Florida Tourist Attractions
NASA Kennedy Space Center
The NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida was probably the number one destination on my friend's "Things to See" list while we were in the Orlando area. On my list, it ranked a bit lower. To be honest, a space museum wasn't on my list of central Florida tourist attractions at all... I'm more of an Island's of Adventure kind of gal.
It surprised me when the space center excursion was so impressive that I ended up wanting to spend an extra day there. The JFK space exhibits are an absolute must do while taking a Florida family vacation. The complex is historical, educational and impressive beyond words. The state of the art IMAX theaters and Shuttle Launch Experience were a big hit with our teenagers.
KSC Video Tour
Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Center
Upon arrival, stop at the visitor's center. A family can rent audio guides, wheelchairs and strollers. The staff can also answer any questions about the space center including how best to plan your time at the complex, plus they have information on all of the IMAX and Shuttle Launch Experience show times.
Kennedy Space Center Tours
A standard tour package is included in your general admission price and continuously runs throughout the day. Buses depart from the visitor's complex every 15 minutes.
Florida's finest space museum showcases three main tours:
- Kennedy Space Center Tour
- Discover KSC: Today & Tomorrow
- Cape Canaveral: Then & Now Tour
We took the Discover KSC: Today & Tomorrow Tour which included access to the closest possible Space Shuttle Launch Pad. To see the size of the equipment used to transport the shuttle to the launch pad and the steps that have to be taken to dampen the noise level was a humbling experience to say the least.
300,000 gallons of water are released onto the launch pad just seconds before the shuttle's engines ignite. This enormous amount of water absorbs and suppresses the sound energy created when the engines roar to life. Prior to this technique, almost all the windows near the launch pad would have to be replaced each time there was a launch. The noise shattered hundreds of them!
Discover KSC: Today & Tomorrow and Cape Canaveral: Then & Now tours sell out each day, so be sure to make your reservations in advance!
Kennedy Space Center Rocket Garden
The NASA Rocket Garden is a towering display of the actual rockets that put the first astronauts into space. Bring your camera. The lighting effects are stunning when the sun starts to set.
JFK Space Center Launch Schedule
Are you interested in seeing a NASA shuttle or rocket launch? The Kennedy Space Center Calendar of Events offers a countdown clock to the next scheduled rocket or shuttle launch, information on special events featuring NASA astronauts, and a chance to sign up for email updates so you have the most current information.
Kennedy Space Center Launch Tickets
Sitting on the sidewalk from almost anywhere in Central Florida affords you a great view of the Cape Canaveral rocket and shuttle launches, but if you want something spectacular, consider one of the premium launch packages available:
- NASA Causeway Launch Viewing Transportation and Admission Package
- Launch Viewing from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
- Launch Viewing from the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame
The coastline at the space museum is the closest that you can get to a live shuttle launch.
Kennedy Space Center Hotels
Most Kennedy Space Center hotels are located 10-15 minutes away in either Titusville, FL or Cape Canaveral, Florida. If you're looking for accommodations that are convenient to the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal as well as the Kennedy Space Center, consider the hotels located in the Cape Canaveral area.
Best Western Space Shuttle Inn |
| 3455 Cheney Highway, Titusville, FL 32780 |
(321) 269-9100 |
The Best Western Space Shuttle Inn is approximately 12 miles from the John F. Kennedy Space Center and offers a complimentary continental breakfast. |
Hampton Inn Titusville |
4760 Helen Hauser Boulevard, Titusville, Florida 32780 |
(321) 383-9191 |
This 3 star hotel offers a fitness center, high speed internet access and is 12 miles from the JFK Space Museum. |
Ramada Inn & Suites Kennedy Space Center |
3500 Cheney Hwy Titusville, FL 32780 |
(321) 269-5510 |
The Ramada Inn and Suites offers budget accommodations, free breakfast and a great view of all shuttle launches. |
Ron Jon Cape Caribe Resort |
1000 Shorewood Drive, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920-2406 |
(321) 784-4922 |
The Ron Jon Cape Caribe Resort offers affordable accommodations and is convenient to both the Kennedy Space Center and to Port Canaveral. Families will enjoy the lazy river and mini golf course. |
Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach |
8959 Astronaut Blvd. Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920 |
(321) 323-1100 |
This 3 star hotel offers rooms with mini-kitchens, separate seating areas and feature premium bedding. This Residence Inn property also has a business center, fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool. |
Google Map Link for John F Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899
(321) 867-5000
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