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| Cape Canaveral |
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Is part of Florida's 'Space Coast' for years rockets, space shuttles and astronauts have all launched from the Kennedy Space centre at Cape Canaveral. It has become a popular viewing site for enthusiasts, local people and tourists alike all watching the exciting launches. Ironically the launch pad at the centre is surrounded by alligator infested waters and there are a whole host of beaches nearby, ideal for the sun bather.
It is home to all the past and present NASA space shuttles, rockets and equipment used in space flight. A definite must see if you visit the area. Open daily between 9am and 530pm there is plenty to see and do. The sheer size and scale of some of the rockets on display is impressive let alone seeing all the space suits, lunar rovers and space rock.
There are plenty of interactive exhibits like that found in the 'Launch Status Centre' which demonstrates all the checks and procedures astronauts and ground crew have to go through before flight. If you prefer a guided tour, then why not try the 'Nasa Close Up' tour which gives you great views of the giant launch pads, the huge shuttle assembly buildings. The guided bus tours for the Apollo/ Saturn V Centre showcases the Apollo missions. Also on the bus tours, is the LC39 Observation Gantry which allows visitors a full view of NASA's launch pads - impressive!
If you have ever wondered what it is like to go to the moon, well, try out the Lunar Surface Theatre which helps re-create that experience. The Visitor Complex allows visitors to purchase memorabilia, gifts and what have you from real and replica space craft etc so a great deal to look through!
Cocoa Beach.
Is part of the Space Coast and is a relatively long stretch of beach, with shops and motels nearby. It is well known for some large waves and popular with surfers. There is the famous 'Cocoa Pier' which is over 800 feet long with restaurants and bars a great spot to watch a space launch or even a good sunset.
Old Cocoa Village.
Is a smaller, more quaint little spot. Cobbled streets, antiques shops and cafes which are generally more of the 'olde world' in contrast to the futuristic Space coast not far away. The village was founded back in the 1860s and there is a local museum that documents?much of its history called the 'Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science' which is open weekdays and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Vero Beach.
Is further South from the Space centre (about 60 miles from Cape Canaveral and takes a little over one hour to drive) it is a much smaller more affluent part of the coastline. There is a relatively new Centre for the Arts museum and teaching facility which is worth a visit. Travellers starting the 1 hour 40 minute, 108 mile, drive from Orlando are best to follow Highway 192 to Melbourne and to the coast. Upon arriving in Melbourne turning left onto Highway 1 and head North to the Indian Harbour Beach and Satellite Beach. Drivers turning right at the Highway 192 junction with Highway 1 will head south to Sebastian then on to Vero Beach and Lakewood Park. Further south is Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie. Vero Beach is some 143 miles north of Miami with an approximate driving time of 3 hours. The nearest airport is Melbourne International (MLB).
You will also find here the Disney Vero Beach Resort.
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