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FLORIDA'S SPACE COAST
From moon walks and dune overwalks to cruise ports and water sports, a galaxy of options await visitors at Florida's Space Coast, a 72-mile stretch of sun-bronzed Atlantic shore, space age attractions and protected wildlife refuges flourishing along the surf -- all at down-to-earth prices. Featured among Money magazine’s “Best Places to Vacation,” the Space Coast is comprised primarily of area cities Titusville, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne and Palm Bay. Only 35 miles east of the arena of Orlando attractions, this spectacular East Coast getaway is the perfect Florida destination for the vacationer with beach dreams for just a few bucks.
Mega 6.2 million pound space shuttles and delicate sea bird sanctuaries entwine along nine distinct coastal settings from secluded, sea-oat scattered strands to sun-splashed sand playgrounds all skipping along the cobalt blue Atlantic. More than 30 special events and festivals year-round combine with three historic clusters to provide a quaint atmosphere from antique boutiques and old-timey theaters to vintage air shows and fantastic surfing competitions. The Space Coast offers exciting professional baseball as the spring training home of the Montreal Expos, fantastic surfing, 310 species for breathtaking bird watching, links and links of golf, fantastic fresh and saltwater fishing and thrilling airboat rides along the scenic St. Johns River.
Three of “Florida’s Ten Best Beaches,” as declared by Southern Living, along with six other beaches, ribbon along Florida's Space Coast offering distinct settings from secluded, sea-oat scattered strands to sun-splashed excitement beside the breakers. The endless coastlines are tempting year-round with gentle breezes, warm Southern waters and a comfortable average daytime temperature of 73° F.
For a far out time, the technology of tomorrow awaits at the 140,000-acre megaplex of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, that features actual launch pads, space shuttles, galactic spin-offs and a rocket garden boasting an out-of-this-world collection of aerospace originals. Nearby excitements include the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, which showcases America's first galactic explorers; the B.C.C. Astronaut Memorial Planetarium and Planetary, acknowledged as “the Best in the World”; the U.S. Space Walk of Fame; and Camp KSC, a week long program at Kennedy Space Center designed to immerse youth in motion-based simulators, space mission training, interactive learning, space science and interaction with Astronauts.
In sweeping contrast and absolutely free, surrounding the Kennedy Space Center, is the 220-square-mile Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge which is home to more federally endangered species – such as the Western Indian manatee, Southern bald eagle and Atlantic loggerhead turtle – than any other refuge in the United States. Archie Carr National Park, the largest sea turtle nesting area in America, and Turkey Creek Sanctuary, one of Florida's Audubon Parks are other fascinating natural attractions.
For those who find shopping a main attraction, Main Street Titusville, Historic Cocoa Village and Downtown Melbourne offer historic settings, while surfers and sand-dwellers alike are mesmerized by world-renowned “One of a Kind” Ron Jon Surf Shop showcasing beach apparel, sporting equipment and “everything under the sun”. Awe-inspiring cultural arts and activities include everything from art galleries and science museums to musical entertainment centers and a wildly entertaining zoo.
In the sporting arena of Florida's Space Coast, one of the best-kept secrets is Stick Marsh, which boasts the “best bass fishing in Florida”. Famous “fish tales” abound, with more than 30 marinas, three fishing piers and numerous charter boats and fish camps providing fresh and saltwater excursions.
The Space Coast serves up some of the finest seafood and dining delicacies in Florida throughout more than 1,400 “ready-to-eat” raw bars, eclectic eateries and gourmet bistros. Along with the traditional super-fresh favorites of lobster, scallops, crawfish, shrimp, fish and crab, specialties including octopus, fried frog legs, alligator and shark, surface from the deep – of course, served with selections of steaming hot corn-on-the-cob, cole slaw and corn-bread hush puppies. Additional offerings of “landlubber” helpings – from genuine Angus steaks and slow-cooked Southern bar-b-que to mouthwatering mango pies and authentic astronaut ice cream – are dishes sure to satisfy even the most galactic appetites.
Surprisingly, Space Coast accommodations provide priceless beach vacations with great family value. Whether posh or practical, more than 9,500 East Coast rooms are dotted throughout the area from popular hotels and spacious condominiums to beachside cottages and five-bedroom bungalows.
Notable area claims-to-fame include the only place in the United States to blast man into outer space, the largest sea turtle nesting area in the country and the second largest in the world, more endangered species than any other American refuge and the second busiest passenger cruise port terminal in the world.
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