The Best Things To Do In Cape Canaveral, Florida

A must-do for any space enthusiast, the Visitor Complex serves as an immersive experience where guests can explore the history, science, and future of space exploration.

Wander through the Rocket Garden, an outdoor display featuring historic rockets and spacecraft from NASA's early space exploration programs.

You can even take a bus tour to Launch Complex 39B, where you can see the Vehicle Assembly Building where the Space Launch System is assembled.

Based in Port Canaveral, Florida, the Victory Casino Cruise Ship provides gaming, dining, and entertainment while sailing the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a spacious vessel equipped with various amenities such as multiple decks with gaming areas, bars, and lounges.

Guests can try their luck at the slot machines, table games, and tournaments. Also, enjoy a variety of dishes at the onboard buffet and a la Carte restaurants.

Offering challenging courses, the Cocoa Beach Country Club is located just steps from the beach and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It boasts two 18-hole championship golf courses: the River Course and the Lakes Course.

It has extensive practice facilities for golfers to hone their skills. Practice areas include a driving range, putting greens, and chipping areas where players can work on all aspects of their game.

Several companies are offering Canaveral Wildlife Tours. With airboat tours the primary focus is on observing the natural landscape, you might encounter wildlife like birds, alligators, and manatees.

You can expect to see various wildlife like birds, reptiles, and mammals, depending on the land-based tour. You can also indulge in kayaking tours where you paddle through the calm waters of the area, exploring mangrove forests and searching for manatees, dolphins, and other marine life.

Situated just south of Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach boasts consistent swells, warm waters, and a laid-back atmosphere that draws surfers from all over the world. Some popular surf spots include the Cocoa Beach Pier, Shepard Park, and Lori Wilson Park. 

For those new to surfing or looking to improve their skills, there are several surf schools and rental shops. They rent out surfboards, wetsuits, and other necessary gear for a day out on the water.

Soaring through history, the Air Force Space & Missile Museum tells the story of the U.S. Air Force's role in space exploration. Get ready to be transported to a world of rockets, missiles, and the extraordinary stories of those who dared to reach for the stars.

Located in Cape Canaveral in Florida, this museum offers a unique perspective on humanity's quest to reach beyond the stars. Don't forget to stand beneath towering rockets, each a testament to human ingenuity and ambition.

Manatee Sanctuary Park, located in Cape Canaveral Florida USA is a serene waterfront park. The park's main attraction is its designated manatee observation area, where visitors can often spot manatees swimming and feeding in the shallow waters of the Banana River.

It also features paved walking trails that wind through lush mangrove forests and scenic waterfront areas. The park offers picnic pavilions and tables, making it an ideal spot for a family picnic or outdoor gathering.

Cape Canaveral attractions also include fishing spots. Cast your line at Port Canaveral, Indian River Lagoon, or Cocoa Beach Pier. If you are going deep-sea fishing get ready for a fight with game fish like marlin, sailfish, wahoo, tuna, mahi-mahi, and swordfish.

Enjoy lighter tackle battles with redfish, snook, trout, flounder, sheepshead, and mangrove snapper inshore. Expect smaller catches like bluefish, mackerel, pompano, and whiting on the pier. 

Cape Canaveral, located on Florida's picturesque Space Coast, boasts a selection of waterfront restaurants offering a dining experience with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Port Canaveral, or the Banana River.

Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar, Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill, Rusty's Seafood & Oyster Bar, Grills Riverside, Zarella's Cafe, and Seafood Atlantic are among the best options. They serve everything from fresh seafood, and Southern comfort food, to international cuisine.

Towering seven stories above Port Canaveral, Exploration Tower is a stunning architectural landmark itself. Indoor and outdoor observation decks provide different perspectives, allowing you to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the port and the vastness of the ocean.

A must-visit place in Florida, it promises an engaging and educational experience for the whole family. Its combination of interactive exhibits, stunning views, and convenient location is why you should already put it on your things to do Cape Canaveral list.

Cape Canaveral is known as the Space Coast for a reason. Check the launch schedule and witness the awe-inspiring sight of a rocket lifting off into space.

Prime viewing locations for witnessing rocket launches include The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Cape Canaveral beaches such as Playalinda Beach and Cocoa Beach.

Some rocket launch viewing packages include guided tours of the launch pads and facilities. These tours offer behind-the-scenes access to areas typically off-limits to the public.

The Cocoa Beach Pier area is a vibrant hub of activity, brimming with sunshine, sand, and endless possibilities for exploration. But what better way to soak it all in than on a leisurely bike tour, feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin?

Explore hidden coves, discover local surf spots, and stumble upon charming cafes tucked away in side streets. Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins frolicking in the waves and soak in the laid-back beach atmosphere.

Situated at the tip of Cape Canaveral, the lighthouse holds a significant place in maritime history and is a cherished landmark along the Space Coast.

While access to the lighthouse grounds is restricted due to its military location, visitors can still experience its rich history through guided tours. Knowledgeable guides offer detailed explanations of the lighthouse's architecture, technology, and operation, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of its historical significance.

With its stunning location, diverse amenities, and family-friendly atmosphere, Jetty Park is the perfect setting for a memorable picnic. Take advantage of the park's grills (charcoal only) and cook burgers, hot dogs, or your favorite grilled treats.

Spread out your picnic blanket on the pristine sands of Cocoa Beach or opt for a shaded picnic area under the lush trees near the playground. You can also enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean while picnicking on the pier.

This picturesque oceanside park has a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational amenities, and historical significance. Begin your day with a stroll along the park's paved pathways, which offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Explore the sandy shores of Cocoa Beach and search for seashells, sand dollars, and other treasures washed up by the tide. Take a dip in the clear blue waters, build sandcastles with the kids, or simply relax on a beach towel while soaking up the sun.

The Dinosaur Store and Museum houses two floors of exhibits dedicated to dinosaurs and ancient human cultures. The museum boasts an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, including dinosaur teeth and claws, alongside exhibits on ancient human cultures.

Explore dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and artifacts from various eras, and learn about ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Romans. Also, their large gift shop sells dinosaur toys, minerals, fossils, and other science-related items.

Just south of Cape Canaveral, Port Canaveral Florida United States is not only one of the busiest cruise ports in the world but also offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors.

The port area features waterfront parks, restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues, making it a popular destination. Visitors can enjoy waterfront dining, charter fishing excursions, boat tours, and waterfront concerts, among other activities.