U . S . East
FLORIDA SPACE COAST
Florida ’ s Space Coast — located 45 minutes east of Orlando — is a group-friendly destination that encompasses the cities of Cocoa Beach , Melbourne & the Beaches , Port Canaveral , Titusville and Palm Bay . In addition to its beach-related activities and maritime attractions , the area is home to the Kennedy Space Center .
During a visit , travelers can strap in and lift off on a simulated space launch , view 10-story high rockets in the rocket garden , watch spacethemed movies on the 3-D IMAX screen , and challenge themselves with numerous hands-on space displays . A range of special tours and group programs are available , including one that allows guests to have lunch with a veteran NASA astronaut . Groups also can time a visit to coincide with one of the regular rocket launches at nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station .
The evenings are a good time to head over to the Space Coast ’ s world-class planetarium , which is home to one of the largest public telescopes in Florida . Visitors can enjoy space shows that combine music with laser effects or watch movies on the attraction ’ s two giant screens .
To learn more , contact Eric Garvey of Florida ’ s Space Coast Office of Tourism at eric . garvey @ visitspacecoast . com or go to . visitspacecoast . com .
FLORIDA ’ S SPACE COAST OFFICE OF TOURISM
TOP ATTRACTIONS Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral , the Brevard Zoo , Astronaut Memorial Planetarium and Observatory
TOP FESTIVALS Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival ( January 2017 ), Grant Seafood Festival ( March 4 – 5 , 2017 )
TOP CULINARY EXPERIENCES The Cove Restaurants on the Harbor at Port Canaveral , historical downtown Melbourne
Kennedy Space Center ntaonline . com 9