Cape Canaveral: Things To Do

Astronaut Memorial Planetarium & Observatory Come on Friday and Saturday nights from sunset until 10:15pm for serious stargazing. Florida’s largest public telescope magnifies planets, fuzzy nebula, galaxies, and star clusters. Cocoa; 1519 Clearlake Rd.; 321-433-7373; www.brevard.cc.fl.us/planet
family | culture | space | science

Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science See artifacts from Florida’s pioneer days – a powder horn, early 20th century weaponry, and replicas of 7,000-year-old Indian pottery and weavings in this heritage museum. Cocoa Beach; 2201 Michigan Ave.; 321-632-1830; www.brevardmuseum.org
family | culture | history

Brevard Zoo Where else can you kayak through zoo exhibits, paddling past giraffes and rhinoceros? More than 500 animals dwell in this grassroots triumph, which came about in 1992 thanks to 20,000 volunteers. Melbourne; 8225 North Wickham Rd.; 321-254-9453; www.brevardzoo.org
kayaking | wildlife | outdoors | family entertainment

Canaveral National Seashore Sea turtles, the park’s highlight, star in a visitor center video – watch it before hitting the beach, one of Florida's most blissfully undeveloped. Reserve in May to take one of the popular summer turtle tours. New Smyrna Beach; 7611 So. Atlantic Ave.; 321-267-1110; www.nps.gov/cana
family | hiking | wildlife | outdoors | swimming

Cocoa Beach Pier Visit this 800-foot, character-packed pier for restaurants, bars, and sports activities like fishing or surfing. It’s also a prime viewing location for sunrises and space shuttle launches. Cocoa Beach; 401 Meade Ave.; 321-783-7549; www.cocoabeachpier.com
family | outdoors | live entertainment | dining | fishing

Kennedy Space Center One of Florida’s top attractions since Neil Armstrong rocketed into space in 1969, the center houses fascinating exhibits including rockets, artworks and a shuttle thrill ride, new in 2007. Cape Canaveral; NASA Pkwy. off Hwy 405; 321-449-4444; www.kennedyspacecenter.com
family | culture | smart splurge | art | space | science

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Cruise the Black Point Wildlife Drive, a six-mile loop full of bird life, stroll the Boardwalk Trail, or the longer Oak Hammock, Palm Hammock or Cruikshank trails. Merritt Island; East of Titusville on SR 402; 321-861-0667; www.fws.gov/merrittisland
family | hiking | wildlife | outdoors

Mosquito Lagoon This diverse estuary provides refuge for more birdlife than anywhere else in Florida. Rent a kayak from Village Outfitters to fish for red drum as you paddle past Indian Mounds. Cocoa Village; Village Outfitters, 229 Forest Ave.; 321-633-7245; www.villageoutfitters.com
family | culture | kayaking | wildlife | outdoors | history | fishing

Sebastian Inlet State Park Sitting on a narrow stretch of barrier island, Sebastian is a Mecca for surfers and fishermen. One of the best surf breaks on the entire East Coast is located just off the jetty. You can also snorkel around a sunken Spanish galleon just off the beach. Melbourne Beach; 20 miles south of Indialantic on A-1A; 321-984-4852; www.floridastateparks.org/sebastianinlet
snorkeling | surfing | outdoors | swimming | fishing

Space Walk Hall of Fame Learn about the Mercury and Gemini space programs and browse space paraphernalia at the riverwalk museum. Outside, see the bronzed handprints of your favorite astronaut heroes. Titusville; 4 Main St.; www.spacewalkoffame.com
family | culture | outdoors | history | art | sculpture

Valiant Air Command Warbird Air Museum Explore military aviation history – see a functioning C-47 from the D-Day invasions, an F-14 Tomcat, a supersonic Crusader, and the last Huey helicopter to make it out of Vietnam. Titusville; 6600 Tico Road; 321-268-1941; www.vacwarbirds.org
family | culture | history | aviation