Kennedy Space Center |
||
 |
||
 |
||
Florida Vacation Favorites - Kennedy Space Center |
||
|
| ||
|
Kennedy Space Center |
|
|
|
The NASA space program changed all that and today the region generates its own crowds, most of whom have come to marvel at the exhibits housed in the Kennedy Space Center. This incredible attraction is situated in the middle of the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, now known to be the best breeding grounds for one of the nation's most recognizable symbols, the endangered bald eagle.
Many of the tourists who come to visit the Kennedy Space Center also take the opportunity to enjoy the surrounding area's 72 miles (115 km) of beaches, excellent fishing, surfing, and golfing. Several Caribbean-bound cruise ships depart from the man-made Port Canaveral. The number of cruise ships has grown over the years as a result of the port's proximity to the Orlando theme parks and flow of tourists from those parks. The south side of the port is lined with seafood restaurants and marinas, which serve as home base for gambling ships and the area's deep-sea charter and fishing boats.
The visitor complex displays actual NASA rockets and the 1960's control room of the Mercury Mission. Space themed hands-on activities are popular with all ages and there is an opportunity for an encounter with a real astronaut. The IMAX theatre shows space as few people will ever get to see it. Take a tour of the space center where rockets and shuttles are prepared and launched and check out the 360° view from LC-39 Observation Gantry over the space shuttle launch pads. The impressive Apollo/Saturn V Center includes artifacts, interactive exhibits, photos and the 363 feet (111 meters) tall Saturn V, the most powerful rocket ever launched by the United States. The poignant Astronaut Memorial is a monument that carries the names of the U.S. astronauts who have died on missions or while in training. The 60-ton structure rotates on a track that follows the movement of the sun.
The nearest airport is Melbourne International Airport located 22 miles (35 km) south of Cocoa Beach. It is served by Continental and Delta. Orlando International Airport, about 35 miles (56 km) to the west, has many more flight options and generally less expensive fares due to the competition. It's an easy 45-minute drive from the Orlando airport to the Cape Canaveral beaches. A personal vehicle is essential. If you're not
arriving by car, rentals are available at the airport. Space Coast Area Transit
operates a local bus service but the routes are time-consuming. |
|||
|
Walt Disney World : Universal Studios : Sea World : Busch Gardens : Everglades : Other Theme Parks |
|||
|
|
|||
 |
|||
|
search this site | about this site | site map | Florida Travel Directory | USA links | International links | link to us |
|||
The area around Cape Canaveral, known as "The Space Coast," was once an
out of the way place where city dwellers from 
There
are several dining outlets and shop facilities selling a variety of
memorabilia and souvenirs. Its best to arrive early to plan your
visit. Allow at least 2 hours to see the bus tour highlights, up to 5
hours if you linger at the stopping points and a full day to see and do
everything. 
Kennedy
Space Center Highlights
The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame
provides a more personal insight into space exploration where visitors can view memorabilia from the original Mercury Seven and Gemini
space programs. Visitors can board a full-sized replica of the shuttle orbiter and
take a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of NASA's Launch Center.