It’s no secret that Florida calls in sun-seeking travelers from all over the country, with its warm beaches and riveting theme parks. If you’re a Florida native or regular visitor, you might think you know about all the places Florida has to offer when it comes to adventure.
You may be in for a bit of a surprise!
One of Florida’s best-kept secrets is historic Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center — just under an hour’s drive from bustling Orlando. If you’re wondering what to do in Cape Canaveral and KSC, don’t worry! In this hidden gem, you’re guaranteed to find new activities, smaller crowds, and an irresistible historic vibe.
Is it worth leaving the bustle of Orlando for this quaint scenic town? Yes! From history lovers to beach bums, there is something for everyone on our list of Cape Canaveral things to do. In this article, we want to give you the inside scoop on the 15 best things to do in Cape Canaveral and KSC! If anything we write here inspires you to explore Florida with us, check out our range of day tours from Orlando.
1. Chat with an Astronaut at the Kennedy Space Center
Who doesn’t love a trip to space?
The Kennedy Space Center is without a doubt #1 on the list of best things to do in Cape Canaveral. You can find a museum full of interactive exhibits, a plethora of facts, knowledgeable staff, and not to mention a killer gift shop. To take this adventure to the next level you can book a real NASA astronaut to accompany you on your trip to the Kennedy Space Center! They will be there to offer once-in-a-lifetime knowledge and exclusive activities.
A visit to the Kennedy Space Center is a must for kids and adults. Booking additional activities like a chat with an astronaut will make the experience unforgettable for everyone!
2. Enjoy the Views at the Cape Canaveral Exploration Tower
If you or anyone in your family loves views, the Exploration Tower in Cape Canaveral should be at the top of your to-do list. Located on Dave Nisbet Drive, this is another perfect place to get a breathtaking view of the surrounding ocean, marshlands, and wildlife!
Onsite you can find:
- Multiple observation decks
- Gift shop
- Cafe
The Exploration Tower has everything you need to make the perfect day trip for the whole family! If you have animal lovers in the family, you might want to stay tuned for our next excursion.
3. Meet New Animal Friends at the Manatee Sanctuary Park
If you have never seen the roly-poly herbivores of the sea, it may be time for a trip to the Manatee Sanctuary Park to visit some of Florida’s cutest water-dwellers.
With a park that stretches 10 acres across a natural preserve, the manatees get to thrive in their natural environment. With boardwalks and grills, Manatee Park is one prime spot to picnic and take in the views.
4. Experience Airboating at The Kennedy Space Center
The truth is, the Kennedy Space Center has a lot more to offer than just an amazing museum full of space artifacts and astronaut suits. They also offer airboat rides! If this sounds like a fun combination, click on our KSC Tour and Airboat Ride!
Here’s a fun fact: An airboat is a flat-bottomed boat that uses a propeller and a motor to move swiftly over water. When you ride the airboat at the Kennedy Space Center, you’ll see marshland, crocodiles, turtles, and the other amazing wildlife surrounding the museum!
When considering a visit to the Kennedy Space Center, trust Real Florida Adventures to help you plan and book, all in one place. We take care of everything, so you’ll never miss Cape Canaveral visiting hours! We’ll share the secrets of the best things to do at the Kennedy Space Center, Orlando, and take you to infinity, and beyond!
5. Explore Wildlife Up-Close at the Banana River Aquatic Preserve
This amazing preserve is home to wildlife like sea turtles, alligators, herons, and more. When you visit the Banana River Aquatic Preserve, you can rent a canoe or kayak to explore the water and see as much as you can.
You can also participate in bird-watching in hopes to see some pelicans!
6. Have Coffee and Food at Cafe Monte Carlo
Tourists and locals alike love the Cuban coffee and incredible food at Cafe Monte Carlo. They offer indoor and outdoor seating, friendly staff, and quick service.
This is the perfect place for a quick bite between adventures in Cape Canaveral! Who doesn’t love a five-star small business with high-quality food?!
7. Enjoy Cape Canaveral’s Best Treat at Tropic Ice Cream
For a sweet treat, Tropic Ice Cream offers generous portions and fair prices right in the center of Cape Canaveral. With the nostalgia of a classic ice cream parlor, Tropic Ice Cream is the perfect pit stop for a sweet treat after a day of adventure.
8. Visit the Air Force Space & Missile History Center
With full bellies, it is time to keep the family moving and head to the Air Force Space and Missile History Center. This center has been open since the 1960s and offers exhibits on jets, rockets, and missiles.
The most popular attraction at the Air Force Space & Missile History Center is the lush gardens that feature displays of old rockets.
9. Do Some Shopping in Historic Cocoa Village
Every family has someone who loves to shop, and that person will love this little village of boutiques, art galleries, and sidewalk entertainment. One of the most popular stores goes by the name Bath Cottage, and they are notorious for their wide array of body lotions, soaps, and self-care gifts.
Historic Cocoa Village is the perfect stop to pick up souvenirs and gifts to commemorate your trip to Cape Canaveral!
10. Take a Break at Center Street Park
By now, you’ll probably need a quick breather. Take a quiet moment and head to Center Street Park to enjoy the views and nature.
You might catch a glimpse of a manatee while you’re there! This spot is one of the more peaceful things to do in Cape Canaveral, Florida after you’ve had an epic day trip.
11. Learn Florida’s History at The Historic Rossetter House Museum and Gardens
The Rossetter House has been a landmark since it was built in 1902 by James Rossetter, and is now owned and maintained by the Florida Historical Society.
This museum is the perfect stop for those history-lovers in the family. Enjoy gardens and affordable house tours that tell the story of Florida’s past!
12. Go Fishing at Sebastian Inlet State Park
Brought your fishing poles? We have a spot for that too! Clearly, Cape Canaveral is a great place for people who love nature and exploring. The Sebastian Inlet State Park adds to that by offering jetties that are great for admiring ocean views and fishing.
If you are the fish-lover in the family, you have the opportunity to catch:
- Trout
- Snook
- Redfish
- Largemouth Bass
- King Mackerel
- Mahi Mahi
- And more!
Get ready for a full day of fun, as this water also offers the perfect clear spots for both swimming and snorkeling.
13. Zip-Line Amongst the Animals at Brevard Zoo
The Brevard Zoo is unique, as they have eliminated traditional zoo fences and break up the animals’ habitats more naturally with water or other elements the animals recognize.
This zoo also offers a lot of fun activities like zip-lining, and paddle boating and is one of the best Cape Canaveral kid activities to enjoy. A visit to Brevard Zoo is certainly an amazing experience that surpasses what normal zoos have to offer!
14. Have the Perfect Beach Day at Cherie Down Park
For those relaxed beach-goers, there is of course a nice beach to catch some rays! Cherie Down Park is said to be the best beach in Cape Canaveral, as people often rave about the perfect sand and open area for tanning and playing. This park adds the perfect beach day to your itinerary for Cape Canaveral.
15. Do Some Classic Camping at Jetty Park Campground
Looking for an overnight adventure? Camping is one of our favorite things to do around Cape Canaveral, Florida!
The Jetty Park Campground is the perfect spot for those who love wildlife and water. You can expect views of the rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center, boat-watching, and loads of marine life floating around you. You can use one of their rustic campgrounds or RVs for your stay!
Let Florida Adventures Help You Book Your Next Excursion!
Now the secret is out about all the fun things to do in Cape Canaveral and KSC, Florida! You can enjoy nature, history, and shopping — all in one quaint place.
Let us help you book your next excursion to visit Cape Canaveral and beyond! When you book with Real Florida Adventures, you can be sure you are in the most capable and professional hands.
Our goal is to provide some of the most memorable, thrilling, and adventurous tastes of Florida in a knowledgeable and effortless way. Get in touch today if you have any questions!
