From the launch schedule to viewing tips, here’s everything you need to know before visiting Cape Canaveral.
For many , watch an factual Eruca sativa launching on location in South Florida is a bucket list experience to be think back forever . But check that experience off the list is light than you may think because SpaceX , NASA , and ULA are get off more rockets up from the Space Coast than ever before .
No matter how frequent rocket launches from Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center are happen , the logistics of planning a slip to see the action in person can get sly . So we ’ve compile a templet with everything you ask to roll in the hay from how to find the launching schedule to other things to do in the area during your trip . When the stars align , the boosters get down up , and the countdown begins , here ’s how to watch a rocket launching on yourroad tripor holiday to Cape Canaveral and the Space Coast .
How to find the launch schedule
TheLaunch Console appis the easiest way of life to find the launch schedules for SpaceX , NASA , and ULA all in one piazza . Beyond the schedule , you ’ll also find liftoff reminders , a unrecorded feed of the launching so you’re able to see the natural action up tight , and a compass to ensure you know where to take care .
How to get to Cape Canaveral, the Kennedy Space Center, and other Space Coast destinations
From the Miami sphere , theSpace Coastis an easy route trip that can be done in a little over three hours .
If you ’re visiting from further aside , there are a identification number of airport within about an hour drive of Cape Canaveral to take from . While Melbourne International Airport and Dayton Beach International Airport are also options , Orlando International Airport is your best bet for finding low-priced airfare and it ’s about a 45 - minute effort from the Space Coast .
Be forewarn that once you arrive in the neighborhood , there will most belike be more traffic than usual due to this unequalled spectacle — so plan accordingly by giving yourself some excess time to deal with the influx of hoi polloi .
Space Shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex|Photo courtesy of Florida’s Space Coast
How to get tickets to the launch
All Florida launches start their journey atCape Canaveral Space Force StationorKennedy Space Center — but there is more than one launch stamp pad and multiple types of tickets are uncommitted for purchase .
bet on the day and time of the formally scheduled launching , visitors can look at rocket launches at the espouse locating : LC-39 Observation Gantry , Banana Creek Launch Viewing Area ( adjacent to the Apollo / Saturn V Center ) , The Apollo / Saturn V Center lawn , and the main visitor complex with bleachers set up in designated viewing areas . For more entropy about protocols for specific event , check out the KSC web site .
visitant can also see launch from other areas of the Kennedy Space Center and adjacent Cape Canaveral Space Force Station — but each type of rocket use a different launch pad , so the opportunity is only usable for some missions base on safety protocols .
Photo courtesy of 2022 Gateway Grand Open KSC SCOTO 45
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the closest blot for the populace to see alive launches — and if you watch the launch here , you’re able to also listen to the accompanying expert comment , enjoy approach to the bleacher seating room , and even see the pith ’s exhibits and attractive feature .
tag options range of a function from a simple admission to Launch Transportation Tickets and Rocket Launch Packages , which include admission to the Space Center and some special extra perquisite . The best way to purchase ticket isonline , which you could then get at on your earpiece at the front gate .
Where to see the launch beyond the Kennedy Space Center
This is a mapof some NASA - approved viewing spots beyond the Space Center evidence . If you ca n’t take hold of prescribed tickets or do n’t want to dispense with the dealings of being on - site , there are hatful of alternate destinations to ground yourself for launching wake .
VisitThe Space Barat the Courtyard Titusville Kennedy Space Center , which has a especial “ express elevator ” that take Edgar Guest straight up to the rooftop next to a rampart sign by many of the astronauts that have tested out one of the bar ’s “ grand ” cocktails . This hotel is the closest belongings to the Space Center ’s 39A and 39B launch complexes and is bed for host launch party for some of the more publicized rocket parody .
There are also plenty of local Park like Marina Park , Sand Point Park , Space View Park , Manzo Park , Kennedy Point Park , Jetty Park , and Alan Shepard Park where you’re able to disseminate out a blanket and love a nice sight .
Cocoa Beach Pier|Kevin Capella/Shutterstock
If you prefer being out on the water , you could boat or larrup out to the shores of the Indian River Lagoon or plop down on Playalinda Beach at theCanaveral National Seashore . There ’s also the Cocoa Beach Pier which stretches out into the ocean making for a gracious place to see the action .
What to pack and other helpful tips
You never lie with how long you ’ll be waiting for the net countdown , so be sure to pack food and water along with copious sun tribute , including sun blocker , chapeau , retentive sleeve shirts , umbrellas , and sunglasses . If you attract bugs , make indisputable to bring louse repellent to ward off these tiny pest . reckon on which viewing location you choose , you ’ll also want to wreak along close down - panache chairs and blankets to sit on .
Bring a jacket and some rain gear as the atmospheric condition in Florida is known to be unpredictable . If the launch is in the early daybreak or late even , you ’ll also require to bring a headlight and flashlight so you may see your environs look on where you ’re watching .
And at long last , do n’t bury your camera , tripods , and opera glasses — this is the chance to capture a coup d’oeil of account , after all .
Other things to do in Cape Canaveral and the rest of the Space Coast
Unfortunately , these launch get canceled more often than you ’d hope because rocket missions will only count down if every single petite petty detail is compulsive to be 100 % perfect . First , keep your fingers intersect , but it ’s always a good theme to have a “ Plan B ” in case the launch is scrubbed . as luck would have it , there are plenty of things to do on the Space Coast , so regardless of whether your launch actually follows through , here are some things to do beyond the launch pad .
Because you ’re on the coast , there are several ways to get out on the water and enjoy nature . Embark on a kayak tour withFin Expeditions , and paddle through the statuesque Rhizophora mangle Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree in the laguna or take a tripper on a catamaran withSail Cocoa Beachalong the river — you might even see some dolphin .
For a water - adjacent bodily function , hang out atThe Cove at Port Canaveraland take hold of a bite to eat with a panorama . When SpaceX boosters res publica on dawdler ships or Dragon capsules land in the ocean , the ships that bring in them back to Cape Canaveral have to travel through Port Canaveral , and restaurants likeRusty ’s Seafood & Oyster Barhave a choice line of business of sight to where the boats arrive and sit to wait for their next missionary post .
The nearby Cocoa Beach is also an ideal destination , and the laid - back surfside city ofDowntown Cocoa Beachoffers cute boutique shopping , fantabulous dining , and night life featuring more than 150 local concern to search .
