9 Places to Watch a Rocket Launch in Central Florida

Did you know there are rockets in Florida? And no, not just the ones that are flying around Disney World!

Yes, actual rockets launch from the Florida coast over at the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida, or from the Space Force station in Brevard County. Kennedy Space Center is a NASA field center, and you can visit it to check out some of the cool exhibits! But, if you want to see some more action, you can also watch some rocket launches when they happen from the Space Center. Today, we’re breaking down the best places to watch a rocket launch in Central Florida!

In order to figure out where you should watch a rocket launch, you need to know where the rocket is launching and what you want to see. First, determine which platform the rocket will be launching from. For example, is it launching from Space Launch Complex 40? Or a specific launch pad? You can look this up on a map and see which spot might be best to view the launch from.

We’re going to break down some potential spots to watch a launch from!

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex “provides the closest public viewing of rocket launches with live launch commentary from space experts” according to their website.

The visitor complex might offer launch tickets for some rocket launches as well. Tickets fro these are usually available in addition to daily admission and can be purchased ahead of time or on the day-of if they’re not sold out. You can check out the event calendar for upcoming launched and their launch viewing opportunities!

Rocket Launch View Point

The Rocket Launch View Point is along the Banana River and has 4.7 stars on Google reviews. This is a “grassy area along Banana River offering bleacher seating with views of Cape Canaveral launches.”

Some people said in their reviews that it was an “incredible place to watch rocket launches” and that it’s “just outside the gate to SpaceX.” There are bleacher stands, but you can also find standing room at this location. One person said this is “a must-see place if you want to see ANY rocket launches.” But, do be aware that there can be a lot of traffic since it’s a popular spot, so give yourself enough time to get there!

Playalinda Beach

You can also watch launches from Playalinda Beach during park operating hours. But, it can definitely fill up with people! The website warns that incoming traffic could close for park safety/capacity if they get too busy.

This beach offers the closest view of the launches and it’s recommended that you get to the park a few hours early if you can. You can find out more right here.

Jetty Park at Port Canaveral

Jetty Park at Port Canaveral is another great option and is listed as one of the best spots to watch from according to Visit Space Coast. The park also has a pier for better viewing!

And, there’s a campground here so you could plan to camp out in order to experience the launch.

American Space Museum and Space Walk of Fame

Right across the river from the Kennedy Space Center is a riverfront park that gives you a great view of the launches! You’ll also be surrounded by monuments to space history.

While waiting for the launch, you can explore the park’s monuments about people who made the U.S. space program possible. This is a great spot if you want something to do while you wait for a launch!

On a Kayak

You can find a Space Coast boat and kayak tour operator who can arrange for tours at the time of a rocket launch. So you’ll get a combo of the rocket going up to space and being surrounded by wildlife!

This is a great option to get away from crowds and experience a more peaceful environment for the launch. You can check out a list of tour operators right here.

The Space Bar

The Space Bar is a rooftop bar that has incredible up-close views of the Kennedy Space Center launches. It’s located at the Courtyard by Marriott in Titusville and gives you the opportunity to sip on a cocktail while you watch the rocket launch.

This hotel is the closest to the Space Center’s launch complexes 39A and 39B with the rooftop bar offering unobstructed views. Find out more here!

The Cove at Port Canaveral

This exploration tower has panoramic views of Port Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. The tower itself is closed for maintenance right now, and it should be opening again in February of 2023.

There are a ton of restaurants nearby so you can also enjoy some dining while you’re visiting the tower. There are also waterfront restaurants and bars for you to get a good view of the rockets launching.

Max Brewer Bridge

This bridge in Titusville is a great spot for awesome views of the Indian River Lagoon as well as rocket launched. You can go to the top of the bridge for the best view, and parking can be found at the base of the bridge at Sand Point Park.

This is just a very small list of places that you can watch rocket launches — there are SO many more from all along the Space Coast! Just make sure to find a spot that will give you a decent view of what you want to see.

For more on things around Central Florida, check out when the Brightline train will start testing at higher speeds, the tolls that are returning around Disney World, and what you need to know about gas prices near Disney World.

Stay tuned to AllEars for more on activities around Central Florida.