Cape Canaveral Map Of Florida Travel Guide

Introduction

Located on the eastern coast of Florida, Cape Canaveral is a popular vacation destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. Known for its stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and cultural attractions, this coastal city offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, Cape Canaveral has plenty to offer. In this travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top attractions and hidden gems in Cape Canaveral, as well as some budget-friendly tips and family-friendly activities that you won’t want to miss.

Top Attractions

Kennedy Space Center

No visit to Cape Canaveral would be complete without a trip to the Kennedy Space Center. This iconic attraction offers a unique look into the history of space exploration, with exhibits, interactive experiences, and behind-the-scenes tours. Visitors can get up close to real spacecraft and see actual launch sites, making it a must-visit destination for science enthusiasts and space fans.

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

Another must-visit attraction is the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This historic site played an important role in the development of space travel, and visitors can take a tour of the launch facilities and see real rockets up close. The site also offers a museum and exhibits that explore the history of space travel.

Cocoa Beach

If you’re looking for some fun in the sun, Cocoa Beach is a popular destination for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. This beautiful beach offers miles of sand and surf, as well as plenty of amenities like beachside restaurants and shops.

Hidden Gems

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

For nature lovers, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden gem that’s worth exploring. This 140,000-acre preserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including manatees, alligators, and endangered sea turtles. Visitors can explore the refuge by foot, bike, or car, and take in the stunning natural scenery.

Brevard Zoo

The Brevard Zoo is another hidden gem that’s perfect for families. This small zoo offers a unique look into the world of animals, with exhibits that showcase everything from African savannahs to Florida wetlands. Visitors can also take part in animal encounters and experiences, making it a fun and interactive destination for kids and adults alike.

Food Scene

Cape Canaveral is home to a vibrant food scene that offers everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine. Some of the top restaurants in the area include:

Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar

This waterfront restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy their meal on the outdoor deck, which offers stunning views of the water.

Thai Thai III

For a taste of Thai cuisine, Thai Thai III is a popular destination. This restaurant offers a range of traditional Thai dishes, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Florida’s Fresh Grill

For a farm-to-table dining experience, Florida’s Fresh Grill is a must-visit. This restaurant uses locally-sourced ingredients to create fresh and flavorful dishes that showcase the best of Florida cuisine.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Traveling to Cape Canaveral doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some budget-friendly tips to help you save money:

Visit during the off-season

Visiting Cape Canaveral during the off-season (typically September through November) can save you money on flights, hotels, and attractions.

Take advantage of free activities

There are plenty of free activities in Cape Canaveral, including beachcombing, hiking in the wildlife refuge, and exploring the historic downtown area.

Outdoor Adventures

Cape Canaveral is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and water sports. Some of the top outdoor activities in the area include:

Kayaking and paddleboarding

The calm waters of the Banana River Lagoon are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. Visitors can rent equipment from local outfitters and explore the mangrove-lined waterways.

Biking

The Space Coast offers plenty of scenic biking routes, including the Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway and the Coast-to-Coast Connector Trail.

Family-Friendly Activities

Cape Canaveral is a great destination for families, with plenty of kid-friendly attractions and activities. Some of the top family-friendly activities in the area include:

Exploration Tower

The Exploration Tower is an interactive museum that offers a unique look into the history of Cape Canaveral and the space program. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits and virtual reality experiences.

Manatee Sanctuary Park

This park offers a chance to see manatees up close in their natural habitat. Visitors can also enjoy the playground, picnic areas, and walking trails.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, Cape Canaveral has plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to offer. Some options include:

Bioluminescent kayaking

Visitors can take a nighttime kayaking tour of the Indian River Lagoon, where they’ll witness the magical glow of bioluminescent plankton.

Haunted Cocoa Village Walking Tour

This walking tour takes visitors through the historic Cocoa Village, where they’ll hear spooky tales of ghosts, pirates, and other local legends.

Natural Wonders

Cape Canaveral is home to some stunning natural wonders, including:

Canaveral National Seashore

This pristine stretch of coastline offers miles of undeveloped beach, as well as plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

Enchanted Forest Sanctuary

This nature preserve offers a chance to explore the unique ecosystem of Florida’s coastal hardwood hammocks, with walking trails, observation towers, and an education center.

Vibrant Nightlife

When the sun goes down, Cape Canaveral comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the top destinations for nightlife include:

Coconuts on the Beach

This waterfront bar and restaurant offers live music, dancing, and plenty of tropical drinks.

The Fat Snook

This upscale restaurant and wine bar is a popular destination for a romantic night out, with a menu that features fresh seafood and locally-sourced ingredients.

Local Markets

For a taste of local flavor, Cape Canaveral has plenty of farmers markets and craft fairs to explore. Some of the top markets in the area include:

Cocoa Beach Farmers Market

This weekly market features fresh produce, artisanal goods, and live music.

The Downtown Melbourne Farmers Market

This market offers a range of locally-grown produce, handmade crafts, and unique gifts.

Beaches and Mountains

Cape Canaveral is known for its stunning beaches, but it also offers some surprising mountain scenery. Some of the top destinations for beach and mountain adventures include:

Sebastian Inlet State Park

This park offers some of the best surfing and fishing in the area, as well as stunning views of the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean.

Blue Spring State Park

This park is home to one of Florida’s largest springs, as well as plenty of hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Cultural Immersion

Cape Canaveral is a melting pot of cultures, with plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion. Some of the top destinations for cultural experiences include:

The Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science

This museum offers a look into the history and culture of the Space Coast, with exhibits that explore everything from prehistoric Florida to the space program.

The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse

This historic theater offers a range of shows and performances, from Broadway musicals to local productions.

Art and Music Scene

Cape Canaveral is home to a thriving arts and music scene, with plenty of galleries and performance spaces to explore. Some of the top destinations for art and music include:

The Foosaner Art Museum

This museum showcases a range of contemporary and traditional art, with exhibits that highlight the work of local artists and national talents.

The King Center for the Performing Arts

This performance space hosts everything from concerts to comedy shows, with a calendar of events that’s always packed with something new and exciting.