Visitor Information and FAQs

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There is a ton to do on Florida's Space Coast. From Rocket Launches to Beaches, and Wildlife Encounters to Parking, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about our area to help you plan the perfect Space Coast Adventure.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

(Jump to Section. Click Question to Reveal Answers)
Launches
Beaches
Nature and Wildlife
Travel and Parking
Additional Information and Updates

A rocket trail seen over the beachfront

Launches

  • Who decides the launch schedule?
    • NASA and its partners (SpaceX, ULA, etc) decide the launch schedule out of Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Coast Station. Florida’s Space Coast Office of Tourism has a policy to only announce a launch when it has been OFFICIALLY released to the public. We try our best to stay as up to date as possible on the officially released launch dates and times. 

  • Why do launches get scrubbed (Cancelled or Rescheduled)?
    • Launches can be scrubbed due to technical issues or inclement weather. Rockets are built to monitor and pick up on any abnormal operations, and when they pick up on something such as a small pressure drop or a bad sensor, the system will shut itself down. Additionally, rockets are not like airplanes in the sense that they can’t simply bypass a thunderstorm. In order to get to a certain orbit and location in space to perform the mission, they have to depart at a certain time and direction.

  • What do I do if a launch is scrubbed? 
    • While we hope that every launch goes off as scheduled, scrubs are an unfortunate reality. Some launches have launch windows. For example, a launch may have a liftoff time of 9:00am with a 2 hour window. This means that the launch can go anytime between 9:00am and 11:00am, so it may not be a full scrub, the team may be doing some additional checks or waiting out the weather. Tune into that launch’s live feed (most launches have a live feed on YouTube) to stay up to date.
    • Often, if it is not a catastrophic technical issue, the launch will be rescheduled very close to the original launch date (often the next day), and may still fall within your visit. 
    • Be careful when booking your accommodations, or purchasing launch viewing packages from local businesses, to read the scrub policy very carefully.

  • Is Playalinda Beach/Canaveral Seashore open for this launch?

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a beach at Canaveral National Seashore

Beaches

  • What’s the best beach?

  • Pets on the beach?
    • There are two beaches in Brevard that allow dogs, and then only under certain circumstances. You are responsible for ensuring you are following local dog rules, please check the parks’ websites for the most up to date regulations:
    • Most beaches DO NOT allow pets. Some reasons cited for these rules include: 
      • Dog owners not cleaning up after their dogs, leaving feces and urine in the sand and in the ocean water. 
      • Unleashed dogs making unprovoked attacks against beachgoers. 
      • Dogs disturbing sea turtle nesting areas and turtle eggs. 
      • The potential negative impact of dogs on the beach on shorebirds and seabirds. 
    • Please check the beach you plan on visiting’s rules and guidelines before your trip.

  • Vehicles on the beach?
    • Personal Vehicles ARE NOT allowed on the beaches of Florida’s Space Coast. 

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Manatees congregated underwater near a kayak

Nature and Wildlife

  • Can I swim with manatees/dolphins?

  • Are there a lot of gators?
    • American Alligators are native to Florida’s Space Coast. They are wild animals, and as such should not be hassled, touched or fed. Alligators generally shy away from areas where humans congregate, and announce their presence when you’re too close. If you find yourself near any wild animal, try to politely back away without startling it.  For more information head to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

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Cars parked in downtown Melbourne

Parking and Travel

  • Where can I park?
    • The majority of public parking in Brevard County is free, and first come first served. Cocoa Beach & Indialantic have paid public parking and the lots/garages/parking spots all have informative signs to show you how to pay. You WILL be towed from businesses’ parking lots if you park and try to access the beach. 

  • Cruise Parking Options
    • Port Canaveral has on premises options for cruisers. Additionally, many local hotels offer snooze and cruise packages. Please visit our Cruises page and Getting Here page for more cruise transportation options.

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Important Updates and Additional Information

 

Hurricane Preparedness and Resources

On the Space Coast, the 2022 Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Brevard County has set up a number of resources to help residents and visitors to our area if the need should arise.  It is important to have a plan in place for evacuations. Please visit Brevard County's Emergency Management page for more information.

Special Consideration for Airline Passengers:

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Space Coast Digital Map

Getting Here/ Interactive Map

Wheelchairs from Crabby's lined up on the beach with the water in the background

Accessibility

NASA's Artemis Program Logo

NASA's Artemis

The cover of the current Space Coast Vacation Planner

Space Coast Vacation Planner

The fishing pier at Jetty Park at Port Canaveral

Learn More About the Space Coast

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