Cape Canaveral FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cape Canaveral, Florida.
1. Kennedy Space Center
HUB OF SPACE EXPLORATION
Kennedy Space Center is the hub of America's human space program where astronauts conquered the challenges of space flight and set out on missions to the moon and beyond. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, see actual spacecraft, and even visit historic launch pads that played crucial roles in space history. This iconic attraction offers immersive experiences that showcase the past, present, and future of space exploration.
2. The Wizard Of Oz Museum And Van Gogh
MAGICAL FANTASY COLLECTION
The Wizard Of Oz Museum features a unique collection of rare and one-of-a-kind artifacts from the fascinating history of the beloved story. Visitors can follow the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy and her companions through an immersive journey filled with memorabilia and interactive displays. This specialty museum combines the fantastical world of Oz with artistic elements for a magical experience.
3. Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum
MILITARY SPACE HISTORY
The Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum offers interactive space history exhibits and engaging memorabilia near a Space Force Base, providing insights into Cape Canaveral's historic launch sites. The museum showcases the military's crucial role in America's space program through fascinating displays and artifacts. This attraction is ideal for family visits and space enthusiasts looking to understand the connection between military operations and space exploration.
4. Jetty Park Beach & Pier
SCENIC COASTAL DESTINATION
Jetty Park Beach & Pier is a seaside attraction featuring a long pier and beautiful beach, known for providing spectacular views of rocket launches from the nearby space center. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and various beach activities while potentially catching glimpses of cruise ships entering and exiting Port Canaveral. The park offers a serene weekday ambiance and becomes a popular gathering spot during rocket launches.
5. Canaveral National Seashore
PRISTINE UNDEVELOPED COASTLINE
Canaveral National Seashore stretches across 24 miles of undeveloped beach, preserving one of Florida's most pristine coastal ecosystems. Home to an incredible 1,045 plant species and 310 bird species, this natural haven is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers. Visitors can enjoy secluded beaches, hiking trails, and opportunities to spot diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.
6. Port Canaveral Exploration Tower
MARITIME DISCOVERY CENTER
The Port Canaveral Exploration Tower is a stunning architectural landmark providing both fun and education across seven floors of exhibits and interactive displays. Visitors can access indoor and outdoor observation decks offering panoramic views of the port, rocket launch sites, and the Atlantic Ocean. The tower features nearly 5,550 feet of exhibit space, an auditorium, a café, and a gift shop, making it a comprehensive entertainment destination.
7. Brevard Zoo
INTERACTIVE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Brevard Zoo offers visitors a chance to get up close with over 900 animals representing 195 species from around the world in naturalistic habitats. The zoo features unique interactive experiences such as kayaking through wetlands, feeding giraffes, and zip-lining over animal exhibits. Beyond traditional animal viewing, the zoo emphasizes conservation education and participates in numerous wildlife protection programs.
8. Cocoa Beach
FAMOUS SURFING DESTINATION
Cocoa Beach is a world-renowned surfing destination and one of Florida's most popular beach towns, located just minutes from Cape Canaveral. Visitors can enjoy miles of pristine sandy shores perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and catching waves at this iconic Atlantic coast beach. The area offers numerous beach activities, surf shops, waterfront restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere that captures the essence of Florida's beach culture.
9. Air Force Space & Missile History Center
MILITARY AEROSPACE HERITAGE
The Air Force Space & Missile History Center is an extension of the Air Force Space and Missile Museum, showcasing the military's contributions to space exploration and missile development. Located just outside the south gate of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the center is accessible to the general public without requiring a special access pass. Visitors can explore historic information and exhibits for each launch complex at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, gaining insights into America's aerospace defense history.
10. Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center
FAMILY WATER RECREATION
The Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center is part of the public Cocoa Beach Country Club, featuring a heated 50-meter pool, waterslide, and spray park for year-round aquatic recreation. Families can enjoy swimming lessons, water aerobics classes, or simply cool off in the refreshing pools during hot Florida days. The center provides a perfect alternative to beach swimming with controlled environments suitable for visitors of all ages and swimming abilities.
11. Sams House at Pine Island Conservation Area
HISTORIC ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE
Sams House at Pine Island Conservation Area features one of the oldest standing homes in Brevard County, offering a glimpse into Florida's pioneer history. The surrounding 880-acre conservation area protects diverse habitats including salt marshes, pine flatwoods, and oak hammocks that support numerous wildlife species. Visitors can explore hiking trails, participate in educational programs, and learn about the area's rich cultural and natural history through interactive exhibits.
12. Florida Bioluminescence Kayaking
GLOWING NIGHTTIME ADVENTURE
Florida Bioluminescence Kayaking tours offer visitors the magical experience of paddling through waters that glow with bioluminescent organisms during summer months. Each paddle stroke and movement in the water creates a brilliant blue light show as dinoflagellates and comb jellies illuminate in response to disturbance. This unforgettable nighttime adventure provides a rare opportunity to witness one of nature's most spectacular phenomena in the waters near Cape Canaveral.
13. Ron Jon Surf Shop
ICONIC SURFING RETAILER
Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach is the world's largest surf shop, spanning 52,000 square feet and operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This iconic retailer offers everything from surfboards and beachwear to souvenirs and coastal lifestyle merchandise for water enthusiasts of all ages. Beyond shopping, the store itself is a cultural landmark that has become a must-visit attraction representing Florida's rich surfing heritage and beach culture.
14. A1A Beach Rentals
COMPLETE BEACH ACTIVITY OUTFITTER
A1A Beach Rentals serves as Cape Canaveral's leading beach, bike, surf, SUP, kayak, boating, and fishing outfitter, offering visitors everything needed for ocean adventures. They provide the lowest prices on the beach with convenient delivery options for equipment rentals throughout the area. This one-stop shop allows tourists to experience the full range of coastal activities without the hassle of bringing or purchasing their own equipment.
15. Dinosaur Store and Museum
PREHISTORIC WONDERS COLLECTION
The Dinosaur Store and Museum houses an impressive collection of fossils, minerals, and archaeological artifacts from around the world, with a special focus on prehistoric creatures. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits featuring life-sized dinosaur replicas and genuine fossils that span millions of years of Earth's history. The facility combines shopping opportunities for unique prehistoric-themed merchandise with educational displays that appeal to paleontology enthusiasts of all ages.