Florida’s Space Coast Has Surfing, Rockets, And Manatees

On a hot Florida July day in the summer of 1950, a stretch of central Atlantic coastline changed forever. It was on this day that the first rocket launched from Florida’s coastline, the Bumper 8. This rocket didn’t make it out of the atmosphere, but it signified the start of the space race and heralded the beginnings of the Space Program.

Over 75 years later, this Atlantic coastline is still teeming with adventurous energy, curiosity, and innovation—about space exploration, but also so much more. “It’s about nature,” says Space Coast local William Merrick, founder of Fin Expeditions Guided Kayak Tours, “be it the beach or the lagoon or the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and the contrast with the cutting edge of human endeavor—going to space.”

Where Is The Space Coast?

The Space Coast includes Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Palm Bay, Port Canaveral, Titusville, and Viera. It’s best known for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. But beyond liftoffs, there’s also wild natural beauty and an arts community that make it worth more than just a day trip from Orlando. The vibe is still that of a small town sleepy Florida paradise, according to Derek Gores. a Cocoa Beach local artist. It’s where engineers and surfers rub shoulders, and “fresh experimental vibes” infuse the culture.

From rocket watching view points to bioluminescent night paddles, here’s how to get the most out of a visit to the Space Coast.

History of The Space Coast

Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León came ashore here in 1513 on what is now Melbourne Beach. But before settlement and Colonial occupation, the Ais Native American Peoples called this coastline home. In 1783, the last naval battle of the American Revolutionary War was fought just offshore at Cape Canaveral.

By the mid-1800s, Space Coast towns that still stand today were starting to take shape. Cocoa took its name in 1884, inspired by a box of Baker’s Cocoa. Titusville is so named for Colonel Henry Titus, who won a card game in 1873 that tied his name to the town. Melbourne was established by freed enslaved peoples in the 1860s, and named after its English-born postmaster, who once lived in Melbourne, Australia.

Things To Do on The Space Coast

Walk in the Fin-steps of Sea Turtles

Thousands of sea turtles follow the light of the moon and return to the Space Coast beaches to lay eggs each year between March and October. If you’re curious to see this phenomenon in person, participate in guided nighttime turtle walks in June and July. The Canaveral National Seashore and the Sea Turtle Preservation Society are a few organizations that tour safely and responsibly.

You’ll have the chance to witness the leatherbacks, loggerheads, or green sea turtles make this impressive annual journey safely without disturbing the natural cycle of the animals. In the off-season, you can still participate in beach cleanups to make the habitats for these turtles safer for reproduction.

Go on a Glowing Night Paddle

There are very few places in the world to witness the natural magic of bioluminescence, and the Space Coast is one of those rare places. William Merrick, founder of Fin Expeditions, says the Space Coast is in a “Goldilocks zone,” where the unique combination of water depth, flow, salinity, and nutrients supports manatee’s habitats and bioluminescent microorganisms.

From June through September, the brackish waters of the the Indian River Lagoon are waiting to come aglow at night with bioluminescent marine plankton. A guided nighttime kayak trip is the best way to see this natural phenomenon, which you can only see with the eye when water is disturbed, such as with a paddle. In the cooler months, you may get lucky with the right conditions to witness the bioluminescence of comb jellies. There are many kayak guides to take you safely out on the water at night. Try Fin Expeditions, rated the top bioluminescent kayak tour in Cocoa Beach.

Explore Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space Center is the #1 attraction in the United States according to TripAdvisor’s Traveler Choice Awards. You don’t have to be a space enthusiast to find the historic space artifacts and exhibits interesting at the massive Visitor Complex. It spans 42 acres filled with hands-on experiences. Don’t miss the new Gantry at LC-39, which offers a great viewing spot for rocket launches and is home to a full scale model of a rocket engine that “roars to life” in a mock launch. 

Get your full air space fix by tagging on visits to the American Space Museum and the Sands Space History Museum.

Watch a Rocket Launch

There are few places on Earth where you can feel the rumble beneath your feet and watch a rocket streak into the sky. Rockets launch almost weekly on the Space Coast. Check the launch schedule and head to Space View Park for good views, or scout out your preferred launch-viewing locations ahead of time. Remember, rocket launches are dependent on good weather, so be prepared for possible cancellations. 

Learn to Surf

One of the world’s best surfers was born and raised on Cocoa Beach waves—Kelly Slater. Many more pro surfers have followed in his wake on this stretch of Florida shoreline, which is often referred to as “The Surf Capital of the East Coast.” The waves of the Space Coast are approachable and great for learning, but there are also a variety of breaks if you’re looking to challenge your skills with bigger waves. There are many Space Coast surf schools to choose from, and never a bad time of year to get in the water. Even if you don’t stand up on your board, you deserve an iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop shirt for trying.

Get Up Close with Wild Animals 

The Brevard Zoo is the only zoo in the U.S. where you can paddle a kayak through animal encounters. Float along the zoo’s Nyami Nyami River, which takes you through “Expedition Africa,” past giraffes, ostriches, and zebras. Or elevate your view at the zoo’s TreeTop Trek, a self-guided rope & zipline course through Rainforest habitats and see animals like spider monkeys. Wear your bathing suit to the zoo so you can cool off in the Indian River Lagoon Splash pad.

Even if you don’t make it to the zoo, the natural wildlife of the coast is just off shore. Merrick says one of the most magical experiences about the Space Coast is “having a manatee playfully bump your kayak or having dolphins follow your boat at sunset.”

Discover Local Art

The Eau Gallie Arts District in Melbourne is the Space Coast’s creative hub, filled with murals, galleries, and local art studios. It’s also a community gathering place for local events and festivals, like the First Fridays Art Walk.

This arts district is where you’ll find Derek Gores’ art gallery (which also hosts art classes). The local artist says the Space Coast’s arts scene is rapidly growing and expanding. “We have a very strong live music scene, several offerings in community theater, and many passionate visual artists,” he says. “We are starting to see more studio spaces and creative markets where art and culture can be made and enjoyed.”

Where To Eat and Drink

The recently opened Destination Downtown Food Hall brings a mix of seven local chefs under one roof in Cocoa, making it an easy stop for groups. For more classic coastal flavor, head to Historic Cocoa Village or Historic Downtown Melbourne for craft cafes, cocktail bars, and fresh seafood.

Seasonal Tips for Visiting The Space Coast

Summer

Summer on the Space Coast is hot and will likely include daily afternoon thunderstorms. Plan to stay out of the direct sun during the hottest hours of the day, midday, by scheduling museum visits or exploring the Space Center. 

Fall

On the Space Coast in the fall, you’ll find locally owned restaurants and cafes offering dining specials as part of the Fall is for Foodies visitors campaign. It’s a great time to get the best deals on dining out. 

October kicks off the influx of migrating birds that start to make their winter home in Florida. Birdwatching here is popular, particularly in the intercoastal waterway mangrove habitats and protected parks, like the Archie Carr Wildlife Reserve.

Winter

Winter will have cooler days and it may be too chilly to get in the water for some, but that doesn’t deter a crowd from participating in Surfing Santas. In January, the Birding & Wildlife Festival brings together avid avian enthusiasts.

For the most up to date list of activities on the Space Coast, check out their calendar of events.