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Top 5 things to do on Florida’s Space Coast

From rocket launches to beach days, here's what to do on Florida's Space Coast.

Holidays to Florida’s Space Coast take you to a 72-mile stretch of shoreline that counts the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station among its star attractions. That means watching a rocket launch or meeting a real-life astronaut is on the cards, alongside plenty more must-dos. Laze on sunny Cocoa Beach, make tracks for Melbourne Beach, or head to the theme parks in Orlando – it's about a 45-minute drive away. Read on for our top five things to do, and start planning your Space Coast trip.

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1. WATCH A ROCKET LAUNCH

Did we mention a Space Coast holiday puts the Kennedy Space Center on your doorstep? Fact-packed space travel exhibitions, talks with real astronauts, and regular rocket launches are on the agenda at the Visitor Complex here. There are so many regular launches planned that you’ve got a great chance of seeing one, and you can download the Space Coast Launches app to see when they’re scheduled. This place is understandably popular, so just make sure you plan your visit in advance.
A family watching a rocket launch.

2. SURF ON COCOA BEACH

Cocoa Beach is one of the main hubs along Florida’s Space Coast, and as the closest beach to Orlando’s theme parks, it has a really buzzy vibe. Surfers travel from far and wide to ride the waves here, and there are surf schools strung along the beachfront for beginners. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing are on offer, too, so adrenaline junkies have the full A-Z of options.
A surfer riding a wave.

3. CHILL OUT ON MELBOURNE BEACH

Fancy slowing the pace a little? Travel further south to the Melbourne area and things get decidedly quieter. While there’s still a thriving watersports scene on Melbourne Beach, days here revolve around lazing on the silky sand. There are beachfront eateries dotted along the shore, so you can pull up a chair and tuck into a bowl of clam chowder. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a sea turtle nesting or a hatchling returning to the ocean as you slurp.
Birds eye view of the beach.

4. GET UP CLOSE WITH NATURE

As the name suggests, space travel and coastal sweeps top the charts on the Space Coast. But this place is also a haven for nature lovers. Hike, bike, or paddle through miles of trails that back the shoreline, or spot manatees and dolphins on a trip out on the water. There are loads of adventurous Florida experiences to choose from, including the chance to spot an alligator on an airboat ride, or kayak through waters lit up by bioluminescence at night.
Tourists riding on an airboat.

5. SPEND A DAY EXPLORING

Downtown Melbourne is well worth a visit if you fancy some retail therapy – it has everything from classy boutiques to antique-filled boltholes to explore. And Cocoa Village – a small, historic town with tree-lined avenues that sits alongside the banks of the Indian River – has a clutch of independent shops, too. Plus, there are regular markets, art and craft festivals, and sidewalk sales that take place along Brevard Avenue.
Two women shopping on the high street.

Ready to book a trip to the Space Coast?

Browse our holidays to Florida.

Or for more inspiration, check out the top things to do in Orlando, get some ideas for unique things to do in Florida, or take a look at the best beaches in Florida.

For more on Florida, check out our Florida planning hub.

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Author: Katie Gregory

Last updated: 12.02.24

Holiday Type

Destination

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