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Florida's Space Coast
Where is Florida’s Space Coast?
On Florida’s East Coast, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, just one hour from Orlando. Florida’s Space Coast include: Cocoa Beach, Melbourne & the Beaches, Palm Bay, Port Canaveral, Titusville, and Viera.
What can I expect from a vacation there?
Florida’s Space Coast offers many fun, exciting activities for the whole family. Miles of public beaches, national wildlife refuges, a national seashore, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Port Canaveral cruises, an interactive zoo experience, golf, fishing and more await you.
Why are you called the Space Coast?
We’re the home of America’s Manned Space Program. Starting in the 1950s when the Air Force developed the Eastern Test Range at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to modern day Kennedy Space Center, all the important milestones of the space program started here.
How far back can you trace the area’s history?
Juan Ponce de Leon landed off the coast of Melbourne Beach in 1513.
An Ais Indian village on what is now The Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary in Merritt Island was mapped in 1605 by Lt. Alvaro Mexia.
The last naval battle of the American Revolutionary War was fought off the shores of Cape Canaveral in 1783, between the USS Alliance and the HMS Sybill.
Founded by fisherman, the first families arrived in Cocoa in 1860. Once known as “Indian River City”, Cocoa’s first families arrived in 1860. The town’s official name was adopted in 1884 after one of its citizens received inspiration from a box of Baker’s Cocoa.
Colonel Henry Titus arrived in 1867 with intentions to build a town on land owned by his wife. The community was named Titusville in 1873 after Colonel Titus won a card game.
Melbourne was founded in the late 1860s by former slaves and named in honor of its first postmaster, Cornthwaite John Hector, an Englishman who had spent much of his life in Melbourne, Australia.
What can a nature lover do while in town?
There’s plenty of things for the nature lover to do with over a hundred public parks, 250 square miles of protected sanctuaries, and 72 miles of Atlantic coastline and freshwater tributaries.
- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Canaveral National Seashore
- Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area
- Brevard County Parks and Recreation
- Brevard Zoo
- Indian River Lagoon
- Banana River
- Turkey Creek Sanctuary
- The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary
- Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge
- Crane Creek
I’m sailing out of Port Canaveral. What are my parking options?
You have many options including Cruise Packages at local hotels. You can also find more information about cruise parking at portcanaveral.com.
Are there any festivals or events I can plan my vacation around?
Depending on the time of the year, you can join in on food festivals like the Key Lime Pie Festival, Uncorked and the Downtown Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. Or watch surfers catch some waves at Surfing Santas Cocoa Beach, the NKF Surf Fest, Beach ‘N Boards and the World Surf League Qualifying Series Florida Pro Surf Competition. Plus, airshows, cultural events and much more take place throughout the year. See what’s going on now Calendar of Events
What kind of accommodations can I expect?
Florida’s Space Coast boasts more than 10,000 hotel rooms, but we also have condominium and apartment rentals, vacation homes, campgrounds and RV parks. Many are oceanfront or riverfront and some are inland along the highways.
What if I’m looking to taste the local flavor?
“More than 1,400 restaurants dot the Space Coast with fresh from the sea….” Browse area restaurants here.
Visiting on business?
Our hotels offer more than 300,000 square feet of combined meeting space. But don’t expect the ordinary! Of course, you can host your meeting in a traditional conference room, but why not try one on the beach, underneath a real space shuttle, or with the giraffes at the zoo? Whatever you choose, groups are always guaranteed a unique venue on Florida’s Space Coast.
What kind of weather can I expect?
Due to our location, you can expect pleasant weather generally all year round.
| Spring | High | 82°F/28°C | Low | 59°F/15°C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | High | 91°F/33°C | Low | 72°F/22°C |
| Fall | High | 82°F/28°C | Low | 64°F/18°C |
| Winter | High | 73°/23°C | Low | 54°F/12°C |
How do I get there by car?
From Orlando drive East on State Road 528, The Beachline Expressway. From Kissimmee drive East on US 192. From Jacksonville to the North or Miami to the South, takes Exits 173 through 231 off Interstate 95.
What are my options if I plan to fly?
- Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is served by Delta Airlines, American Airlines and Elite Airways.
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) is served by 37 major airlines and is located just 35 miles from the Space Coast.
- Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is served by domestic carrier Allegiant Airlines and several international airlines including charters.
How can I receive more info about Florida’s Space Coast?
Order a vacation guide or visit our blog here.
To speak with someone regarding the area, please call 1-877-57-BEACH
I’m a local homeowner. What are the requirements to rent my home as a short term vacation unit?
On April 1, 2014, The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners enacted changes to the Local Option Tourist Development Act (Florida Statute 125.0104), amending Section 102-116 and creating new sections 102-124 requiring persons renting living quarters and vacation rentals to obtain a tourist development tax account. For more information, please visit here for more information on the Tourist Development Tax. To apply for a Tourist Tax Account or register to omit tourist tax online.