Get 'Spaced Out'
on the Space Coast!
3...2...1...LIFTOFF!!! Witnessing a towering Space Shuttle or rocket blaze into the atmosphere is like nothing you've ever imagined, and here on the Space Coast of Florida you can experience firsthand one of the most stunning and dramatic events on Earth: a live NASA launch topped off with the explosive power of the world’s most expensive firework! You'll gasp wide-eyed, as massive towers of smoked billow upwards followed by a brilliant trail of blazing, orange fire. A good two to three minutes after takeoff the sound finally makes it your way, the earth trembling beneath your feet.
As the Cocoa Beach area's nickname suggests, Florida's Space Coast is the proud home of the U.S. Space Program and NASA's Kennedy Space Center Complex--the only place in the United States that blasts man into outer space.
If you ever need a little inspiration, a space shuttle launch will make you appreciate how remarkable human beings really are.
Seeing a launch in person gives you a whole new appreciation of the power it takes for the vehicles to leave our atmosphere.
Space Shuttle lauches are infrequent but if you're lucky and on the Space Coast during a launch window, you might actually witness one of these spectacular launches while fishing on the surrounding lagoons.
From a Space Shuttle launch to the International Space Station to the thunderous ascent of massive rockets carrying satellites, Martian rovers and planetary explorers, there's always a mission in the works at America's busiest launch facility.
Next Space Shuttle Launch
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers a "Launch Viewing Opportunity Ticket" which provides transportation to the KSC viewing site seven miles from the shuttle pads. When you are that close, you see it, hear it, and feel it! For details, call (321) 449-4444.
Unable to land a viewing ticket, the best viewing sites for the general public include: anywhere along the shores of the Indian River in Titusville, U.S. Space Walk of Fame, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the Cocoa Beach Pier or any of the beaches south of Port Canaveral along the Space Coast.
For details on space shuttle launch schedules, call(321) 867-4636.Begin by contacting the Kenny Space Centre ( 321-867-4636; www.kennedyspacecenter.com/html/see_launch.html ) too find out if there’s a launch during your visit ( you can also order tickets to view the launch ). If you can’t get tickets to KSC facilities, don’t worry - there are plenty of great places to see shuttles soar. Try the Astronaut Hall of Fame, Jetty Park Campground, Cherie Down Park, Rotary Riverfront Park, Space View Park, Coca Beach Pier, Bennet Causeway (Hwy 528) and Brewer Parkway Bridge in Titusville.
Make hotel reservations early, and plan to stay for a while. The launch i viewed, STS-110, was delayed 3 times due to mechanical problems and windy weather, a week which culminated with a nail-biting countdown that had technicians reloading software onto the space shuttle Atlantis in the final minutes.
Get to your viewing site early and bring binoculars and extra beer - it’s an international tailgate party no matter where you end up. Vendors sell ice cream, soda and even mission-specific T-shirts (from $10; they make great souvenirs). Tune into 920AM for up-to-the-minute reports and, five minutes before the big event, the countdown.
So, come to the Cocoa Beach area and experience the WILD SIDE of Florida!
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ECO-TOUR PROVIDERS
ACE OF HEARTS RANCH
7400 Bridal Path Lane
Cocoa, FL 32927
Phone: (321) 638-0104
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GRASSHOPPER AIRBOAT ECO-TOURS
3530 Canaveral Groves Blvd.
Cocoa, FL 32926
Phone: (321) 631-2990
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ADVENTURE AIRBOAT TOUR, INC.
4185 Bass Road
Cocoa, FL 32926
Phone: (321) 636-2091
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COCOA BEACH KAYAKING
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Phone: (321) 784-4545
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COCOA BEACH MANATEE WATCH
37 Crystal River Dr.
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Phone: (321) 799-5495
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SPACE COAST RIVER TOURS
2550 Sykes Creek Dr.
Merritt Island, FL 32953
Phone: (321) 652-1052
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FLORIDA ECO-SAFARIS
4755 N. Kenansville Rd.
St. Cloud, FL 34773
Phone: (407) 957-9157
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NATURE ATTRACTIONS
BREVARD ZOO
Stroll through Latin America, Native Florida and Australia featuring over 400 animals including alligators, giant anteater, marmoset, jaguar, eagle, river otter, kangaroo, kookaburra and more. Also features a train ride and beautiful exotic birds in a free-flight aviary. Explore the "Paws-On" interactive learning area, an adventurous playground, and get up close and personal with a wide variety of friendly, domesticated animals. Located just east of I-95 (exit 73) on Wickham Rd. in Melbourne. (321) 254-WILD
CANAVERAL NATIONAL SEASHORE /
MERRITT ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Here at Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, nature affirms her spirit and lives in harmony with over 1,045 species of plants and animals, including gators, bobcats, wild hogs, broomeliads and mangroves, plus 310 species of birds including snowy egrets, white ibises, great blue herons and red-tailed hawks. Fifteen wildlife species federally listed as endangered or threatened live here, including sea turtles, Gopher Tortoises, Ospreys, West Indian Manatees, southern Bald Eagles and Florida scrub jays. No buildings or seawalls distrub this 40-plus mile long wilderness (and clothing optional) beach, and not to be missed is the 6-mile self-guided Black Point Wildlife Drive. On SR 406 (Garden St./Exit 80, I-95) in Titusville. (321) 861-0667
COCOA BEACH PIER
This is a historical landmark in Cocoa Beach, stretching 840 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, and features a wide array of restaurants, boutiques, and gift shops. Fishing is allowed on the pier, and rentals are available. Located 1/2 mile north of SR 520. (321) 783-7549
F.I.T. BOTANICAL GARDENNIQUE
Located on the outskirts of the Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne campus, this gardennique is a one-mile paved trail that winds its way through some 300 species of palms, fern and tropical foliage. Included in the gardennique is Brevard County's oldest one-room schoolhouse, built in 1883. You can pick up a Botanical Garden Plant Guide and Nature Trail map at the adjacent Evans Library. FIT is located at 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne. (321) 674-8000
FLORIDA SOLAR ENERGY CENTER
This 16-acre energy center was created to explore Florida's most abundant energy source...the sun. It's library holds a collection of several thousand books and documents. Located next to Brevard Community College at 179 Clearlake Rd., Cocoa. (321) 638-1000
JUNGLE ADVENTURES
Coined the "largest gator farm in Florida," view thousands of gators in their natural environment. Here you can take a jungle cruise, see a wildlife show featuring endangered Florida Panthers, explore a re-created native American Indian village and feed all sorts of native wildlife including black bears, deer, peacocks gators, monkeys, turtles and more. Located on E. Hwy. 50 in Christmas, just down the road from Titusville. (407) 568-2885
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