Find A Viewing
In response to COVID-19 many viewing locations have update their policies and hours of operation. Please check with each viewing location prior to your visit to ensure the location and its facilities, such as restrooms and parking lots, are available to guests.
Even though Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers the best seats in the house, Florida’s Space Coast offers many prime viewing areas outside of the complex. From the shores of the Indian River Lagoon and beaches on the coastline to the Exploration Tower and waterside restaurants, check out one of these great viewing venues on Florida’s Space Coast!*
*Please note that hours of operations vary and some locations may be closed at time of launch.
Titusville Launch Viewing Locations
Located north of the Titusville Marina, this launch viewing venue includes a boat ramp and dock, as well as restrooms.
Hours of Operations: 7 a.m. until dark
Sand Point Park is a popular launch viewing site in Titusville located on the shores of the Indian River Lagoon in the heart of Historic Downtown Titusville. The Astronaut Memorial Plaza, located near the south side of the park, commemorates the astronaut crews of the Apollo, the Challenger, and more recently, the Columbia Space Shuttle.
Hours of Operations: Dawn to Dusk
Playalinda Beach – Canaveral National Seashore
Located in the Canaveral National Seashore, Playalinda Beach is one the closest locations to view rocket launches on the Space Coast. With a short walk down the beach, you can be within 5 miles of the launch. It is located within a National Park, so a $10 entrance fee is required.
Hours of Operation: Summer hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Winter hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This urban district river park is situated on both sides of SR-402 at the A. Max Brewer Causeway from the east end of the draw bridge to the security gates for Kennedy Space Center. Only 10 miles from the closest launch pad, this is one of the top viewing sites on Florida’s Space Coast.
Hours of Operation: Dawn to Dusk
Space View Park is one of the most popular viewing areas for rocket launches, and is the first and only park in the nation that honors America’s astronauts and those behind the scenes who helped lead the world in space exploration. This park is located less than 15 miles directly across from the Kennedy Space Center launch pads and offers a spectacular view of rocket launches.
Hours of Operation: Dawn to Dusk
This riverfront park situated in Titusville is an excellent viewing venue for rocket launches because the only thing between you and the launch itself is the Indian River Lagoon. Got little ones with you? The park is ideal for family fun with a playground and picnic facility.
Hours of Operation: Dawn to Dusk
Settled along the Indian River Lagoon on U.S. 1, this public park is approximately 13 miles from the launch complexes at Kennedy Space Center and a top choice to view launches. Before or after the launch, be sure to check out nearby El Leoncito for delicious Mexican and giant margaritas.
Hours of Operation: Dawn to Dusk
Port Canaveral Launch Viewing Locations
Located on the shores of the Banana River in Merritt Island, adjacent to Port Canaveral, Kelly Park offers a great view of rocket launches. The park’s amenities include restrooms, playground, and picnic facilities.
Hours of Operation: Dawn to Dusk
Take in the launch from the 7th floor observation deck. Not only do you get a panoramic view of Port Canaveral and the cruise ships, you can utilize the deck’s telescopes to get a spectacular up-close view of the rocket before and during launch.
Hours of Operation: Open 10 am – 5 pm daily.
The Cove is the area’s prime entertainment district and offers plenty of great dining, shopping and entertainment options to enjoy on launch day. Head out to any one of the waterfront restaurants and bars to enjoy a delicious meal, beverage and a spectacular view of a rocket launch.
Hours of Operation: Viewing areas are open 24 hours a day. Hours of operation vary for restaurants.
If you’re looking for a place where you can have a relaxing day on the beach with the family and where you can watch a launch – Jetty Park is the place to do just that. Keep in mind it does cost $15 per vehicle ($5 if you live on Florida’s Space Coast) to get in.
Hours of Operation: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cocoa Beach Launch Viewing Locations
Home to five restaurants, four bars and spectacular views of the ocean, the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier is a prime viewing spot for rocket launches. The pier alone stretches out 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s the only venue of its like on Florida’s Space Coast.
Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Close by to Ron Jon Surf Shop and Sandbar Sports Grill, this park provides excellent views of rocket launches. The park was named after astronaut Alan Shepard, and the facilities on site include picnic pavilions and bathrooms.
Hours of Operation: Beachfront viewing is open 24 hours a day. Park is open dawn to dusk.
As far as a beachside rocket launch viewing spot, Sidney Fischer Park is a great spot and equipped with many amenities including: picnic pavilions, playground, volleyball, and restrooms.
Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lori Wilson Park is loaded with beachside amenities for the whole family to enjoy including your furry little friends. From a dog park to easy beach access, you will love watching a launch from this location.
Hours of Operation: Beachfront viewing is open 24 hours a day. Park facilities are open dawn to dusk.
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