Category Archives: Cocoa Beach

NASA – Kennedy Space Center – Florida

The wonder of exploring the universe and space flight is something that never fails to intrigue everyone. You can guarantee that no matter what age or gender this statement is true, and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is about the closest most of us can get to exploring space travel.

Museums, exhibits, tours and thrill rides are all part of a visit and you are even offered the chance to have lunch with an Astronaut.

The Main Visitor Complex:  This is where you will arrive, park up and purchase your tickets if you’ve not already got them. Upon entering the complex you will find various attractions including, the Astronaut Hall of Fame, the Rocket Garden which is a collection of past space rockets of all shapes and sizes, IMAX theater offering amazing 3D shows and Space Shuttle Atlantis the ride, a launch simulation which is a must do attraction. This main complex is also where you will be able to board a bus for your included tour which will take you out to see some amazing close up sights and a stop off at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Whilst at the main complex you will also be able to experience many dinning options and shop for souvenirs in the vast shop.

Apollo/Saturn V Building: Only accessible by taking the included tour, the building is really the main and largest exhibition of the whole complex and you should allow a decent amount of time to see all it has to offer. Home to an amazing array of exhibits including a full size Saturn rocket, Moon buggy, Apollo capsules and hundreds more genuine space exploration artifacts.

The Saturn center is also jam packed with interactive exhibits and experiences which are an absolute must especially the launch control simulation. Whilst at the center try and find time to speak to the staff, you will find that many of them are retired engineers from the space programs and have a vast wealth of knowledge to share.

The NASA Visitor Complex included tour: The most basic of tours offered but still a must, if you fail to take this trip you will miss the main exhibits offered at various stops along the route.

The tour starts off by exiting the main Visitor Complex, going though the security gates and entering the main NASA site. From here you will take a slow drive passing the Vehicle assembly building and onto the Saturn Building. You will leave the bus at this point and spend as much time as you wish exploring the exhibits and once your finished, you can re board one of the frequent buses at your leisure for the return trip. Whilst on the tour bus you will be show information videos and the drivers will point out all sort of interesting things including the wildlife. Look out for rockets which may be standing on the launch pads. SpaceX currently use the original Shuttle pads and these are often view able whilst on the bus.

Dinning and shopping at the Kennedy Space Center: The complex offers a selection of snack bars within both the main visitor area and the Saturn building as well a few restaurants. The opportunity to dine with an astronaut is also offered but this must generally be booked in advance. The are several areas where souvenirs can be purchased but the main offering is the large shop close to the entrance where you can buy everything from space food, clothing, memorabilia and souvenirs to take away with you.

Optional Tours, Extras and Events at the Kennedy Space Center:

Whilst at the Visitor Complex there is often the opportunity to take extended tours which will get you even closer to things such as the launch pads and the Vehicle Assembly Building. Tickets can also be brought for upcoming events such as viewing areas for Rocket launches, dinning opportunities and other special events.

Obviously, this is a working and operational complex and tour offering, extended tours and events are always subject to change.

Getting to the Kennedy NASA Visitor Complex:

Located west of Titusville across the Indian River the Visitor complex is accessed by crossing the NASA causway on the NASA Parkway. Only 10 minutes off the I95.

In Florida for a while? check out our related articles:

  • Whats the best beach in Key West – Florida With a over a million tourists visiting Key West every year one of the most common questions is which is the best beach to visit whilst in Key West. As the majority of visitors to Key west are only in town ...
  • Tarpon Feeding at Robbies Marina – Florida Keys One of the Florida Keys most popular attractions, Robbies Marina is a must stop off on your journey on, off or along the keys. Located in Islamorada Robbie’s is home to the long time world famous opportunity to hand feed Tarpon. Yes ...
  • Clearwater Beach Visitor Guide – Florida clearwater beaches golden soft white sandsClearwater beach located on the west coast of Florida is one of Americas finest beach resorts. The soft sand beaches, warm waters and quality of the amenities have lead to Clearwater being ranked as one of Florida’s best beaches time ...
  • Fort De Soto park – Florida USA Covering 1,136 acres and boasting over 3 miles of pristine coral white gently slopped beaches, acres of mangroves, historic fort and
  • Daytona Beach Visitors Guide – Florida Daytona Beach SignSteeped with history the name Daytona Beach is know the world over. Probably most famous for its association with motor sports it is often considered one of the birth places of modern day American Motor racing.
  • Clearwater-Florida Travel Guide clearwater beach and boardwalk floridaLined with coral sand beaches and beautiful state parks on the outer islands along its gulf coast, the area attracts millions of visitors looking for a relaxing break in the sun annually. Clearwater has far more to offer than ...
  • Guide to I-95 Rest Areas, Service Areas and Welcome Centers I-95 is approximately 1850 miles in length and for anyone driving long sections of the Interstate might need to take a break, fill up with Gas or grab something to eat. I-95 like many Interstates has a good selection of rest ...
  • Ideas away from Disney when visiting Orlando clearwater beaches golden soft white sandsVacationing in Orlando spending two weeks in the theme parks may on the face of it seem like the perfect holiday, often more so for the children in the group than the adults. What most people fail to do is take ...
  • Cocoa Beach Florida Visitors Guide Cocoa beach, east of Orlando, is one of Florida’s original holiday destinations. A popular beach day for holiday makers visiting and staying at the theme parks in Orlando, Cocoa is within easy reach of International Drive and the Theme Parks and provides ...
  • Tanger Outlet Locations Tanger Outlets is one of North Americas largest designer outlet shopping village chains. With locations all over the USA and a few in Canada. Many locations have over 100 stores representing some of the biggest names in global fashion, home wares and sporting goods. Prices ...
  • Everglades Safari Park – Florida Everglades Safari Park Sign FloridaAirboat Tours, Alligators and the Everglades. These three things are synonymous with Florida and probably on many a visitors to do list. Well, if your looking to tick these off whilst tagging on some food and a days adventure to ...
  • Guide to Bahia honda state park-Florida Keys Located on on the overseas highway right in the heart of the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the true beauty the keys has to offer. The park is surrounded by award winning beaches both on the ...
  • Eating Out in Key West Key West is famous for being the origin of the Key Lime Pie and Conch Fritters but did you know it offers so much more than that. Eating out is a big deal in Key West both before and after ...
  • Take in the east coast of the USA – Drive I-95 Capital Hill Washington DCWhen holiday makers dream of a road trip in america, route 66 is usually the first hing that comes to mind. Although of course this is one of the most famous tourist drives in the United States, holidays makers planning ...

Cocoa Beach Florida Visitors Guide

Cocoa beach, east of Orlando, is one of Florida’s original holiday destinations. A popular beach day for holiday makers visiting and staying at the theme parks in Orlando, Cocoa is within easy reach of International Drive and the Theme Parks and provides the legs with a little rest from walking many miles around Disney etc.

Cocoa Beach Walkway Florida - TravelammoMiles of beautiful golden beaches, reliably warm waters in summer and plenty of space makes this the perfect beach for a family day out. Be your wish to make the most of laying in the sun, having a game of beach volleyball or even a refreshing swim in the ocean you will find plenty on offer. If your looking to buy lunch in the area and not bringing a picnic with you then there a plentiful small restaurants, snack bars and during the summer season concessions available on the beach.

Ron Jons Surf Shop Cocoa Beach - TravelammoNot being a large resort type beach you will find like many of Florida’s east coast beaches, the beach runs along the main road separated only by modestly sized hotels. Along the main strip you will find your usual selection of small shops, petrol stations and restaurants all be it most are a decent walk from one another. You will however find there are a little more grouped together at the main beach entrance where you will also find the world famous Ron Jon Surf Shop which is located one block further back on the A1A/N Atlantic Ave.

Cocoa beach lying just to the south of Merit Island, Home of the Kennedy Space complex and Cape Canaveral Air Force Base, forms part of Florida’s space coast and offer the perfect place to watch a rocket launch. See here for launch schedule.

Getting to the beach by car you wold usually arrive, if coming from more than 20 miles away, via the US Hwy 520 from the I95. The 520 will lead you all the way across the many causeways finally leading to US A1A/North Atlantic Avenue. Cross directly over to E Cocoa Beach Causeway and onto Ocean Beach Blvd.

Parking: Once on Ocean Beach Blvd you will find plenty of beach side parking lots both on meters and attended. Spaces are usually always to be found although the busier the day the further away from the pier in either direction you may have to travel.

Whats Nearby:

Useful links to nearby Cocoa Beach attractions:

Other Articles that might be of interest: