NAVIGATING FLORIDA’S OCEANFRONT OPTIONS – EXPLORE THE SPACE COAST

With over 72 miles of coastline on the Space Coast, there is ample room for leisurely strolls, hunting for seashells, or enjoying some of the state’s best surfing in the Atlantic Ocean waters. A vibrant coral ecosystem and crystal-clear waters also make Satellite Beach a hub for snorkeling. Colorful tropical fish, seahorses, sea stars, turtles, and more can be found in the waters just offshore. Additionally, from March to October, visitors have the opportunity to witness the annual spectacle of sea turtle nesting season. Observing the hatchlings of leatherback, loggerhead, and green sea turtles find their way to the ocean adds to the Space Coast’s unique charm.

The Space Coast is also filled with guided tours for every interest. Fishing enthusiasts can choose charters like Miss Cape Canaveral, Native Son Fishing, and Odyssey Charters for a chance to reel in grouper, snapper, amberjack, king mackerel, wahoo, and marlin. To the west, the Indian River Lagoon offers a biodiverse haven for kayakers and paddle boarders. Discover mangrove tunnels on day tours with Airboat Rides of Melbourne and Space Coast River Tours, featuring sightings of manatees, fish, and migrating birds. For a unique adventure, experience nighttime bioluminescent kayaking from late June to September. Kayakers can marvel at tiny luminous organisms creating a glow-in-the-dark underwater display during clear kayak tours provided by A Day Away Kayak, Cocoa Kayaking, Sobe Surf, and others.

Naturally, it wouldn’t be referred to as “Florida’s Space Coast” without a profound connection to the space industry. Situated at the epicenter of the global space race, Florida’s Space Coast boasts an increasing presence of tech giants launching rockets from this coastal region. Merritt Island, home to the Kennedy Space Center, stands as one of NASA’s ten field centers since 1968. Serving as the primary launch pad for human spaceflight, the center ensures a steady stream of rocket launches. The Visitor Complex offers an iconic day trip, providing space enthusiasts and history buffs of all ages with the opportunity to tour launch pads, meet veteran astronauts, walk beneath real rockets and shuttles, and even schedule training sessions in spaceflight.

For food enthusiasts and fashion lovers, the downtown district of Cocoa Village seamlessly merges history with coastal charm. Walk along cobblestone streets shaded by palm trees, and explore a delightful array of dining venues, an antique mall, art galleries, and local boutiques lining the waterfront. Preserving its heritage, the city boasts historic venues such as the Cocoa Village Playhouse, Porcher House, Derby Street Chapel, and the Moore Center. The nearby Riverfront Park not only provides an excellent vantage point for rocket launches but also offers a playground and an outdoor amphitheater that buzzes with activity. The area hosts family-friendly events like BBQ & Blues, Halloween in the Village, Art Fairs, Sip & Strolls, and more, creating a vibrant atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

The Maxwell C. King Center in Melbourne is the preferred choice among locals for embracing the performing arts. Celebrating its 35th year, this venue hosts a diverse array of events annually, featuring everything from comedians and singers to youth theater and Broadway shows. Serving as the residence for the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, the King Center is a hub for world-class concerts, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives, enriching the community with the magic of live symphony music.