10 best things to do on Florida’s Space Coast

Here are the top 10 best things to do on Florida’s Space Coast. If you’re planning a Florida family vacation and visiting Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, St. Augustine, or other nearby areas, check out this list of things to do on the Space Coast of Florida! This is one of the best places to visit in Florida with kids and the perfect place to escape the craziness of Orlando and the theme parks for a day or two!

Rent a car in Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach

If you decide to rent a car during your Florida vacation, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. If you’re flying into Orlando or most other destinations in Florida, you can pick up a car and explore. Discount USA Car Rental offers the lowest rates through all the major companies, and you don’t pay anything until you pick up your car.

The best things to do on Florida’s Space Coast

Here are the top 10 things to do on Florida’s Space Coast, listed in no particular order, other than #1, which is easily the most popular!

Kennedy Space Center

The most popular thing to do in Cape Canaveral is visiting Kennedy Space Center.

You can take a guided tour of the space center and talk to a real astronaut. You can also do a VIP tour, which comes highly recommended by several people we know who have done it.

There are so many things to experience at the Space Center; you’ll have to check it out for yourselves!

Visit a beach!

We will be honest: Since we live on the Gulf Coast of Florida, we must tell you that our beaches are better. That said, there are plenty of great beaches around the Space Coast, too! Here are some of the best beaches on the Space Coast:

• Cocoa Beach
• Playalinda Beach
• Canaveral National Seashore
• Satellite Beach
• Sebastian Inlet State Park

Cocoa Beach is our top recommendation!

Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum

Located in Titusville, Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum maintains and restores all types of aircraft indigenous to the world’s military forces. These aircraft range from pre-WW2 to the present day. You may even get to see the team doing restorations! History buffs (like Kainan) will also love poring through the memorabilia.

Sunset Catamaran Sail

After a day of exploring, you can set sail on a relaxing sunset catamaran cruise from Merritt Island. As you sail along the Intracoastal Waterway and the Indian River, you’ll enjoy complimentary snacks and sodas while enjoying the Florida sunset. It’s a peaceful, scenic outing that’s perfect for families—kids will love spotting dolphins and other local wildlife.

Thousand Island Manatee and Dolphin Kayak Tour

Explore Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands on a fun, family-friendly kayak tour! Paddle through mangrove tunnels with a small group and watch for dolphins, manatees, and sea birds. It’s a great way for kids to enjoy nature and learn about local wildlife. Your guide provides all the gear, shares cool facts, and even snaps photos of your adventure!

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Visiting the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is one of the best things to do on Florida’s Space Coast. This area was established in 1934 to protect native wildlife.

Your family can see turtles, alligators, pelicans, and snakes during your visit. One of the best ways to explore this area is by boat.

The Dinosaur Store

Garrick is a huge fan of dinosaurs, so this list of the best things to do on Florida’s Space Coast would not be complete without a visit to the Dinosaur Store. Dino lovers will love seeing all the dinosaurs at this two-story museum.

Photo is property of The Museum of Dinosaurs and Ancient Cultures.

If your kids love dinosaurs, check out our Dinosaur World Florida Review.

Cape Canaveral Lighthouse

Cape Canaveral Lighthouse was constructed in 1848. The lighthouse is 151 feet tall and currently the only working lighthouse the US Space Force owns.

A guided tour will allow you to learn the lighthouse’s history. If you like lighthouses, we have a blog post with the Ultimate List of Florida Lighthouses.

Brevard Zoo

Over 800 animals live in open-air habitats at Brevard Zoo, which offers animal feedings, kayak tours, train rides, aerial adventures, and more.

Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

One of the best things to do on Florida’s Space Coast – and one of the most unique – is a Bioluminescence Kayak Tour!There’s nothing quite like the magic of bioluminescence on a nighttime kayak tour through the waters near Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, just north of Cocoa Beach. As you paddle across the dark lagoon, the water lights up with a soft glow from tiny organisms called dinoflagellates, creating a truly unforgettable sight. It’s a safe and guided adventure that’s perfect for families, with floatation devices provided.

The best things to do on Florida’s Space Coast

These are some of the best things to do on Florida’s Space Coast. Did we miss any of your favorites? Make sure to share them in the comments below!

More Florida Travel Tips

I hope this list helps you plan your Space Coast vacation. Check out more Florida travel ideas from the Space Coast, Orlando, and other nearby areas.

• The 25 Best East Florida Beaches
• 12 best places to see manatees in Florida
• Things to do in St. Augustine with Kids
• 50 free things to do in Orlando
• 33 fantastic things to do in Cape Canaveral Florida

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here. If you want even more tips, join our mailing list. We’ll share any new tips and tricks we learn, along with Florida news and recent blog posts of our adventures.

Don’t worry; we don’t like spam either, and we’ll never send more than one email weekly!

Did you enjoy this post? I would love it if you pinned it for later! Or, make sure to share it with your friends on social media if they are looking for things to do in Florida with kids.