In Central Florida, a person’s days and nights can be as full of activity or as relaxing as he or she wants them to be.  With only an hour’s drive between Orlando and the Space Coast, it’s hard to believe how many incredible attractions and points of interest there are to choose from.   

Great fishing is available here year-round, either offshore deep sea or inshore shallow water.  Even set out on an airboat ride down the St. Johns River to get up close and personal with Florida’s aquatic wildlife; such as alligators, tortoises and various other reptiles and birds. 

Take a drive down Blackpoint Wildlife Drive on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge where you might just see an American bald eagle or other predatory raptures.  There are over 500 species of wildlife that inhabit the refuge, including about 15 that are considered federally endangered or threatened.  There is also a wealth of information at the Brevard Zoo about Florida’s wildlife and conservation.

Being the closest ocean inlet to Orlando, the Space Coast is home to one of our state’s fastest growing ports.  Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines sail on weekly trips from Port Canaveral and so, of course, does the Disney Cruise Line.  With simple direct access to the Walt Disney World Resort and theme parks, it’s easy to see why the Disney Company picked Port Canaveral for its cruising excursions. 

Whether Walt Disney World is your main reason for visiting our area or you are here to get away from the crowds, there is lodging to suit any taste, budget or comfort requirement.  From deluxe accommodations located within the Orlando theme parks to beachfront properties where you can watch the sunrise from your bedroom window, Central Florida has it all.

Speaking of beaches, a visit to Cocoa Beach is essential in maximizing your “fun in the sun” experience.   Relaxing on the sand is only a stroll away from your oceanfront accommodations; and for such a popular place, you feel it is exclusively yours.  Whittle away the day splashing, building castles, collecting shells, and picnicking; all with the sense that you are in a private paradise. 

No day spent on the Space Coast is ever complete without a visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.  The accomplishments of the space program over the last five decades are definitely evident.  The US Astronaut Hall of Fame is the first facility you see and is just a glimpse at the scale and magnitude of the Complex itself.   There are tours of the launch sites and shuttle landing strip available and you will have a chance to walk among rockets and space vehicles from the past. You can also see parts of the International Space Station being assembled and have the opportunity to experience what it is like to blast off in the space shuttle.  You just can’t miss seeing this window into our future space exploration.

Historic Downtown Cocoa Village

Downtown Melbourne

Shopping is always high on everyone’s list of things to do when going on vacation and the Central Florida area will definitely not disappoint.  Two of the quaintest downtown areas to shop are Cocoa Village (downtown Cocoa) and downtown Melbourne in south Brevard County.   These shops are locally owned and have so much character; you’ll find yourself drawn into each and every one.  For all the antique buffs, there is Renninger's Twin Markets, which is about 20 miles northwest of Orlando in Mt. Dora.  A person could spend a whole weekend there, browsing, and never see everything.  There are also several name brand outlet malls in and around Orlando for the bargain-minded and for the more upscale taste; there is the Mall at Millenia off of I-4.  In the evenings, try out the array of dining and clubbing options Central Florida has to offer.   Any way you look at it, there is something for everyone.   Plan your trip now and come experience everything the area has to offer for yourself.