The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex needs to be on your "don't miss" list of stops in Central Florida. But there are other attractions near the space center worth considering, too. This is the second part of our two-part visit to Florida's Space Coast.
An awesome sight for the whole family is watching a space shuttle or commercial rocket blast off into space. It's something you will never forget. The best viewing spots for the general public are along the shores of the Indian River in downtown Titusville, at the Cocoa Beach Pier in Cocoa Beach or along any nearby ocean beach or river causeway.
The best number to call for launch information is 321-867-4636. This NASA recording provides details on space shuttle launches. On the Internet, the best site is http://www.flatoday.com/space/index.htm, which is an up-to-date space site operated by the local newspaper, Florida Today.
Other attractions near the space center:
- Astronaut Hall of Fame, 6225 Vectorspace Blvd., Titusville. Phone 321-269-6100 or visit www.astronauts.org. Relive the daring exploits of the first 20 American astronauts. Personal mementos and historic artifacts illustrate the lives of these heroic men. You can experience astronaut training in simulators where you can feel the forces of gravity and the thrill of aerial acrobatics.
- U.S. Space Walk of Fame, downtown Titusville riverfront. Phone 321-267-7241. Overlooking KSC across the water, Titusville's riverfront walk preserves America's history in space through a maze of memorabilia, interpretive plaques, sculptures and bronze markers. This is a great place to watch shuttle launches.
- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Titusville. Phone 321-861-0667. This 220-square-mile, 140,000-acre preserve is home to more federally endangered species than any other refuge in the U.S. It threads around KSC. There is a six-mile driving tour and shaded boardwalks that weave through pine and oak hammocks. Stop at the ranger station for maps and information.
- Astronaut Memorial Planetarium and Observatory, on the campus of Brevard Community College in Cocoa. Phone 321-634-3732. Underneath the 70-foot aluminum dome, the center houses a museum honoring space explorers, a planetarium featuring a first-of-its-kind dual projection system, a public observatory, a hands-on science hall and an IWERKS movie theater. Shows and programs are offered year around. Call for current schedule.
- U.S. Space Camp Florida, centered at the Astronaut Hall of Fame, Titusville. Phone 800-63-SPACE. The camp introduces young people to the exciting possibilities of space. The camp opened in 1988 and since then over 30,000 students have attended.
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