You've Gotta Try This: Watch a Rocket Launch in Florida

Here's your guide for watching rocket launches in Florida.

By Lauren Tjaden

Missions that will enable a sustainable human presence on the Moon and trips to Mars? Growing fresh, edible veggies in space? Knocking an asteroid out of orbit to move it away from our planet? They all sound like something out of a movie.

But in Florida, fantasy comes to life, with rocket launches and missions that challenge the imagination.

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) marks the epicenter of the action, blazing its mark on history for more than 60 years. KSC serves as the primary launch center of human spaceflight, including legendary missions like Saturn V, Skylab, Shuttle Discovery and upcoming Artemis missions -- landing the first woman and first person of color on the Moon.

Every time the candle is lit, the rocket takes our spirits with it as it shudders off the ground, burning impossibly strong and bright; a vivid exclamation that the dream of deep space exploration is alive, soaring higher and further than ever before.

In Florida, you can be part of the wonder, celebrating the journeys that mark the next giant leap for mankind, your toes buried in the sand and your eyes glued to the sky.
 

Where the Dream Started… and Continues
 

Sited on Merritt Island, northwest of Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center (KSC) encompasses 219 square miles. It’s named for President John F. Kennedy, who in 1961 made the bold claim that the United States would put an astronaut on the moon and bring that person safely back to Earth before the end of the decade.

KSC was vital in the effort, which succeeded when Neil Armstrong and his two Apollo 11 crewmates splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on July 24, 1969. Apollo 11 launched from KSC, just like the rest of the flights in the Apollo program, and every last one of the 135 space shuttle missions.

Launches are still a regular occurrence at KSC today, and they’re more exciting than ever. Companies that include SpaceX, Boeing, United Launch Alliance, and Blue Origin call the Space Coast home and are launching rockets on a monthly basis.

Artemis 1 is the initial step in the coming era of human exploration. Along with commercial and international partners, NASA aims at establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars.

For information on Artemis launch updates, mission operations and exploration progress, check out NASA’s blog.

Things to Know
 

Here are things to consider before you choose a vantage point to watch a rocket launch.
 

Location is Everything

The location of the rocket launch will play a part in what viewing areas are best, even within the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Make sure to find out the site of the launch you’re interested in watching, so you can choose the best location to watch from.

The time of the launch also plays a part in the location you choose, as some venues close at dusk, and others offer better views of night launches.

Here are the launch sites:

Launch Complex 39A: SpaceX launches (both crewed and uncrewed)

CCAFS Space Launch Complex 41: United Launch Alliance (ULA) launches

Launch Pad 39B: Artemis Program (Return to Moon) and other Moon to Mars launches

Space Launch Complex 40: SpaceX

SpaceX Landing Zone 1 & 2: SpaceX Landing Zone 1 & 2

Check out this map that marks launch sites as well as places to watch.
 

Crowds and Traffic

Depending on the mission, the day of the week, and if it’s a holiday, launches may draw crowds of as many 400,000 across the county. That’s approximately the population of New Orleans or Tampa.

That means you need to expect traffic. You may want to watch from a hotel, so you don’t have to go anywhere after the launch; the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where you can enjoy its attractions; or even on a kayak tour.

You should also get to your vantage point early, wherever that may be. If you’re watching from the Visitor Complex and you want one of the prime spots, you should book early. Tickets will sell out far in advance of a launch.

Which brings us to the next thing you should know about launches...
 

The Waiting Game

Even astronauts can feel impatient waiting for a launch.

In May of 1961, after multiple delays and sitting in the Freedom 7 Mercury capsule for four hours, astronaut Alan Shepard declared, “Fix your little problem and light this candle.” (The problem was resolved, and he launched aboard the Mercury-Redstone 3, becoming the first American to fly into space.)

But just as it was in 1961, today’s rocket launches don’t always run on schedule—or sometimes, at all. Launches are complicated, cantankerous and sometimes dangerous. Launches can be scrubbed (that is, cancelled for the day) hours-- or even seconds -- before liftoff, thanks to weather or technical concerns.

You should be prepared for possible delays or cancellations, and it’s best to consider it part of the adventure if you need to come back another day. If your schedule isn’t flexible, you should consider that before you buy tickets at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

You can find the rules that determine whether a launch is a go or not in the Launch Commit Criteria, with a staggering 14 weather-related criteria that need to be met before a launch can proceed. Boats and aircraft that are too close can also scrub a launch- and also improbable things, like a woodpecker that once pecked over 200 holes in a fuel tank.

The weather advisory that determines rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center is The Weather Squadron of the 45th Space Wing at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida.

Here’s more information on scrubbing launches from Kennedy Space Center.

Viewing Spots

Here’s a list of the best places from which to watch a rocket launch, including recommendations from NASA; local hotspots; popular hotels to watch from; and even boat ramps, so you can watch from the water.
 

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

At the top of NASA’s places to watch rocket launches, Kennedy Space Center Complex offers three viewing locations. Tickets for launches are usually available in addition to daily admission and may be purchased ahead of time, or on the day of the launch if the viewing locations aren’t sold out.

If a launch is scheduled significantly outside normal visitor complex operation hours, rocket viewing options may not available.

On a launch day, you should bring:

• Sun protection: screen, hats, umbrellas and sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Soft-sided coolers or lunch boxes
• Water in plastic bottles (no glass is permitted)
• Cameras, tripods and binoculars
• Blankets or umbrella-style folding camp chairs carried in shoulder bags

Main Visitor Complex

Available depending upon launch time. View upcoming launches for viewing opportunities.

This rocket launch viewing area is situated next to Space Shuttle Atlantis, on North Atlantis Lawn. You don’t have to buy a ticket in addition to daily admission, so essentially, it’s free. You’ll be able to see the rocket from about seven miles away, once it climbs above the tree line.  

You can sit in the bleachers or on the lawn there– but there’s no shade, so remember sun protection. Amenities include a live launch commentary, restrooms, wheelchair access and nearby restaurants.

Launch Pad Distances from Main Visitor Complex:

• Atlas V SLC-41 – 7.1 miles
• Falcon 9 SLC-40 – 6.7 miles
• Delta IV SLC-37 – 7 miles
• SpaceX LC-39A – 7.5 miles
   

Banana Creek Launch Viewing Area at the Apollo/Saturn V Center

Available depending upon launch time. View upcoming launches for viewing opportunities.

This primo launch viewing site may require the purchase of a ticket in addition to daily admission if the launch window’s outside of normal visitor complex operating hours. If the launch is within normal operating hours, this location may be included on a first come, first serve basis.

The viewing site also celebrates the Apollo space program, where you can see the World’s largest rocket, the gargantuan Saturn V, and relive the excitement of the race to the moon.

Only accessible via Space Center bus, it’s the final stop on the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour. The center includes theaters, dining and shopping, as well as amenities that include ATMs, restrooms and wheelchair access. Check it out on a map.

It promises live launch commentary, outdoor bleacher seats and an open lawn area just 4-8 miles away from the launch pads.

Distance to Launch Pads from Apollo/Saturn Center:

• Atlas V SLC-41 – 5.4 miles
• Falcon 9 SLC-40 – 6.2 miles
• Delta IV SLC-37 – 8 miles
• SpaceX LC-39A – 3.9 miles
   

LC-39 Observation Gantry

Prepare to feel the earth tremble and watch the sky ignite!

Available in addition to daily admission, this is the closest viewing spot for the launch pads on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station—with some launches only a smidge over two miles away. You can witness liftoff of the rocket from the launch pad. With shaded viewing from the gantry and outdoor bleacher seating, this is the premium launch viewing area, period.

You’ll enjoy snacks and refreshments included with your tickets. Amenities include restrooms, wheelchair access, live launch commentary, and a retail shop.

Launch Pad Distances from LC-39 Observation Gantry:

• To Atlas V SLC-41 - 2.3 miles
• To Falcon 9 SLC-40 - 3.4 miles
• To Delta IV SLC-37 - 5.5 miles
• No viewing for SpaceX LC-39A or NASA LC-39B due to safety restrictions
   

Know Before You Go

Not Everything, Not All the Time
Not all Kennedy Space Center Launch Viewing areas are available at each launch. Dates, times and viewing opportunities are all subject to change.

Plan Ahead, Part A
To snag the best locations to watch the rocket launch, you’ll need to book well in advance, and you should buy tickets online as soon as they’re released. You can purchase tickets at the visitor complex once you arrive, but premium options will be sold out.

Climb Aboard
If you purchase a premium viewing ticket to any of the premium locations, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex provides transportation. After you arrive at the visitor complex, you’ll be transported by bus to your viewing area.

Plan Ahead, Part B
Bus boarding begins three hours before the scheduled launch times, and the closer it gets to launch time, the busier it will be. Budget time to park your car, enter the complex, complete required security searches and board the bus. There are no refunds for late arrivals.

Delays and Scrubs

Check out the scrub policy from Kennedy Space Center Visitor.
 

Other NASA-Suggested Viewing Sites

Consider the amenities offered at various parks, such as activities, restrooms and shade, when you choose a viewing spot.

Marina Park: This 20-acre riverfront park offers a boat ramp and dock, BMX Bike course, skate park, playground, restrooms and a dog park. 501 Marina Rd, Titusville, (321) 264-5037

Space View Park: Sited against the Indian River in downtown Titusville, this 2.63-acre park boasts benches, a boardwalk, a boat dock and sheltered pier. It’s less than 15 miles directly across from the Kennedy Space Center launch pads, and stays open – including restrooms—when a launch is scheduled outside of normal park hours. 8 Broad St, Titusville, (321) 264-5037

Sand Point Park: Almost 30 acres, this park hugs the Indian River and features an Astronaut Memorial Plaza; exercise trail; picnic tables and shelters; pavilions; grills and a playground. A large pavilion with kitchen and grills is located near the shoreline. Its restrooms stay open when a launch is scheduled after normal hours. 101 N. Washington Ave, Titusville, (321) 264-5037

William J Manzo Memorial Park: This small park is located against the Indian River, delivering a riverfront boardwalk, playground, restrooms and picnic facilities – and a lot of shade. It stays open when a launch is scheduled after normal hours.  3335 S. Washington Ave, Titusville, (321) 264-5037

Kennedy Point Park: This 5.38-acre river park features a paved shoreline walkway with benches; fishing; a boat ramp with a central dock; a pavilion, grills, restrooms, and a generous parking area. 4915 S. Washington Ave, Titusville, (321) 264-5037

Rotary Riverfront Park: Just shy of six acres, this park along the Indian River contains a playground; a pavilion with grills; picnic shelters; benches; restrooms; and observation deck, and a fishing pier. It stays open when a launch is scheduled after normal hours.  4141 S. Washington Ave, Titusville, (321) 264-5037

Jetty Park: Encompassing 35 lush acres, this park offers a 1,200-foot paved and lighted fishing pier; a generous beach; an RV campground; a playground; activities that include surfing and kayaking; and vendors with beach rentals like chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards, and kayaks. 397 Jetty Park Rd, Port Canaveral, (321) 783-7111

Banana River Park: With picnic tables and grills; a waterfront soccer field; pavilions; benches; restrooms and a playground, this park provides an ideal location to relax while awaiting a launch. 901 Puerto Del Rio Drive, Cape Canaveral, (321) 868-1220

Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier: This historic landmark on Florida's Space Coast extends 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, complete with restaurants; bars; gift shops and live musical entertainment. Beach rentals; showers; beach volleyball courts; and great surfing are some of its amenities. 401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, (321) 783-7549

Shepard Park: Named after astronaut Alan Shepard, this a 5-acre, ocean-front park encompasses more than 300 parking spaces and delivers picnic, shower, and restroom facilities, as well as an excellent view of space launches. 299 East Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, (321) 868-3258

Sidney Fischer Park: Promising 200 parking spaces, this 10-acre, ocean-front park offers a playground; picnic tables; restrooms; showers; and fun like volleyball and swimming. The park closes at dusk. 2200 North Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, (321) 868-3258

Lori Wilson Park: Over 32 acres, this beach park contains a maritime hammock; a playground; grills; pavilions; a boardwalk; and six dune crossovers. You’ll also find restrooms and outdoor showers, as well as an off-leash dog park. It’s open from dawn to dusk. 1500 N Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, (321) 455-1380

Check out this map that marks launch sites as well as places to watch.

More Popular Rocket Launch Viewing Sites 

Cherie Down Park: This family-friendly beach is a local favorite because of its amenities and easy access. Activities include boogie boarding, surfing, and fishing; amenities include restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic shelters and grills. 8330 Ridgewood Avenue, Cape Canaveral, (321) 455-1380

Tables Beach: Situated in south Cocoa Beach, just north of Patrick Space Force Base, this serene beach promises restrooms, covered tables and a concession stand—plus, fabulous surfing. It doesn’t offer lifeguards, and parking can fill up fast. South Atlantic Ave, Patrick SFB

O Club Beach: This beach pavilion is sited on Patrick Air Force Base.

Block House Beach: This beach pavilion is sited on Patrick Air Force Base.

2nd Light Beach: A local’s favorite for surfing, this beach delivers restrooms, free parking and showers. Jupiter St., Patrick SFB

Kelly Park East: This 15.37-acre river park is internationally renowned for windsurfing on the Banana River. It features a sandy beach; boat ramps with a dock; and parking for cars and boat trailers as well as a pavilion, grills, and restrooms. 2550 N. Banana River Dr
Merritt Island, (321) 633-1874

Manatee Sanctuary Park: Cape Canaveral's Flagship Park boasts more than ten acres sited against the Banana River, with amenities that include a paved fitness trail, exercise stations, a covered riverside boardwalk, a playground, and picnic tables and grills. 701 Thurm Blvd, Cape Canaveral, (321) 868-1220

Paradise Beach & Park: Encompassing 12.39-acres, Paradise Park features three dune crossovers; seasonal lifeguards; volleyball courts; picnic facilities; restrooms; park benches; and outside showers. 2301 N. Highway A1A, Melbourne, (321) 255-4400

Canova Beach Park: Just shy of 10 acres, this beach park includes a pavilion; grill; picnic shelter; benches along the crossover; restrooms; a dog beach; and showers. 3299 Highway A1A, Indian Harbour Beach, (321) 255-4400

Pelican Beach Park: This fully ADA accessible, beachside park delivers pavilions with grills; volleyball courts; restrooms; and showers. Hours vary seasonally. 1525 Highway A1A, Satellite Beach, (321) 773-6458

Rotary Park at Suntree: Nestled on the shore of the Indian River Lagoon, Rotary Park offers a pavilion; restrooms; barbeque pits; a boardwalk; picnic shelters with grills; a nearby playground and a fishing pier. US Highway 1, Rockledge, (321) 255-4400

Cocoa Riverfront Park: Located in historic Cocoa Village, this ADA accessible park features fishing; internet; a pavilion; a playground; restrooms and volleyball. 401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa, 321-639-3500

 Lee Wenner Park: Boat Ramps; access to the Indian River boardwalk; fishing; restrooms and a covered picnic pavilion make this a comfortable place to wait for a rocket launch. 300 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa, 321-639-3500

Playalinda Beach: Situated inside Canaveral National Seashore, one of America's national parks, this undeveloped beach is serene, pristine and a premier rocket launch location. Each parking area has a restroom, but there’s no running water, so come prepared with drinks. Playalinda Beach sometimes closes without warning, and also sometimes after parking lots have filled. Most times, the seashore is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. during Eastern Daylight-Saving Time days (March to November) and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Eastern Standard Time days.
The beach isn’t usually closed for launches from pads other than 39. Here’s more info. Florida State Road 406/402, Titusville, 321-267-1110

The Observation Deck: You’ll find the observation deck on the second floor of Beachwave Beachwear retail store, which will be open during manned launches with a direct line of sight to the launch pads. Bathrooms are available and all areas are ADA accessible. 101 A. Max Brewer Memorial Pkwy, Titusville, (321)567-5663

Room with a View

Check out these hotels with great views of rocket launches, as well this map that marks launch sites as well as the hotels.

Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Center: Visit the hotel’s rooftop bar for views of the Kennedy Space Center and launch pad. 6245 Riverfront Center Boulevard, Titusville, (321) 966-9200

Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral: This hotel promises direct beach access, and Ron Jon Surf Shop and several restaurants are a mere five minutes away from it. 3425 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, (321) 799-4099

Four Points by Sheraton Cocoa Beach: Enjoy easy access to Port Canaveral cruises, the Cocoa Beach Pier and Kennedy Space Center. 4001 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, (321) 783-8717

Beachside Hotel & Suites: Delivering a local experience with a retro vibe, the hotel encompasses a lazy river. 3901 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, (321) 783-2221

Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront: Only 10-minutes from Port Canaveral Cruise Port and under 30 minutes to the Kennedy Space Center, this hotel sits right beside the Atlantic Ocean. 1550 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, (321) 799-0003

International Palms Resort & Conference Center Cocoa Beach: The whole family will love the pirate-themed pool, rescue gators in the lobby, live entertainment, and authentic Caribbean cuisine at this beachfront resort. 1300 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, (321) 783-2271

Hyatt Place Titusville / Kennedy Space Center: View a rocket launch without leaving your room at this resort. It’s only seven miles from the Kennedy Space Center and convenient to museums and dining. 6299 Riverfront Center Blvd, Titusville, (321) 383-2280

Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront: Perks include an outdoor pool, beach chair and watersport rentals, and ocean-view balconies where you can watch rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center, 45 minutes away. 3003 N Hwy A1A, Melbourne, (321) 777-5000

Crowne Plaza Melbourne-Oceanfront: Amenities include a generous beach, outdoor pool, free shuttle, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean—and rocket launches, less than an hour’s drive away from Kennedy Space Center. 2605 N Hwy A1A, Melbourne, (321) 777-4100

Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach Cape Canaveral: Sited on the golden sands of Cocoa Beach, this Green Lodging Certified hotel is ideal for watching rocket launches. 3435 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, (321) 784-4800

Boat and Kayak Launch Viewing Tours

Check out these area tours that offer a different way to view a Florida rocket launch.

Sail Cocoa Beach: 290 Marine Harbor Dr, Merritt Island, (321) 328-5558

Island Boat Lines: 500 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, (321) 454-7414

Space Coast River Tours: 2550 N Banana River Dr, Merritt Island, (321) 652-1052

Fin Expeditions Kayak Tours: 599 Ramp Rd, Cocoa Beach, (321) 698-7233

DolFun Tours: Eau Gallie Causeway Boat Launch, 41 E Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne, (888) 824-9709

Time and Tide Tours: 505 Glen Cheek Dr, Cape Canaveral, (321) 607-0106

A Day Away Kayak Tours: 1390 Old Dixie Hwy, Titusville, (321) 268-2655

Boat Ramps

You’ll find area boat ramps marked on this map.

Other Sources of Rocket Launch information

Launch Photography Launch Viewing Guide: This website is an excellent place to find accurate dates of launches and their locations, with current information for all launches, including the ones conducted by private companies like SpaceX and ULA.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Events Calendar: Note that only officially confirmed launch dates appear on this event calendar.

Advice from Kennedy Space Center about How to Watch a Rocket Launch

NASA Launch Schedule

Space Flight Now

NASA on YouTube: Learn about NASA’s exploration of the universe and enjoy live programming, such as coverage of missions, events (spacewalks, media interviews, educational broadcasts), press conferences and rocket launches.

Space Coast Florida: The area’s visitors services provide a wealth of information, including places to stay and eat, things to do, and events—including up-to-the-minute, comprehensive advice on rocket launches.

Launch Console App (Apple) or (Android)

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on YouTube: Come see the gateway to space exploration for the last 50 years; hear stories from astronauts; and learn about the Center’s attractions.