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Kennedy Space Center Rocket Launch Viewing

Welcome to our extensive guide unveiling the top Launch Viewing Locations near the renowned Kennedy Space Center in Florida! Prepare to witness the breathtaking spectacle of rocket launches against the backdrop of this historic space exploration hub. Our curated list showcases prime spots in close proximity to the Kennedy Space Center, providing unparalleled vistas for witnessing spacecraft liftoffs. Whether you're a space enthusiast or a seeker of thrilling experiences, these selected locations ensure a front-row seat to the mesmerizing ascent of rockets piercing through the Florida skies. Plan your visit to these exceptional viewing points near the Kennedy Space Center and immerse yourself in the captivating world of space exploration. Before you go read Rocket Monkey's tips for viewing a rocket launch.

Adventure Kayak of Cocoa Beach

Ready to kayak Cocoa Beach during a rocket launch? Adventure Kayak of Cocoa Beach invites you to slip away on an unforgettable, 100% organic kayaking adventure in the Indian River Lagoon!

Adventures in Florida

With Adventures in Florida, “sign up, then show up” at Kelly Park East for an easy paddle that ends with your heart racing and adrenaline pumping. They cannot guarantee a launch, but they can guarantee an exciting time on the water.

Alan Shepard Park

Named after astronaut Alan Shepard, this ocean-front park can accommodate many visitors with more than 300 parking spaces. Alan Shepard Park, also provides picnic areas, shower, and restrooms. The park is located south of the launch pads closest to Space Launch Complex 37 B.

Beachside Hotel and Suites

Beachside Hotel and Suites gives you a local experience with a  retro vibe.  Whether you’re lounging in their lazy river or watching a night launch from their property, you’ll be on vacation mode from the second you arrive. They offer free beach rentals from boogie board and surfboards to beach wagons. Address: 3901 N Atlantic […]

Cherie Down Park

Cherie Down Park, near Cocoa Beach, providing restrooms, drinking fountain, outdoor showers, bench, family picnic shelter, 2 grills, 2 dune crossovers, and 2 sheltered picnic areas. The park is located south of the launch pads closest to Space Launch Complex 37 B.

Cocoa Beach and Cocoa Beach Pier

Indulge in the thrill of a rocket launch from Cocoa Beach and Cocoa Beach Pier, where the captivating view of liftoffs merges with the serene beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

Cocoa Kayaking

Join Cocoa Kayaking on a rocket launch tour. At Cocoa Kayaking, they limit their group sizes to guarantee that their tours are of very highest quality. They strive to make your experience on the water an unforgettable one.

Coconuts on the Beach

Coconuts on the Beach is a chill beach hangout that offers live music, fantastic cocktails, service to the beach and great food.  This restaurant has an amazing view overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Address: 2 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 Phone: 321-784-1422 Hours: 11 AM- 10 PM, Happy Hours Monday-Friday 4-7PM Unavailable on weekends Website: Coconuts […]

Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach

Our state-of-the-art Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach-Cape Canaveral provides great flexibility and choices for their guests. Cocoa Beach hotel features inviting spaces to work or relax in, free Wi-Fi throughout, and free EV Charging. Our Green Lodging Certified hotel is perfect for viewing rocket launches. Located on World Famous Cocoa Beach, Courtyard by Marriott is […]

Crowne Plaza Melbourne

With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, their family-friendly oceanfront hotel in Melbourne, FL, is ideal for leisure travelers longing for a beach getaway. Their well-appointed rooms and suites provide guests with a restful oasis. Additionally, Crowne Plaza Melbourne-Oceanfront features wonderful amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a heated outdoor pool, a 24/7 Fitness Center, beach access, and a […]

Daytona Beach

Witness a Rocket Launch from the Picturesque Shores of Daytona Beach!

Exploration Tower

Check the website for tickets and availability. A never before seen panoramic view of Port Canaveral, our cruise ships, and of Kennedy Space Center. The 7th floor outdoor observation deck is the place to be to watch a rocket launch!

Seven stories above the ground, on an open promenade you and your guests can see a launch like no other location in Port Canaveral. Use their high end telescopes to get a spectacular up-close and uninhibited view of the rocket before and during launch.

Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill

They offer casual waterfront dining downstairs plus a covered patio, indoor sports bar, and sun deck with Tiki bar upstairs. The restaurant is located on the water close to the launch pads. Enjoy a meal and drinks while you wait for the launch, but arrive early because the restaurant will fill up

Flagler Beach & Pier

Flagler Beach is a little farther from the launch pads, but still a great place to watch rocket launches. Launch Pad 39 C is the closest launch site just south of Flagler. Parking is free and is available right along-side A1A next to the beach. There are also public parking lots near Flagler pier, across the street from the beach.

Four Points at Sheraton

Settle in for a relaxing stay on Florida’s “Space Coast” at Four Points by Sheraton Cocoa Beach. Our beachfront hotel offers easy access to Port Canaveral cruises, Cocoa Beach Pier and the Kennedy Space Center. Start your morning with a workout in our 24-hour fitness center, and enjoy a dip in our refreshing outdoor pool […]

Gator’s Dockside

Gator’s Dockside is a family-friendly, sports-themed restaurant offering a fun atmosphere with many TVs. The restaurant is located on the water close to the launch pads. Enjoy a meal and drinks while you wait for the launch, but arrive early because the restaurant will fill up.

Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar

The finest quality local fish prepared using the healthiest and most delicious process available, marinating and grilling. The restaurant is located on the water close to the launch pads. Enjoy a meal and drinks while you wait for the launch, but arrive early because the restaurant will fill up.

Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach

A 4-minute walk from the beach, this modern hotel is 7 miles from Port Canaveral and a 23-minute drive from the Kennedy Space Center. Rooms include free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs with HD channels, as well as microwaves, minifridges and coffeemakers. All rooms feature balconies, and some have ocean views.  Freebies include hot breakfast (served […]

Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront

We’re on Cocoa Beach oceanfront, a 10-minute drive from Port Canaveral Cruise Port and under 30 minutes to the Kennedy Space Center. Enjoy our outdoor pool deck and oceanfront dining venues. Our hotel offers direct beach access with bikes, umbrellas and beach chairs available to rent. We also have beach volleyball courts and surfing lessons. […]

Hilton Melbourne Beach

Find us on Florida’s Space Coast, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with direct access to Melbourne Beach. Brevard Zoo and downtown Melbourne are both within 15 minutes, and the Kennedy Space Center is 45 minutes away. Perks include their outdoor pool, ocean-view balconies, and beach chair and watersport rentals. Address: 3003 N Hwy A1A, Melbourne, FL […]

Hyatt Place Titusville

At Hyatt Place Titusville / Kennedy Space Center you’re just minutes away from the Kennedy Space Center on Florida’s Space Coast. Watch the next launch without leaving the hotel from their Rocket Launch Viewing Room. Explore nearby sites, including the Brevard Zoo and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Address: 6299 Riverfront Center Blvd, Titusville, FL […]

Indian River Queen

Viewing a launch on board the Indian River Queen is a BLAST! Don’t get stuck in traffic jams or stand in the sun on the roadside for this MONUMENTAL experience! Plan to view your next launch on a first-class private riverboat charter.

Island Boat Lines

Island Boat Lines offers views of rocket launches from the Banana River on a forty-nine (49) passenger boat. Viewing a launch on an Island Boat Lines boat is a BLAST! Don’t get stuck in traffic jams or stand in the sun on the roadside for these MONUMENTAL experiences!

Jetty Park

Witness a Rocket Launch from the Shores of Jetty Park!

Kennedy Point Park

Kennedy Point Park is located across the Indian river with good views of all the launch pads. Park amenities include: a paved shoreline walkway with fishing, pavilion, grills, restrooms and a large parking area for vehicles and boats. 

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Entrance to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex includes the ability to watch launches from the grounds. Launch viewing from KSC is typically not available outside of visitor hours. View the Kennedy Space Center website for more information. SR 405 Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899 Entrance Fee: Child $50.29 and Adult $60.99 Hours: 9 AM – […]

Lori Wilson Park

Lori Wilson Park is located south of the launch pads closest to Space Launch Complex 37 B. Facilities include a dog park, restrooms, pavilions, nature boardwalk, volleyball court, a playground, barbecue grills, and a 274-space parking lot. 

Max Brewer Bridge

The Max Brewer Bridge is located close to Port Canaveral and offers views of the launches from across the water.

New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna Beach is a little farther from the launch pads, but still provides great views of launches from a distance. Parking is available on the beach for a fee.

Nicol Park

Nicol Park is a small park located along US1 on the Indian River closest to Space Launch Complex 37 B.

Parrish Park

Parrish Park provides a good view of launches from Launch Pad 39 A, B & C. Amenities include picnic shelters, restrooms, boardwalk, fishing pier, and boat ramps with paved parking for 46 cars and 47 boat trailer spaces with a view from across the Indian River. 

Pineapples

Pineapples is a restaurant, music venue, and rooftop bar. Pineapples offers two menus, featuring craft cocktails, casual fare, seafood, and a variety of high quality meats. Address: 1434 Pineapple Ave, Melbourne, FL 32935 Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:30AM-10PM, Friday and Saturday 11:30AM-12PM and Sunday 11:30-9PM Phone: +321-499-1400 Website: Pineapples

Playalinda Beach

Playalinda Beach is the northern most location on the map and provides a great view of launches from Launch Pad 39 A, B & C.

Rotary Riverfront Park

Facilities include pavilions, picnic areas/shelters, boat ramps and restrooms with a view from across the Indian River with good views of all the launch pads.

Rusty’s Seafood and Oyster Bar

At Rusty’s they always have a fun and friendly atmosphere that will put a smile on your face. Rusty’s isn’t just a place to come and eat, but also a great location for holiday parties or any special event.

Ryan’s Pizza & Pub

Ryan’s Pizza and Pub is a restaurant that offers a great experience. Amazing service and a comfortable atmosphere plus our great food is the key to our success. They pride themselves on serving our customers delicious fare like our world famous Pizza, Burgers, Fish & Chips, Irish Nachos and much more. We offer takeout food […]

Sand Point Park

Located in Titusville, Florida, Sand Point Park features a wide array of facilities include an athletic concession building, picnic tables, shelters, grills, playground, benches, and restrooms.

Seafood Atlantic

Seafood Atlantic is a first receiver of sustainable local seafood, buying directly from the American fishermen of the South Atlantic.  They offer a variety of the best seafood in their Local Seafood Market, and in their outdoor Seafood Restaurant on the waterfront in Port Canaveral, Florida. Address: 520 Glen Cheek Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 […]

Second Wind Charters

Watch the launch from a private Catamaran. We will sail approximately an hour to the closest spot available inside the Indian River Lagoon, drop anchor and enjoy the launch from this unique location.

Shiloh’s Steakhouse

Airy, open-timbered American eatery with a waterfront deck & view of the Kennedy Space Center.

Sidney Fischer Park

Near Cocoa Beach with roughly 200 parking spaces, picnic pavilions, shower and restroom. Sidney Fisher Park is located south of the launch pads closest to Space Launch Complex 37 B.

Space Coast River Tours

Join Space Coast River Tours for one of their very special rocket launch tours. There are only a handful of places on the planet where you can watch rockets launch into outer space and none more beautiful than Brevard County. Join Space Coast River Tours on the water for the next launch.

Space View Park

Space View Park is a park unlike any other with a walk honoring prior space exploration missions, parking and public restrooms; in addition, the park broadcasts a live stream from NASA’s control room. This park provides a good view of launches from Launch Pad 39 A, B & C.

State Road 401

State Road 401 is located close to Port Canaveral and offers views of the launch pad from across the water.

State Road 528

State Road 528 provides a clear view of the rocket launch pads, as the road approaches the Port Canaveral area.

The Landing Rooftop

With sweeping views and bold interiors that highlight local artists, The Landing promises to offer an unmatched experience. The menu features elevated regional American comfort food, craft cocktails, and a selection of wines and beers by the bottle and glass. This restaurant is located on the 11th floor. Address: 801 E Strawbridge Ave 11th Floor, […]

The Space Bar

The future is taking off at The Space Bar, and you’re invited to enjoy the show. This one-of-a-kind rooftop bar offers an incredible, up-close view of the latest Kennedy Space Center launches.

Titusville Marina

Amenities include a pavilion with a view from across the Indian River. The marina provides a good view of launches from Launch Pad 39 A, B & C. 451 Marina Rd, Titusville, FL 32796 Hours: 8 AM – 7 PM Parking: Free Titusville Marina Website Photo Credit: Eric Pearce

US1

US1 between 50 and Garden Street in Titusville provides a good view of the launch across from the Indian River.

View a Rocket Launch by Boat

Boaters are able to watch launches from the Intracoastal Waterway and non-restricted portions of the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon. The Coast Guard provides information on restricted areas on Marine Band Channel 16 as each launch approaches.

Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier

A historic landmark on Florida’s Space Coast, the world-famous Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier stretches 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and is home to restaurants, bars, gift shops and live musical entertainment. Address: 401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11AM-9PM, Friday & Saturday 11AM-10PM Phone: +321-783-7549 Website: Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier

William J Manzo Memorial Park

This scenic 2.48-acre community river park is situated on the Indian River. The park is ideal for family fun. Facilities include a playground near restrooms and picnic facilities. Well shaded by pine and palms, this park features a paved walkway and riverfront boardwalk. Additional facilities include 3 picnic tables along the boardwalk, picnic shelters, a […]

William J. Manzo Park

Facilities include playground, paved walkway, riverfront boardwalk, picnic tables and shelters, grills, benches and drinking fountain with a view from across the Indian River with good views of all the launch pads.