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Rocket Launch Viewing

Launches from Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center are visible from the beaches and riverfront parks about an hour and a half east of the resort. Every drive time below is from the resort; launch days bring heavy traffic on SR 528 and US 1.

Next rocket launch from Florida

Saved schedule as of 24 Oct 2026

Amazon Leo (LV-01)

Rocket
Vulcan VC6L
Launch pad
Space Launch Complex 41 · Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
When (Orlando time)
No earlier than November 2026
Status
To Be Determined
CountdownStarts when a launch time is set

Also coming up from Florida

  • Cygnus CRS-2 NG-25Falcon 9 Block 5 · No earlier than November 2026
  • Dream Chaser CRS 2 Flight 1Vulcan VC4L · No earlier than Q4 2026
  • Blue Ring-1New Glenn · No earlier than December 2026
  • BlueBird Block 2New Glenn · No earlier than 2026

Launch dates and times often slip or scrub, sometimes minutes before liftoff, for weather or technical reasons. Check again on the day before you set off.

Check the latest launch schedule Schedule data: The Space Devs Launch Library 2 (Cape Canaveral SFS and Kennedy Space Center pads).

Kennedy Space Center 1

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Ticketed viewing · Merritt Island

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
$1-day admission $77 adult (12+), $67 child (3–11), plus tax. Launch viewing is included when the launch is during operating hours. Launch Transportation Tickets and packages cost extra: see current rates. Parking extra.
From the resort
61.3 mi · about 1 h 30 min typical, up to 1 h 50 min in heavy traffic
Launch day
Allow up to about 3 h (estimate): traffic toward the coast can double the drive.
Viewing areas
Main complex lawn (about 7 miles from the pads); closer areas at the Apollo/Saturn V Center (Banana Creek, about 3.9 miles from Pad 39A) and The Gantry at LC-39 need a Launch Transportation Ticket. The Gantry has no viewing for Pad 39A/39B launches.
Arrive
As early as possible: the closer areas are reached only by KSC bus.
Bring
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, umbrella, insect repellent, refillable water bottle, soft-sided cooler (no hard coolers, glass or alcohol), binoculars, camera, blanket or shoulder-bag chair.
Directions from the resortkennedyspacecenter.comBook: KSC launch viewing

Beaches & riverfront parks 5

Playalinda Beach

National seashore · Canaveral National Seashore (south)

Playalinda Beach Rd, Canaveral National Seashore, Titusville, FL 32796
Currently 6am–8pm, last entry 7pm. Viewing only if the launch is within park hours.
$$25 per private vehicle (valid 7 days), card only.
From the resort
72.2 mi · about 1 h 45 min typical, up to 2 h 10 min in heavy traffic
Launch day
Allow up to about 3 h 30 min (estimate): traffic toward the coast can double the drive.
Arrive
A few hours early: lots fill and the park closes when full. The road closes 30 minutes before launch.
Bring
Food, water, sunscreen, a hat, chairs, a full tank of gas and water to rinse off (no showers).

Closest public beach to the Kennedy Space Center pads. Check current conditions before you go; some lots can be closed.

Directions from the resortnps.gov

Space View Park

Riverfront park · Titusville

8 Broad St, Titusville, FL 32796
$Free; parking is limited.
From the resort
59.2 mi · about 1 h 20 min typical, up to 1 h 40 min in heavy traffic
Launch day
Allow up to about 2 h 40 min (estimate): traffic toward the coast can double the drive.
Facilities
Restrooms, picnic shelters; live launch audio is played in the park.
Arrive
Early: parking is limited and fills on launch days.
Bring
Chairs, water, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Across the Indian River from the Kennedy Space Center pads, with space-program monuments.

Directions from the resorttitusville.com

Parrish Park at Max Brewer Bridge

Riverfront park · Titusville

1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Pkwy, Titusville, FL 32796
$Free parking.
From the resort
61.6 mi · about 1 h 25 min typical, up to 1 h 45 min in heavy traffic
Launch day
Allow up to about 2 h 50 min (estimate): traffic toward the coast can double the drive.
Facilities
Restrooms, picnic shelters, boardwalk and fishing pier.
Arrive
Early on launch days: the causeway is a popular viewing spot.
Bring
Chairs, water, sunscreen and insect repellent.

On the causeway toward Playalinda, looking across the lagoon to the pads.

Directions from the resortbrevardfl.gov

Jetty Park

Beach park · Cape Canaveral (Port Canaveral)

400 E Jetty Rd, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Daily 7am–9pm. Viewing only if the launch is within park hours.
$Parking pass must be bought online in advance: see current rates.
From the resort
65.9 mi · about 1 h 35 min typical, up to 1 h 55 min in heavy traffic
Launch day
Allow up to about 3 h 10 min (estimate): traffic toward the coast can double the drive.
Facilities
Restrooms, lifeguards 10am–5pm, food trucks, chair rentals; no pets.
Arrive
Buy the parking pass ahead: passes sell out for popular launches.
Bring
Beach chairs, water, sunscreen and a hat.

Looks north up the coast to the Cape Canaveral pads, next to the cruise port.

Directions from the resortportcanaveral.comBook: Port Canaveral parking passes

Lori Wilson Park, Cocoa Beach

Beach park · Cocoa Beach

1500 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
$Free parking.
From the resort
66.6 mi · about 1 h 30 min typical, up to 1 h 50 min in heavy traffic
Launch day
Allow up to about 3 h (estimate): traffic toward the coast can double the drive.
Facilities
Restrooms and outdoor showers.
Arrive
Early for a parking space on launch days.
Bring
Beach chairs, water and sunscreen; launches appear to the north.

Farther from the pads, but an easy beach day with a launch view.

Directions from the resortbrevardfl.gov

Concierge tips

  • Pick a launch inside the viewing area's opening hours: Playalinda, Jetty Park and the KSC Visitor Complex only allow viewing when the launch falls within their hours.
  • Leave early. On launch days traffic toward the coast can double the normal drive time, and the best parking fills hours ahead.
  • Bring the basics for a long wait in the sun: water, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, chairs or a blanket, snacks and binoculars.
  • Night launches are the most dramatic; the sound arrives several seconds after you see liftoff.

Drive times from the resort: OSRM public router (OpenStreetMap data), queried 24 Oct 2026. Typical = free-flow time rounded up to 5 min; heavy traffic is an estimate (×1.35 on I-4 routes, ×1.2 otherwise, at least +5 min). Launch-day traffic is an estimate of up to double the typical time.