The best things to do on Florida's Space Coast

It’s easy to fly past Central Florida’s East Coast on the way to Miami or Orlando, but take it from a native Floridian — you would miss some of the state’s best beaches, natural diversions and hidden attractions. Below, a guide to the places that deserve a spot on the itinerary for your next trip to Central Florida.

Canaveral National Seashore
This national park spans a massive, 58,000-acre swath, including 24 miles of beaches and Indian River Lagoon, one of the most biologically diverse estuaries on the continent. The lagoon is home to thousands of species of animals, from redfish to sea turtles to manatees, many of which can be spotted via kayak. From June through October, local outfitters run guided nighttime kayak tours, when tiny bioluminescent organisms turn the waters aglow.

For untouched beaches, head to Playalinda Beach for four miles of undeveloped coastline plus the bonus of a drive through Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (keep an eye out for gators on the shoulder) and prime views of John F. Kennedy Space Center’s launch pads.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is abundant in wildlife, including alligators, many species of birds, otters, manatees and more. Photo: Space Coast Office of Tourism

The Space Coast
A visit to the east coast of Central Florida wouldn’t be complete without visiting Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where you can stand in the shadow of towering rockets, view NASA artifacts up close and meet astronauts in person. And if you happen to visit during a rocket launch, even better — with a little planning, you can take in the experience from the bleachers on KSC’s North Atlantis Lawn while hearing live commentary from NASA officials. Can’t score a ticket? Arrive early at Jetty Park in Port Canaveral or Space View Park in Titusville for a waterfront view of the launch. For a complete list of rocket launches happening on the Space Coast, visit visitspacecoast.com/launches, and for a map of viewing locations, check out visitspacecoast.com/landing-page/launch-venues.

The Rocket Garden at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has several historic rockets, including the Mercury-Redstone rocket, the first crewed launch vehicle in the U.S. Photo: Peter Mayer / Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Cocoa Beach
Hometown of legendary surf champion Kelly Slater, Cocoa Beach is basecamp for Florida surf culture. Bustling Cocoa Beach Pier may seem like the spot to be, but locals know to keep driving south down A1A to quieter Lori Wilson Park and beyond for waves that are easy enough for beginner surfers and families to enjoy. At the Florida Surf Museum — tucked inside the Ron Jon Surf Shop Watersports Rental building across from the main Ron Jon Surf Shop — exhibits chronicle the history and heritage of the area’s surf culture, which dates back to the 50s.

Peruse vintage surfboards, photos and memorabilia at the Florida Surf Museum in Cocoa Beach, Fla. Photo: Florida Surf Museum

New Smyrna Beach
A more relaxed alternative to nearby Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach’s coastline stretches for 17 miles, with surfers flocking to North Beach for the expansive shore and locals preferring the quiet, car-free South Beach for solace in the sand. When the sun starts to fade, take a quick drive over the causeway to Canal Street Historic District, a strollable downtown lined with shops, art galleries and chef-owned restaurants like City Market Bistro.