Exciting Variety of Vacation Options on Florida's Space Coast
From Sand to Shuttles
SPACE COAST, FL - April 14, 2010 - Visitors who drive the ocean side road that stretches along the 72 miles (110 km) of Florida's Space Coast's untamed beaches quickly realize that this destination is different from any other Florida destination. Located just 35 miles east (56 km) of Orlando - making it Orlando's closest beach - the Space Coast is a nature-lover's paradise; home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center; the East Coast surfing capital of the United States; a burgeoning center for the arts and much more!
As the only place in the country where visitors can witness a space shuttle launch, the Space Coast offers once-in-a lifetime experiences for its guests. Nature enthusiasts can kayak close to wildlife; beach lovers can enjoy endless options throughout the destination; surfers can live the dream of the ideal wave. A vacation along Florida's Space Coast is adventure filled with active days and relaxing nights. It is a special place that can suit any vacation preference.
Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is the center of America's space program. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the KSC Visitor Complex each year to see everything from the Rocket Garden, which displays NASA's early space crafts, to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, which houses the rockets and equipment from the Apollo missions to the moon. At the KSC Visitor Center, there are two IMAX theaters; a life-size replica of a space shuttle that guests can tour and the Shuttle Launch Experience, an attraction designed by astronauts which gives guests the feeling they are actually taking off in a shuttle. Additionally, each day, guests get the rare opportunity to meet veteran astronauts from NASA's Astronaut Corps.
Canaveral National Seashore is the northernmost beach. As one of the last undeveloped beaches on the East Coast, visitors can experience a unique undisturbed ocean side park.
Port Canaveral is the region's popular home to Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. One of the busiest ports in the world, it's the site where guests from all over the world come to embark on 3-, 4- and 7-day voyages to the Bahamas, eastern Caribbean or Mexico's Gulf resorts. The port also provides scenic views and great seafood restaurants such as: Rusty's Seafood and Oyster Bar, Grill's Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar and the newest offering, Milliken's Reef. The area's Snooze & Cruise program offers convenient parking and transportation for cruise passengers staying over at local hotels.
Cocoa Beach is recognized as the East Coast surfing capital of the U.S. The beach's steady waves, warm weather and world-class surf shops attract all levels of surfers year round. Nine-time world-champion surfer Kelly Slater, who was born and raised in Cocoa Beach, learned his craft on these beaches. It also is home to the famed Ron Jon Surf Shop as well as Cocoa Beach Surf Co., the world's largest surfing complex. At the Cocoa Beach Pier, where numerous world-renowned surf competitions take place, visitors can visit a variety of restaurants, shops and bars.
Cocoa Village, an 1860s landmark, is a quaint district where shoppers can find everything from antique stores to eclectic clothing. Those who want a culinary treat can sample great restaurants, ranging from upscale to casual.
Art lovers can't miss the Eau Gallie Arts District. A cozy downtown area anchored by the Brevard Art Museum. The district is the place to find great art, art supplies and adorable antiques.
Trendy boutiques and a cool nightlife define Historic Downtown Melbourne. Since the 1900s, it has been where the young as well as young-at-heart come to have a great time. Pubs and night spots line the downtown, and restaurants are aplenty!
Downtown Titusville, established in 1850, has a range of restaurants and interesting historic markers. One of the oldest communities on the Indian River, this nostalgic area features arts and crafts shops, clothing boutiques and nearby riverside parks. It also features the North Brevard Historical Museum, where visitors can learn about the remarkable first families that settled Titusville and take a unique look into the industries that supported the early Florida pioneers. Within one mile of downtown is the Titusville Municipal Marina, featuring a ships store and a large seawall for viewing manatees and other marine life. Visitors can enjoy a walking tour which reveals the area's history on descriptive panels located along public walkways.
Families will enjoy an array of activities for the kids, from the expansive “Paws On” exhibit at the Brevard Zoo to hands-on discovery at The Dinosaur Store, complete with an Egyptian-themed dig site. Local museums, including a planetarium, are also favorite stops for those with little ones in tow.
And for nature enthusiasts, the Space Coast is one of the largest intact eco-systems in Florida, with more than 250 square miles of wildlife refuge as well as bird and sea turtle nesting areas and manatee and dolphin habitats.
Foodies can choose from 1,450 restaurants on the Space Coast, offering a range of options from upscale dining on the ocean to cozy hometown eateries.
Including hotels, motels, beach rentals and condominiums, the destination boasts more than 10,000 guest rooms.
And don't forget the weather! Visitors love the year-round Florida sunshine, which makes the destination an ideal respite from not-too-ideal temperatures at home.
No matter where you turn, there's something for everyone along Florida's Space Coast!
Located 35 miles (56 km) east of Orlando, Florida's Space Coast is home to Orlando's closest beaches. A family-friendly destination with more than 10,000 guest rooms, the area is an ideal, value getaway, offering adventure, history and nature. With 72 miles (110 km) of beaches, the longest stretch in the state, and 250 square miles of wildlife refuge, the Space Coast is one of the largest intact eco-systems in Florida. Home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, it is the only place in the country where one can watch a live shuttle launch, and after the shuttle program ends will continue to offer viewing opportunities for unmanned rocket launches. Encompassing Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Beach, Palm Bay and Titusville, the Space Coast also is noted for surfing, its numerous history and art museums, and a popular cruise port, Port Canaveral. For more information, contact the Space Coast Office of Tourism at (877) 572-3224 or visit www.space-coast.com. Visit www.spacecoastlaunches.com to learn about remaining shuttle and upcoming rocket launches.
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