Cape Canaveral: Space Coast

Cape Canaveral is a coastal city in Florida known for its great beaches and space exploration. Sun, sea, and sand, or a tour of the launch pads? Cape Canaveral is a truly memorable experience.

Cape Canaveral facts

Here are some useful short facts about Cape Canaveral:

US state: Florida
Size: 55 sq. mi.
Annual visitors: 1.5 million
Hot spots: Kennedy Space Center, Canaveral National Seashore, Jetty Park

Things to see in Cape Canaveral

Book your flights and don't miss the following sights when you visit Cape Canaveral:

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is one of Cape Canaveral's main attractions. It offers a glimpse into the history of space exploration and features exhibits, interactive displays, and various special events. From the Shuttle Launch Experience to the Astronaut Encounter to the Rocket Garden, this is a must-see for any space enthusiast.

Book your ticket for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex here!

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is one of the beaches surrounding Cape Canaveral. With its beautiful white sand beaches, it's easy to see why it's popular with locals and tourists alike. Whether you want to surf, fish, or just lay in the sun, Cocoa Beach is the perfect place to spend the day.

Book your tour to Cocoa Beach here!

Canaveral National Seashore

Canaveral National Seashore is a great place to explore the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, explore miles of pristine beaches, and participate in kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to view wildlife and learn about the local ecology. Visitors can see various animals, including manatees, dolphins, and numerous species of birds. It is also a great place for fishing, kayaking, and bird-watching.

Jetty Park

Jetty Park is a great place to enjoy the beauty of the area. Here you can fish, walk along the pier, or relax on the beach. It's also a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset.

Visiting Cape Canaveral

The closest airport is Melbourne Orlando International Airport, about 26 miles from Cape Canaveral. Upon arrival, you can easily take a rental car, shuttle bus, or taxi to your destination in Cape Canaveral.

Book your flights here!

If you are traveling by car, you can take either I-95 or the Florida Turnpike to Cape Canaveral. Bus companies also provide service to Cape Canaveral. Two of the largest are Greyhound and RedCoach.

Book your rental car here!

History of Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral, located on the east coast of Florida, is an important part of American history and has greatly influenced the space industry. The Cape was formed by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean and consists of a series of offshore islands.

The first historical event associated with the Cape is the landing of the Spanish explorer Ponce de León in 1513. During the War of 1812, the area served as a refuge for ships and as a military outpost during the Civil War.

In the 1950s, the Cape became a major player in the race to conquer space between the United States and the Soviet Union. The first American satellite, Explorer 1, was launched from the Cape in 1958. A few years later, President John F. Kennedy announced the Apollo program, which would eventually lead to the first manned mission to the moon. The Apollo 11 mission launched from the Cape in 1969 and put the first man on the moon.

The Space Shuttle program also launched from the Cape in 1981 and ran until 2011, with 135 missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope, which allowed scientists to view the universe in unprecedented detail. Today, Cape Canaveral is home to numerous space research centers and is a major launch site for many of the world's most advanced rockets and spacecraft.

Your vacation at Cape Canaveral

If you are traveling by car, be aware that there are several toll roads in Cape Canaveral. Check the traffic before you leave, as Cape Canaveral can be very busy. If you plan to visit the Kennedy Space Center, purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

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