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Your Gateway to Space
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Always Exploring at The Kennedy Space Center
Visit KennedySpaceCenter.com for Special Offers
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has its origins in 1963 when NASA allowed self-guided tours and later when congress approved funding for a full scale visitor center, Spaceport USA.
Today, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex sits on 42 acres and is America’s front row view to space travel past, present, and future. Historic artifacts, Kennedy Space Center tours, astronaut encounters, rocket launches, and models and simulation of future space travel.
Check Off Your Bucket List
Seeing a rocket launch from Florida’s Space Coast is on many people’s bucket list, and there’s no way for a civilian to get closer to the action than through special viewing options offered by the Visitor Complex. Common options for major launches include “Feel the Heat” which gives you a front row seat at the viewing area at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, only 6 miles from the closest pad.
Upcoming Space Coast Launches
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the best place to watch a rocket launch on Florida's Space Coast! Check out what's launching soon
Check out more Launch ResourcesUnique Experiences
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is packed full of attractions and artifacts from America’s Space Program. Some of the experiences include:
- U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame – Pay your respects to the great heroes of the United States Space Program and learn about the early days of our journey to the stars
- Apollo/Saturn V Center – Until you’ve stood under it, you cannot understand how massive the Saturn V rocket is. Relive the entire Apollo program with various exhibits built around America’s trip to the moon
- Space Shuttle Atlantis – There are only 4 real space shuttles on display across the country, and we have one here! Space Shuttle Atlantis is presented in all its glory with it’s bay doors open. Don’t miss the Shuttle Launch Experience ride and the full scale replica of the Hubble Space Telescope
- Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex – Step into the modern era of Commercial Government collaboration in space. Check out a real SpaceX Falcon 9 booster and other artifacts from NASA’s commercial partners. Then step into Spaceport USA ride where you can virtually journey to the stars
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive early: There is so much to do at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and so little time to do it. Guests are often disappointed that when they choose to arrive later in the day they end up missing out on large sections of the experience. Your family can explore for 2 days and still not run out of things to discover
- Plan Ahead: Knowing which exhibits you want to and planning your route can help those with limited time get the most out of KSCVC. The Visitor Complex sometimes offers special viewing options for major launches, and this is the best way to get up close to the action, but this is also one of the closest spots to view normal launches as well. If you can time your visit with a launch attempt there are sometimes speakers and events centered around them as well.
- Protect Yourself: While most of the artifacts are inside air conditioned buildings, a good chunk of time is spent out in the Florida sun and rain walking between major attraction areas. KSCVC is surrounded by nature and swampland, and as such, bugs can become an issue at certain times of the day. Check the weather and pack sunscreen, rain gear and bug spray as appropriate
- Know Your Peak Seasons: Like other Florida theme parks, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is usually busier around the holiday season, and times when families have vacations. Plan your trip accordingly, pack your patience, and be prepared for slightly longer lines
Related Yearly Events
- One-Space – April 12, 2025: Party with your fellow space nerds, astronauts, and more and celebrate the pioneers who dare to take humanity beyond our planet–from the first steps on the Moon to the latest advancements in private spaceflight
- Space Coast International Air Show – April/May: South Brevard’s premiere Air Show takes over the skies above Melbourne
- Thunder on Cocoa Beach – May 15-18, 2025: Get your adrenaline pumping as power boats and other watercraft race to be king of Cocoa Beach
- Cocoa Beach Air Show – July 12-13, 2025: Enjoy the waves and sun, while some of the greatest aircraft in the world put on a show above Cocoa Beach
- Taste of Space/Marstini Shake-Off – October – November : Sample the special menu at the Visitor Complex and enjoy special food and drink events all month
- Holidays in Space – December: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex goes all out for the holidays with special exhibits and decorations
Want to Keep Living Like an Astronaut?
Melbourne and the Beaches
Space Coast Launches App
Are you obsessed with space? Download our Space Coast Launches App to watch a live stream of every rocket launched from Kennedy Space Center & Cape Canaveral AFS, Florida.
- Locate the exact spot on the horizon to watch during a live rocket launch using the Compass feature.
- Countdown every second with real-time launch clock on the main screen.
- Keep track of upcoming missions including current launch schedule, in-depth mission plans and rocket details.
