

Cape Crossing Resort & Marina

4 out of 5
201 Ivory Coral Lane, Merritt Island, FL
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Merritt Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (667 reviews)
"Great place,"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Cape Crossing Resort & Marina
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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