Summer Vacation on Florida's Space Coast
Spend your summer on Florida’s Space Coast
Space Coast Summers are ones you and your family will remember forever. From sunrise sea turtle walks, to watching rockets launch from the bioluminescent Indian River Lagoon at night, there’s so much to see and do here in Central Florida you’ll be making plans to return every year. Here are some fun things to add to your itinerary as you plan your Space Coast Summer Getaway.
Summer Events
Burger Battles, fishing tournaments, powerboat races and so so much more, see what’s happening this summer on the Space Coast while you're in town . Check out the 2023 Summer Event Preview!
Experience Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence may be one of the most inexplicable phenomena you’ll see in your lifetime, and it happens right here on Florida’s Space Coast. Every year between May and October the Indian River Lagoon glitters with bioluminescent dinoflagellates and pulsing Comb Jellies. The season peaks between June and August and many local kayak tours will bring your party to where it’s brightest. There are also several boat tours you can hop on for a more accessible option. Learn more about these unforgettable tours here. Make sure to book in advance these tours can sell out fast!
Sea Turtle Season
Summer is for the Sea Turtles on the Space Coast. Sea Turtle Nesting Season runs from March - October. It’s the time of year when you’ll find sea turtle tracks in the sand every day, you’ll be able to book a guided turtle walk at night where you can witness female turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs, and if you’re lucky, you may come across hatchlings erupting from their nest. During this fascinating and fragile time, it's super important that we all do our best to keep the beaches dark, clean, and flat to help the turtles on their long and amazing journey. Learn more about guided turtle walks, spotting turtle tracks and how to keep sea turtles safe in this blog:
5 Things You Should Know About Sea Turtle Nesting Season on the Space Coast.
Catch a Rocket Launch
With more launches lifting off from the Space Coast than any other spaceport in the world, there’s a very good chance you’ll be able to witness a successful launch while you’re enjoying your Summer getaway on Florida’s Space Coast. Download our Launch Console App to stay up to date with launch schedules and scrubs. And see our Launch Page for a launch viewing map of some of our favorite vantage points.
Beach Days
With 72 miles of coastline, it’s not hard to find some space on the sand here on Florida’s Space Coast.
If you’re looking for a lively experience with incredible amenities like surf lessons, beach gear rentals, volleyball boxes, events, and oceanfront tiki shacks and restaurants, you’ve got to be in Cocoa Beach, the City of Cape Canaveral, Satellite Beach, or Indialantic.
If you’re looking for a more secluded beach getaway, Florida’s Space Coast has an abundance of those as well! Check out the pristine beaches of Canaveral National Seashore including the famous Playalinda Beach. Or head south to Melbourne Beach where the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge protects miles and miles of shoreline and dunes that transform into sea turtle nesting grounds from May - October. Then, find your way to the crystal-blue waves at the Sebastian Inlet State Park. You’ll find your space to read that paperback while the kids pick up seashells and frolic in the tidepool.
Explore the Waterways
Spring is a great time to get out on the water. The Indian River Lagoon is an ecologically diverse estuary that’s home to thousands of species of fish, birds, and marine mammals. Guided eco-tours come in all shapes and sizes around here. Accessible pontoons and paddle boats make an afternoon lagoon tour comfortable for everyone. Kayak and SUP tours are perfect for adventure-seekers who wish to be nose to bottlenose with local wildlife as they make their way through mangrove tunnels. Airboat Rides are a fast and fun way to explore the freshwater on Florida's Space Coast where you'll see American Alligators, birds and the wild side of native Florida!
Must See:
Thousand Island Conservation Area | Cocoa Beach
Turkey Creek Sanctuary | Palm Bay
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge | Merritt Island
Samsons Island | Satellite Beach
St. Johns River | Melbourne
Rainy Day Plans
Afternoon rainstorms are pretty typical during the summer months here in Florida. But, that doesn’t have to derail your trip. With amazing indoor attractions like the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Andretti Thrill Park, Route 7 Adrenaline Warehouse, and the Dinosaur Store and Museum of Ancient Cultures your family can have fun while you’re waiting for that rainbow.
Looking for something more laid back and educational, there are more than 20 amazing museums on the Space Coast. Immerse yourself in the Wizard of Oz, touch space race history at the American Space Museum, learn all about sea turtles and coastal ecosystems at the Barrier Island Center, and see more than 50 historic aircraft at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum. Learn all there is to discover and experience indoors when you click through to our museum guide.
Spend your summer on Florida's Space Coast for the getaway of a lifetime! Get your trip started by stopping by our Visitor Information Center at 267 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931. You'll find area maps, restaurant menus, a round up of local events, discounts for awesome adventures & attractions, and a mural that'll make you stop and take a selfie painted by a local artist. We can't wait to see you!
Vacation Planner for Florida’s Space Coast
Dive into the Space Coast Vacation Planner then launch into an unforgettable getaway.
