The unique lighthouse was first established in 1848, spurred by complaints from mariners in regards to the harmful shoals off the coast. However it was constructed to solely 65 ft tall and was insufficient to warn mariners, so in 1868, the 151-foot lighthouse that now stands over the Cape was erected. It’s owned by the USA House Power and maintained as an lively help to navigation by the USA Coast Guard and is the oldest structure on Cape Canaveral. It’s made out of forged iron and inbuilt a foundry in New York.
In fact, the Cape has a lot extra to supply. As its tourism web site notes, “The place else are you able to dine with astronauts, learn to surf, and discover native wildlife? It’s no surprise that Port Canaveral is affectionately nicknamed ‘Florida’s Enjoyable Port.’”
The Kennedy House Heart Customer Complicated is a large draw. Highlights embody a “Behind the Gates” bus tour that provides you entry to launch websites and teaches guests in regards to the Apollo Period at Race to the Moon, that includes a Saturn V rocket. You may as well try The Shuttle Launch Expertise, a simulated experience into house.
The complicated additionally supplies the closest public viewing of rocket launches with stay launch commentary from house specialists.
You may as well fly excessive at Cocoa Seaside Aerial Adventures, an aerial park the place contributors are suspended within the air on 45-foot poles as they navigate their method by way of 49 distinctive challenges alongside a cover of gorgeous stay oak timber. There are seven completely different trails separated by three ranges of issue.
If the ocean has extra enchantment than the skies, try Victory On line casino Cruises, the place you possibly can gamble, drink and dance on cruises that depart Port Canaveral twice day by day, six days every week.
A extra stress-free time will be had at Jetty Park, which spans 45 acres and options seashores, rentable pavilions, a campground and exploration tower. Nevertheless, no pets are allowed within the park.
One other cool outside house is Cherie Down Park. Guests can be drawn in by a wooded walkway that results in an awesome household seashore. Actions embody boogie boarding, browsing, and fishing. A bonus: Free parking.
New and outdated collide on the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, which neighbors the Kennedy House Heart. Picture courtesy House Coast Footage
STAY OVER
Nation Inn & Suites by Radisson is rated #1 for finest worth amongst 15 locations to remain in Cape Canaveral based on Tripadvisor. It’s additionally the closest lodge to the port terminal must you be taking a cruise. Guests give excessive marks for the lodge’s breakfast bar | radissonhotelsamericas.com
DINE OUT
In case you are searching for a neighborhood ambiance, try the Southern Allure Cafe, which options native delicacies, vegetarian and vegan choices (therefore, you possibly can order a Porky Pig or a Veggie omelet). Open for breakfast and lunch, it prides itself on Southern cooking and hospitality | southerncharmcafefl.com
INSIDER TIP
herie Down Park is a superb spot to catch the rocket launches from Kennedy House Heart. The park is positioned south of the launch pads closest to House Launch Complicated 37B.
