Cape Canaveral is best known as the launchpad for the U.S. space program. But the Space Coast isn't as one-dimensional as its nickname implies. Don't miss the space center, but save time to lounge on the beach, visit the wildlife refuge and stroll through Cocoa Village.
You'll need a good map to navigate this complicated area. Look for one in the Space Coast Visitors' Guide—available at the port as well as at most hotels, restaurants and shops. It offers discount coupons for all sorts of attractions, as well as the baseball training schedule for the Washington Nationals and the shuttle launch calendar.
This ship sets sail for international waters, where gambling ships are allowed to operate. The ship offers 1,000 Vegas-style slots (including video poker), 50 blackjack tables, craps, roulette and poker tables. The free five-hour cruise comes complete with a cold-cut buffet supper, live entertainment and free cocktails while gambling. The ship sails twice daily from Port Canaveral at 11 am and 7 pm. Toll-free 800-765-5711. http://www.sterlingcasinolines.com.
The 1,200-passenger vessel offers more than 500 slots and 35 table games, live entertainment on all cruises and a buffet. The free departures launch from The Cove at Port Canaveral at 11 am and 7 pm. Toll-free 800-474-3423. http://www.suncruzcasino.com.
| Historic Sites | Top  |
A visit to this place will give you a better understanding of the planets that await tomorrow's astronauts. Located on the campus of Brevard Community College, the planetarium offers musical laser shows and movies about Earth and beyond. During the evening, the facility's rooftop observatory opens to provide up-close views of the universe. Hours vary, so call ahead. Prices start at US$7 adults, US$4 children. Admission to the observatory is free. 1519 Clearlake Road, Cocoa. Phone 321-433-7373. http://www.brevardcc.edu/planet.
Ever dream of being an astronaut? You can be like one in this one- or two-day program. It includes spaceflight training simulators, full-scale space-shuttle mission simulations, plus a VIP tour of Kennedy Space Center and training gear (including a mission polo shirt). Prices start at US$225. Mission participants must be 14 years of age or older. Anyone younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Some height and weight restrictions apply on certain simulators. Phone 321-449-4400. http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com.
The many men and women who have given their lives in pursuit of space exploration are remembered at the Astronauts Memorial, a 42-ft-/13-m-high black granite block upon which their names are carved. Sunlight illuminates their names and reflects them back into space. Route 405, Cape Canaveral.
Since the Kennedy Space Center is a working space launch facility, most of it is off-limits to guests. However, the bus tours, which leave from the Visitor Complex every 15 minutes, get visitors pretty close. You'll pass the massive Vehicle Assemble Building and launch-related facilities. The primary bus tour (included with space-center admission) makes three stops. The main attraction is the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where you can experience the drama of going to the moon through a theater presentation that re-creates the first manned launch and landing. The Firing Room Theater is nearly identical to the actual launch control room used in the late 1960s—some of the equipment is original (note the half-empty packs of Old Gold and Chesterfield cigarettes). Adding to the excitement is a full-size
Saturn V moon rocket, as well as a moon rover and a moon rock you can touch. The tour also stops at Launch Complex 39, where a 60-ft-/18-m-tall observation gantry provides a bird's-eye view of the space center and the shuttle launchpads. The final stop is the International Space Center, where components of the International Space Station are put together.
Other bus tours offer behind-the-scenes looks at the space program. The 120-minute NASA Up Close tour takes you through an astronaut's launch-day path, from crew quarters to launchpad, and includes the Vehicle Assembly Building. The Cape Canaveral: Then & Now tour, which runs about 150 minutes, explores the early days of space exploration and includes Mercury 7 astronaut Alan Shepard's training facility, the launch complex where Shepard and Virgil "Gus" Grissom rocketed into outer space, and the launch sites of the Voyager probes and Viking Mars Landers. Daily 9 am-5:30 pm. Closed some launch dates. Last tour given three hours before closing. Each tour costs US$59 adults, US$43 children. Phone 321-449-4400. Toll-free 800-572-4636 for the launch hotline. http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com.
If your visit coincides with a launch, you can buy tickets to view it at the Visitor Complex. You can make reservations and purchase your tickets at least a month in advance. Be aware that weather and/or mechanical difficulties can (and often do) foul NASA's best-laid plans. The Visitor Complex closes several hours before a launch and doesn't reopen until 30 minutes after liftoff. Launch tickets: US$38 adults, US$28 children (admission to Visitors Complex and bus tour included). Call the Launch Center hotline toll-free 800-572-4636 for up-to-date launch information.
You can get a more distant, though still good, view of launches from several spots in the surrounding area: along Highway 1 in Titusville and on the Beach Line Expressway near the Banana River or from Cocoa Beach. Launch tickets: US$36.50 adults, US$26.50 children (admission to Visitors Complex and bus tour included). Route 405, Cape Canaveral. Phone 321-449-4444. Toll-free 800-572-4636 for the launch hotline. http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com.
This site, which has become part of the Kennedy Space Center, contains memorabilia contributed by the original seven
Mercury astronauts and their successors. Hands-on activities include a simulated moonwalk. The most-popular attraction (which can be reserved through KSC) is ATX—the Astronaut Training Experience. This full-day activity prepares visitors for the rigors of space flight. From the multi-axis trainer to the 1/6th-gravity chair, the experience was created with the assistance of veteran NASA astronauts and concludes with a full-scale space shuttle mission simulation. ATX provides a realistic look at what astronauts and mission control achieve whenever NASA launches a manned mission. Open 9 am-6:30 pm. Admission included with KSC two-day ticket. Separate admission: US$17 adults, US$13 children ages 3-11. Children younger than 3, free. The Hall of Fame is located off Route 405 (on Vectorspace Boulevard) before the KSC Visitor Complex, Cape Canaveral. Phone 321-449-4444. http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com.
A one-hour special event. It includes an autographed souvenir. Seating daily at 12:15 pm. US$60.99 adults, US$43.99 children ages 3-11. Phone 321-449-4400 for reservations. http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com.
The KSC, as it's called, easily tops the list of things to do in the Cape Canaveral area. It can be a full day's outing—maybe more. Within KSC is the 70-acre/28-hectare exhibit-filled Visitor Complex. Inside is a museum that covers early space exploration, highlighting the Mercury and Gemini space programs. From there, you can walk over to the Exploration in the New Millennium exhibit and touch a piece of Mars that arrived on Earth in the form of a meteorite. The biggest exhibit is the outdoor Rocket Garden, where surplus rockets, such as the Atlas and Saturn I, stand as sentinels to the giant leaps NASA has made since the 1950s.
One of the most surprising and enjoyable experiences is the Astronaut Encounter, which is held in a pavilion near the center's entrance. Astronauts field questions from visitors about life in zero gravity, training for a mission and what it feels like during launch. The IMAX theater shows Station 3D, which takes you on a wild ride to the International Space Station, some 220 mi/354 km above Earth. You leave awed and with a lot of respect for the people who shot the pictures. The newest show, Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D, blasts the audience to our nearest extraterrestrial neighbor. Narrated by one of the nation's most beloved Hollywood astronauts, Tom Hanks, the movie explores the lunar landscape as the astronauts experienced it in the 1960s. The Space Center is open daily 9 am-5:30 pm. Closed on Christmas and on some launch days. Admission is US$38 adults, US$28 children ages 3-11. Tickets, good for two days, include all exhibits, shows and IMAX movies. Admission to other KSC attractions is available. Route 405, Cape Canaveral. Phone 321-449-4444. Toll-free 800-572-4636 for the launch hotline. http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com.
Founded in 1960, this is the nation's first national police museum and memorial devoted to law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Exhibits depict problems that officers deal with daily: drugs, homicides and criminals. There is also a 24-lane shooting range that offers rental guns. A gift shop reinforces the theme with such items as handcuff key chains. Open daily 10 am-6 pm. Free for law enforcement officials with ID. Everyone else: US$12 adults and US$8 children. 6350 Horizon Drive, Titusville. Phone 321-264-0911. http://www.aphf.org.
This museum has displays recounting the area's origins as a trading post. It also features archaeological and wildlife exhibits. Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm, Sunday noon-4 pm. US$6 adults, US$4.50 children ages 5-16. Free for children younger than 4. 2201 Michigan Ave., Cocoa. Phone 321-632-1830. http://www.brevardmuseum.com.
This is the Space Coast's only fine-arts museum. It has five galleries with exhibits by international, national and regional artists. Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 1-5 pm. US$5 adults, US$3 children; free on Thursday. Admission price also includes the Children's Science Center, located across the street from the museum. 1463 Highland Ave., Melbourne. Phone 321-242-0737. http://www.artandscience.org.
Showcases artifacts from all wars that the U.S. has fought in, such as swords, World War II artifacts, cannon balls, rationing stamps, V-mail and much more. The exhibits rotate. Open Monday-Saturday 8:30 am-4:30 pm, Sunday noon-5 pm. Free admission. Veterans Memorial Center, 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island. Phone 321-453-1776. http://www.members.aol.com/vetcouncil.
It's primitive, so take your own sunblock and other supplies, but it's worth any nature-lover's time. Visitors hiking several miles/kilometers of trails can encounter wildlife such as gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer and bobcats. There's also a wide variety of trees and plant life. The county-owned sanctuary preserves a 393-acre/159-hectare tract of old Florida. The Addison Canal runs through the property, which is bordered by natural wetlands. Guided tours are available. There's also an education center with a gift shop. Open daily 9 am-5 pm. Free. 444 Columbia Blvd., Titusville. Phone 321-264-5185. http://www.nbbd.com/godo/ef.
This area will give you an idea of what the Cape Canaveral area looked like when the Calusa inhabited it. The U.S. government established the refuge in 1963 as a buffer zone between the space center and urban areas. The refuge, which covers 140,000 acres/56,700 hectares, is beneath the Atlantic flyway, a migratory route for birds. More than 330 species, including the bald eagle, make their homes in its marshy lagoons at least part of the year. Several other endangered critters take shelter there as well, including West Indian manatees. Loggerhead sea turtles return to the beach every summer to lay their eggs at what is now the largest sea turtle nesting site in the U.S. Bobcats and alligators reside there, too. If you come across an alligator, do not feed it. Florida law forbids it, plus it could pose a danger to yourself and other visitors.
The refuge's visitors center offers displays of wildlife habitats, as well as a wealth of printed information, including books to purchase. A short boardwalk behind the center offers a quick look at the environment, but you also can take footpaths deeper into the marshes. Black Point Wildlife Drive is a 6-mi/10-km loop along which you can view shorebirds, wading birds and waterfowl from your car. This is a good drive for alligator watchers. Look for them in the water or sunning on the banks. Open April-October Monday-Friday 8 am-4:30 pm, Saturday 9 am-5 pm; November-March Monday-Friday 8 am-4:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am-5 pm. The refuge closes the day before a launch. Merritt Island (north of the space center and east of Titusville), Titusville. Phone 321-861-0667. http://www.fws.gov/merrittisland.
| Zoos & Wildlife | Top |
This zoo is the only one in the U.S. with on-site kayaking. One exhibit, Expedition Africa, places guests in the wilds of Africa for nose-to-nose meetings with exotic animals such as giant anteaters, marmosets, jaguars, eagles, kangaroos and kookaburras. Other attractions include Paws-On, an interactive learning playground; the Australian Free Flight Aviary; the Wetlands Outpost; a vulture exhibit; and a behind-the-scenes Wildside Tour. US$10.50 adults, US$7.50 children. 8225 Wickham Road, Melbourne. Phone 321-254-9453. http://www.brevardzoo.org.
Outdoor activities in Cape Canaveral revolve around the beach. Although the area isn't suited to snorkeling or diving, it does have some lovely beaches, and fishing excursions depart daily for deeper waters.
If your idea of a beach includes a pier, restaurants and plenty of activities, try Cocoa Beach. You can fish from the pier or hang out at one of the open-air restaurants. Nearby are shops that rent everything from surfboards to umbrellas. The beach begins south of Port Canaveral's southern terminal. From there, unbroken coastline continues south for 40 mi/65 km. There are lifeguards in the summer.
Located at the southeast end of Cape Canaveral's cruise-ship port, Jetty Maritime Park has a huge bathing beach, as well as a grocery store, gift shop, hookups for RVs, tent sites and a 1,000-ft/300-m fishing pier. You can rent beach chairs, surfboards, fishing gear, bikes and other water toys there. It's the closest beach to the space center, making it a great spot to watch a shuttle launch. The Canaveral Port Authority has developed recreational facilities around the port, such as parks, boat ramps and athletic fields. Daily 24 hours. Parking is US$5. Phone 321-783-7111.
This 32-acre/13-hectare oceanfront park is operated by Brevard County, and has seasonal lifeguards. Facilities include restrooms, three pavilions along a 1,000-ft/310-m boardwalk, six dune crossovers, a maritime hammock, volleyball court, playground, barbecue grills and a 274-space parking lot conveniently located on both the north and south sides of the park. Open daily 7 am-dark. 1500 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Phone 321-455-1380.
This beach has escaped commercialization. Playalinda is part of the Canaveral National Seashore (which stretches for 23 mi/37 km), so you won't find any concession stands, lifeguards, drinking water or cars on the beach. (There are restrooms.) Take along your own drinks, food and beach toys. This is what Florida's beaches looked like before condominiums, roads and billboards obscured their beauty. Walk south on the beach to the fence that separates it from KSC, and you can glimpse one of the shuttle launchpads. Open daily 6 am-8 pm. Closes 72 hours before a launch. Admission is US$3 per person. Off Highway 402, Titusville. Phone 321-267-1110.
| Boating & Sailing | Top |
If you want to sail or water-ski, the water is calmer in the Banana River, which is about 3 mi/5 km west of the Atlantic near Highway 520.
Expect to pay about US$90 per hour for a Jet Ski, about US$160 for four hours for a pontoon boat and about US$175 to rent a speedboat (with water skis) for two hours. You can rent a kayak for about US$35 per day.
There is perhaps no better way to mingle with the wildlife than aboard a kayak—more than 4,000 species of plants and animals call the Indian River Lagoon home. Come face-to-face with egrets, blue herons, alligators, cormorants, dolphins and manatees. Tours, which operate on weekdays and two Saturdays each month, include all gear: a two-person kayak, polarized sunglasses, hats, towels, bottled water and sun block. Reservations required. Phone 321-784-4545. http://www.cocoabeachkayaking.com.
This shop rents a variety of power, pontoon and deck boats. Half- and full-day rentals available. 1872 E. Highway 520, Merritt Island. Phone 321-454-7661.
This place offers Jet Ski and boogey board rentals. Ski rentals start at US$55 for the half-hour. 1872 E. Merritt Island Causeway, Merritt Island. Phone 321-984-9986.
The waters around Cape Canaveral rank with the best in the world for fishing. One of the best-kept secrets is Stick Marsh, which locals boast has the best bass fishing in the state. Among the deep-sea catch are marlin, sailfish, grouper, snapper, snook and king. Large redfish haunt nearby rivers, and several towns in the area have laid claim to being the Redfish Capital of the World. The rivers also contain drum, sea bass, spotted sea trout, mangrove snapper and snook. If you fish off the piers, you can usually catch flounder, Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, sea bass and tarpon. Surf fishing yields channel bass, flounder and pompano. You can purchase a fishing license at the Tax Collector's Office at 2575 Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island (phone 321-455-1412) or at one of its substations, including Wal-Mart on Merritt Island and Sunrise Marina in Port Canaveral. License requirements may vary.
There are three fishing piers from which to try your luck: the Cocoa Beach pier (near A1A and Highway 520), the city pier in Titusville and the pier at Jetty Park (at the southeast end of the port). Port's End Park, located across the ship channel from the West Turning Basin, has a floating service dock and fish-cleaning tables for anglers. Several shops on or near the piers rent tackle.
If you'd rather go deep-sea fishing, there are several marinas in the port area. For more information on local fishing charters and captains, visit the Canaveral Charter Captains Association Web site at http://www.fishingspacecoast.org, the Indian River Guides Association at http://www.irga.org or contact the Space Coast Office of Tourism (phone 877-872-1967).
Take an all-day charter trip for about US$65. The same vessel offers half-day shark-fishing trips on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for around US$35. The boat docks near Port Canaveral. Phone 321-783-5274. http://www.misscape.com.
This popular charter service claims to have the highest fish-catching percentage in east-central Florida. (We didn't count.) The goal is to land grouper, snapper and sailfish. Boats depart from the Cove's Corner at Port Canaveral at 8 am, Glen Creek Drive. US$65 adults, US$45 children younger than 12. Phone 321-453-3474. http://www.fishobsession.com.
You can play 27 holes along the Banana River, with each hole named for a bird species that frequents the area. Greens fees start at US$44.50. Tom Warringer Boulevard, Cocoa Beach. Phone 321-868-3361. http://www.golfcocoabeach.com.
This Arnold Palmer Signature Course has been home to the PGA Sunshine State Club Professional Championship. Known for its distinctive Tifeagle putting surfaces, the Majors course spans more than 240 acres/97 hectares and is attractive to golfers of all handicaps because of its five sets of tees. Green fees US$30-$79. 3375 Bayside Lakes Blvd. S.E. (about 25 mi/40 km south of Cocoa Beach), Palm Bay. Phone 321-952-8617. http://www.majorsgolfclub.com.
Voted by Golf Digest as one of the "Best Places to Play," this 18-hole championship layout, designed by Joe Lee, offers five tees and journeys through wooded fairways, tough doglegs and winding creeks. Greens fees US$25-$58. 1279 Admiralty Blvd., Rockledge. Phone 321-632-2520. http://www.golfturtlecreek.com.
The 18-hole course, designed by Joe Lee, incorporates lakes and marshland among the greens. Greens fees US$37-$51. 2300 Clubhouse Drive, Viera. Phone 321-639-6500. http://www.vieragolf.com.
| Horseback Riding | Top |
Surrounding the 25-acre/10-hectare ranch are 80 acres/32 hectares of wooded trails lined with pine scrub, oak hammock and wetlands. If the call of the wild appeals to you, you can sign up for overnight trips, campfires, hayrides, barbecues and even beach rides for experienced adults. All gear is supplied, and toe shoes are required. There is a weight limit of 240 lbs/108 kgs. Trail rides, which run one hour, start at US$25. 7400 Bridle Path Lane, Port St. John. Phone 321-638-0104. http://www.aceofheartsranch.com.
| Scuba & Snorkeling | Top |
Diving off Cocoa Beach isn't very exciting—you might see a few lobsters, and you could swim past the still-sunken wing of the space shuttle
Challenger (creepy). As a result, most dive shops offer full-day dive trips off the coast of West Palm Beach or to deepwater springs in the Florida interior. You can snorkel off the beach, but don't expect to see much besides sand. The closest good scuba-diving location is in West Palm Beach.
In the event of a diving emergency, the Diver's Alert Network (DAN) will provide treatment advice and, if necessary, arrange for evacuation: Phone 919-684-8111 or 919-684-4326. (Both lines connect to DAN's headquarters in the U.S and accept collect calls.) DAN also answers health-related questions about diving. For more information, contact the organization at 919-684-2948 or toll-free 800-326-3822. http://www.diversalertnetwork.org.
Novice and expert divers can choose from several excursions: drift, beach and springs. No matter which one you choose, you won't soon forget the experience, whether you swim with marine life or explore a shipwreck. Adventure Diving offers regularly scheduled weekly dives and custom excursions. Rental equipment is available. Prices start at US$49. 4650 Portage Trail, Melbourne. Phone 321-255-9445. http://www.adventuredivingflorida.com.
The best place to surf is Cocoa Beach, which has some of the biggest waves in Florida. Cocoa Beach proudly bills itself as the Small Wave Capital of the World. The area also lays claim to the largest surfing school in Florida—Cocoa Beach Surf School. Phone 321-868-1980 or http://www.cocoabeachsurfschool.com.
You can rent surfboards at Ron Jon Surf Shop and at other surf shops along the coast. Prices for rentals range from US$5 (for a foam surfboard for two hours) to US$10 (for a fiberglass surfboard for two hours). Even if surfing is not your sport, Ron Jon's—open 24 hours—offers terrifically stylish clothes that go far beyond beachwear. For the latest surf conditions, call Quiet Flight Surf Report (phone 321-783-6440) or Natural Art Surf Report (phone 321-784-2400), both at Cocoa Beach.
Open for more than a decade, the school provides instruction on just about everything you need to know to ride the waves, from water safety to paddling to standing techniques. One-hour semi-private lessons cost US$45, and one-hour private lessons cost US$60. Phone 321-868-1980. http://www.ronjonsurfschool.com.
Offers Jet Ski and boogey board rentals. Open daily at 10 am. Phone 321-453-8900. http://www.surfandskirentals.com.
| Tennis & Racquet Sports | Top |
The Cocoa Beach Country Club, owned and operated by the City of Cocoa Beach, includes a professional tennis complex for all ages and skill levels. The Tennis Complex offers 14 courts, including two clay courts. Ten courts are lighted. Fees start at US$4. Tom Warriner Boulevard (off Minutemen Causeway), Cocoa Beach. Phone 321-868-3224. http://www.ci.cocoa-beach.fl.us/citylife/tennis.htm.
| Other Options | Top |
Provides guided tours three times daily. A great way to view Florida wildlife, including dolphins and manatees. US$25 adults, US$15 children ages 4-16. Phone 321-480-8632. http://www.advkayak.com.
This place features three go-kart tracks, laser tag, bumper boats, miniature golf, slot-car racing, kiddie rides, a wild west train and an arcade. Open daily. A three-hour, unlimited-use pass starts at US$19.95. Phone 321-956-6706. http://www.andrettithrillpark.com.
For the kids and kids at heart, Traxx promises a full day of thrills. It offers arcade games, a batting cage, laser tag and minigolf. Daily 10 am-midnight. Wristband prices start at US$17. 8801 Astronaut Blvd., Cape Canaveral. Phone 321-783-0595.
Most of the area's nightlife revolves around the water. The largest concentration of nightspots is in Cocoa Beach, primarily at the pier and downtown. An increasing number and variety of clubs are opening in Cocoa Village. The scene heats up as soon as the sun goes down, although daytime partying is prevalent on weekends at the beach.
| Bars, Taverns & Pubs | Top |
Upstairs from the Dog and Bone is this club that appeals to those who prefer a full liquor bar, live bands, karaoke nights and dance parties. Open Wednesday-Sunday 9 pm-2 am. 300 Brevard Ave., Cocoa Beach.
This Cocoa Village favorite is a popular and very authentic English-style pub. Little touches such as sofas, dart boards, game tables, British magazines and football jerseys give it a good vibe. Check out their drink specials. Daily noon-2 am. No cover. 300 Brevard Ave., Cocoa Beach. Phone 321-636-2828. http://www.thedognbone.com.
Blues fans won't be disappointed. The club, located on the beach, hosts some of the area's best players. Many of them come together on Thursday night for the Crawdaddy Blues Jam. Open Thursday-Saturday. Music starts at 8 pm. 1 Minuteman Causeway, Cocoa Beach. Phone 321-783-7549. http://www.beachshackbar.com.
Offers jazz on Monday at 6 pm and Thursday at 7 pm. On Sunday nights, jazz jams begin at 6 pm. 313 Delannoy Ave., Cocoa. Phone 321-631-0505. http://www.cafeflamant.com.
Attached to the Heidelburg restaurant, this is where you can settle back and listen to live jazz in an intimate setting. Shows are presented Tuesday-Sunday, with nationally recognized performers appearing on Saturday and Sunday. 7 N. Orlando Ave., Cocoa Beach. Phone 321-783-4559. http://www.heidisjazzclub.com.
Enjoy traditional Irish folk bands and popular Irish drinking songs at this local favorite. Lots of crowd participation. Open daily from 10:30 am (Sunday from noon) until late. 812 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne. Phone 321-952-5510. http://www.megomalleys.com.
This nightspot at the Cocoa Beach Pier is known for its acoustic duos and rock 'n' roll Friday-Sunday, with a famous Boardwalk Bash, featuring live music out over the ocean. 401 Meade Ave., Cocoa Beach. Phone 321-783-7549. http://www.cocoabeachpier.com.
| Other Options | Top |
This place anchors the center of downtown Cocoa Beach. A popular spot for a younger crowd, thanks to karaoke nights, ladies nights, Saturday-afternoon bikini contests, volleyball tournaments and live music Thursday-Saturday. 2 Minuteman Causeway, Cocoa Beach. Phone 321-784-1422. http://www.coconutsonthebeach.com.
Set upstairs in Gregory's Sky Lounge, the club is nationally known for its acts. It is a popular hangout with locals. Open Thursday at 9 pm. Admission is US$10-$15. 900 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. http://www.grouchoscomedy.com.
| Performing Arts | Top  |
Brevard County's only beachside theater. Open August-April. Shows start at 8 pm, matineess at 2 pm. Phone 321-783-3127. http://www.surfsideplayers.com.
The center is a 2,000-seat venue, featuring top musicians, on- and off-Broadway shows, kids' shows and the Brevard Symphony Orchestra. Tickets available at the box office or on its Web site. Phone 321-242-2219. http://www.kingcenter.com.
| Spectator Sports | Top |
Baseball has become a very popular pastime in the Cape Canaveral area. The Washington Nationals conduct spring training in March at the Space Coast Stadium, the 8,100-seat ballpark in Viera, southwest of Cocoa. The stadium is also home to the Brevard County Manatees.
The Milwaukee Brewers Class A farm club plays in Space Coast Stadium. Season runs April-September. Tickets US$7. 5800 Stadium Parkway, Viera. Phone 321-633-9200. http://www.manateesbaseball.com.
The team holds its spring training at Space Coast Stadium throughout March. Tickets US$5-$18. 5800 Stadium Parkway, Viera. Phone 321-633-9200. http://washington.nationals.mlb.com.
Beach shops, strip centers and shopping malls stretch along the coast from Titusville to Melbourne. The best-known shop is an attraction as well as a store—Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach. Even if you're not a surfer or a shopper, you should see this place: It has a U.S. Post Office, a Surf Cafe and a rental shop with surfboards, beach chairs and kayaks. There's an ATM in the parking lot if you don't have enough cash on you to buy a new stick. (That's a board in surfer lingo.)
| Shopping Hours | Top |
Generally Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturday 9 am-8 or 9 pm. Some shops have limited hours on Sunday.
There you'll find farm-fresh produce, loads of new and used toys, tools, watches, clocks, CDs, clothing, birds, pets, silk plants and trees, framed pictures, and paintings. Open Friday-Sunday. 5605 N. U.S. 1, Cocoa. Phone 321-631-0241. http://www.spacecoastfrontenac.com.
Plenty of bargains can be found at this market. Shop for household goods, produce and loads more, offered by 900 merchants in a clean, covered environment. Open Friday-Sunday 9 am-5 pm. Interstate 95 and Eau Gallie Boulevard, Melbourne. Phone 321-242-9124. http://www.superfleamarket.com.
| Shopping Areas | Top |
This spot may have the greatest concentration of shops in the area. Along the brick-paved walkways, you'll find antiques shops, jewelry stores, and art and fashion boutiques. Cafes and gourmet restaurants abound. When you're finished shopping, take a ride in a handsome cab. Brevard Avenue, Cocoa Beach. http://www.cocoavillage.com.
There are 132 stores at the Melbourne Square Mall. A major renovation jazzed up the food court and added a children's play area. 1700 W. New Haven Ave., Melbourne. Phone 321-727-2000. http://www.simon.com.
If you're looking for a mall to crawl, Merritt Square Mall has more than 100 stores, a 22-screen theater, a food court and several popular restaurant chains. It is the closest mall to the port, just a 20-minute drive from the beach. The mall also offers a movie theater complex. Open daily. 777 E. Merritt Island Causeway, Highway 520, Merritt Island. Phone 321-452-3272. http://www.merrittsquaremall.com.
One of Space Coast's newest shopping destinations, The Avenue Viera is an enormous open-air center that has a pedestrian-friendly look and layout. Anything that you would find in an indoor mall you'll find there. There is also a movie theater and restaurants. 2261 Town Center Ave., Melbourne. Phone 321-634-5390. http://www.theavenuealist.com.
| Specialty Stores | Top |
Lego, Ty, Madame Alexander and other more unusual, low-tech toys and dolls are found in this independent toy store. 403 Brevard Ave., Cocoa Beach. Phone 321-632-5890. http://www.anniestoychest.com.
It is the largest gallery in Brevard County with 60 established artists. You'll also find some artsy gifts to take home. One-of-a-kind art, collections and gifts. Phone 321-637-2787. http://www.artvuegallery.com.
This place is packed with indulgent items, including fine soaps, towels, scented candles and artistic shower curtains. 425 Brevard Ave., Cocoa Beach. Phone 321-690-2284. http://www.bathcottage.com.
Mango's is a paradise for shoppers looking for comfortable, tropical wear. 319 Brevard Ave., Cocoa Beach. Phone 321-639-3292.
This giant surf shop is really a temple to sun and fun. It's shaped like a sand castle, painted in pastel blues and pinks and jammed with water-related gear from swimsuits to surfboards and water skis. (An entire section of the store is devoted to Australian water gear.) Daily 24 hours. 4151 N. Atlantic Ave., Highway A1A, Cocoa Beach. Phone 321-799-8888. http://www.ronjons.com.
This is one of the most comprehensive kitchen stores in the area. Step inside and stock up on mixing bowls, colorful glassware, cookbooks from around the world, exotic soup mixes, gourmet ingredients and an expansive international collection of wines. 19 Stone St., Cocoa. Phone 321-636-5480. http://www.cocoavillagegourmet.com.
To
Orlando. Only 50 mi/80 km from Cape Canaveral, Orlando and its many theme parks beckon. Walt Disney World includes the Magic Kingdom, MGM Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom—too much to do in a day. We recommend visiting just one or staying for a few extra days (phone 407-939-1289 for hours and ticket prices, or visit http://www.disneyworld.disney.go.com). Sea World is alive with marine-life shows. Shamu, the killer whale, puts on a dazzling performance, and the other shows are equally awesome (7007 Sea World Drive, phone 407-351-3600 or toll-free 800-327-2424 for hours and ticket prices, or visit http://www.seaworldorlando.com). Universal Studios has movie-studio themes and more than 40 rides, shows and attractions (1000 Universal Studios Plaza, phone 407-363-8000 for hours and ticket prices, or visit http://www.universalorlando.com).
To Cocoa and Cocoa Beach. If you like time travel as well as space travel, be sure to visit the city of Cocoa, which lies on the Indian River. Cocoa Village is a historic area with some cobblestoned sidewalks dating back to the 1890s. Among the restored buildings are the Cocoa Village Playhouse (circa 1924) and the Porcher House (1916). The bustling village also offers some 50 specialty shops, art galleries, and casual and upscale restaurants. To get to Cocoa Village from the coastal road A1A, head west on Highway 520 until it becomes King Street in Cocoa. Just past the bridge that spans the Intracoastal Waterway, look for Brevard Avenue and turn left.
Guided kayaking through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is available. 3532 Royal Oak Drive, Titusville. Phone 321-268-2655. http://www.adayawaykayaktours.com.
Provides guided tours three times daily. A great way to view Florida wildlife, including dolphins and manatees. US$25 adults, US$15 children ages 4-16. Phone 321-480-8632. http://www.advkayak.com.
This company has 16 nature and wildlife tours, romantic river cruises, swamp tours, dolphin river cruises and visits to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Tours include round-trip transportation from your hotel and all fees. Most tours are offered daily; prices vary. 1905 S. Atlantic St., Melbourne Beach. Phone 321-725-0796. http://www.fundaytours.com.
This tour takes you to one of the nation's most biodiverse waterways, the Banana River, where there are more than 4,200 types of plants, animals and fish. For two hours you'll drift along the river (actually a lagoon) on a clean pontoon boat and see anhinga and bottlenose dolphins. In the winter months, manatees hang out around the lagoon's Thousand Islands section. Tours depart daily at 10 am, 1 pm and two hours before sunset. Tours are US$20 adults, US$18 children. 1357 S. Banana River Drive, Merritt Island. Phone 321-302-0544. http://www.islandboatlines.com.
Offers daily airboat rides through St. Johns River and Lake Poinsett. From a 15-person airboat that skims and whips along the waterway, you'll spot a variety of wildlife, including alligators, white egrets and eagles. Open Sunday-Thursday 10 am-9 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am-10 pm. Rides last 30 minutes and cost US$18 for adults and US$10 for children 12 and younger. South side of State Road 520 (about 3 mi/5 km west of Interstate 95), Cocoa. Phone 321-632-4199.