Since Orlando is within close proximity to the Kennedy Space Center, catching a rocket launch is a semi-regular event in Central Florida. Whether you've never seen one or you've seen 100, they are undeniably cool as hell and always worth the show. Here you'll find the best beaches, bars, restaurants, and even amusement rides to watch a rocket leave our atmosphere.
The 20 best spots in Central Florida to watch a rocket launch
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Apr 20, 2018 at 9:13 pm
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Cocoa Beach Pier
401 Meade Ave., Cocoa Beach, 321-783-7549 Cocoa Beach PierFee: yes
The 800 foot pier is home to five different restaurants as well as a great place to see any rocket launch. This place can get packed quick though so make sure to get your spot early.
Photo via cocoabeachpier/Instagram
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
2200 North Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, 321-868-3252Kennedy Space Center Visitor ComplexFee: yes
Now if you really want to have the best view for a rocket launch is there really any substitute for being at the Kennedy Space Center? If you’re willing to pay for the experience this is really the way to do it.
Photo via jreper/Instagram
Coconuts on the Beach
2 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, 321-783-1422Coconuts on the BeachFee: yes
This legendary beach bar has been a Cocoa Beach staple for 40 years. Their laid back atmosphere make it the perfect place to get a drink after a long day at the beach and their huge outdoor deck make it the perfect place to see the launch if you’re there.
Photo via joshdirocco /Instagram
El Leoncito
4280 Washington Ave, Titusville, 321-267-1159El- LeoncitoFee: yes
This Cuban restaurant right on the water has a great outdoor seating area that gives you a view for the rocket launch. Their margaritas can always help make it more fun as well.
Photo via devilment524/Instagram
Sidney Fischer Park
2200 North Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, 321-868-3252Sidney Fischer ParkFee: yes
Located just off the beach, this open grass park is a great place to spread a blanket to see shuttle launches. The few trees and low buildings surrounding the park give you a great view up at the sky.
Photo via jreper /Instagram
Jetty Park
400 Jetty Park Rd, Cape Canaveral, 321-783-7111Port CanaveralFee: yes
This 35 acre park has plenty of room for you and your friends to spread out and see the launch. They also have a playground incase you have any little ones with you that might not have the patience to wait around.
Photo via lorerivasf /Instagram
Port Canaveral
Port CanaveralPort CanaveralFee: yes
Just about anywhere in the port can make for a good viewing area of the rocket launch. Just head toward the cruise ships and you can find a spot around there.
Photo via kassgrant /Instagram
Lori Wilson Park
1500 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, 321-455-1380 Lori Wilson ParkFee: no
This stretch of beach is just one of the places you can see rockets over the water. Not to mention the open water makes it perfect to not have light pollution if you’re able to make it for a night launch.
Photo via home_homeontheroad/Instagram
M Lounge
2000 N Orange Ave. Suite 300, 321-430-1140, M LoungeFee: no
This rooftop bar may not be all that close to the launch site, but it’s far enough from any of the taller buildings in the downtown area that you can still get a view of take off. Their cocktails also add to the viewing experience as well.
Photo via mloungebar /Instagram
Max Brewer Bridge
1 A Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, Titusville Fee: noThis is an up close and personal viewing area for launches where you can feel the heat and the ground shake. There is only space for about 150 cars and the fill up quick so make sure to get there early.
Photo via sir_oki /Instagram
Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs
1600 East Buena Vista Drive, 407-939-6686, Morimoto Asia RestaurantFee: no
If you happen to find yourself at Disney Springs on the day of a rocket launch, the rooftop patio of Morimoto is a great place to see it take off. Besides, who wouldn’t want sushi with their rockets?
Photo via tato_719/Instagram
SR 528 aka the Beachline
Anywhere near beachFee: no
This is the laziest and most last minute way to watch a rocket launch. Just pull over on the 528 and you’ll still be able to catch a bit of a view.
Photo via stchapy/Instagram
Rotary Riverfront Park
4141 S Washington Ave, Titusville, 321-264-5037 Rotary Riverfront ParkFee: no
Located right on the Indian River, that is the only thing that separates you from the launchpad. You'll practicallyl be able to feel the heat from the thrusters from here.
Photo via paulyfatfingers1 /Instagram
Rusty’s Seafood and Oyster Bar
628 Glen Cheek Dr, Cape Canaveral, 321-783-2033Rusty’s Seafood and Oyster BarFee: yes
Between the location on the water, the huge outdoor seating area and the second story deck this place is prime for rocket launch viewings. They’ve got a pretty sweet deal on bucket drinks and killer key lime pie to top off some crab legs.
Photo via space_coast_fun_guide/Instagram
SeaWorld Sky Tower
7007 Sea World Dr, 407-545-5550, SeaWorld Sky TowerFee: yes
This one takes a little planning ahead, considering the Sky Tower is located inside of SeaWorld. At 400 feet tall though it is worth it for the view, plus you can make a day of it at the Park as well.
Photo via suzie_ha/Instagram
Alan Shepard Park
299 East Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, 321-868-3252 Alan Shepard ParkFee: yes
This park located on the beach is a great place to park your car and get a place on the sand for the big launch. The parking lot fills up quick so make sure to get there with plenty of time.
Photo via lando.png /Instagram
Sand Point Park
10 East Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville, 321-567-3775, Sand Point ParkFee: no
This nearly 30-acre park has plenty of room to spread out and look to the sky for launches. It might not have the total unobstructed view that some of the parks around it might have, but it is close enough you will be looking strait up for most of the launch.
Photo via jreper/Instagram
Shiloh’s Steak and Seafood
3665 S Washington Ave, Titusville, 321-567-3555Shiloh’s Steak and SeafoodFee: yes
Who wouldn’t want some surf and turf to go along with their rocket launch viewing? The place right on the beach can offer dinner and a show any time there’s a rocket going up.
Photo via mrdmcalpin3/Instagram
Space View Park
8 Broad St., Titusville, 321-264-5037, Space View ParkFee: no
As the name may suggest, this is place is not just a great viewing location for rocket launches, but may actually be one of the best. It has an unobstructed view of the launchpad from across the water and plays a live audio feed from the the NASA control room.
Photo via somepeoplskid/Instagram
The Orlando Eye
8401 International Dr #100, 407-270-8644, The Orlando EyeFee: yes
The rocket going up won’t be the only view you get from here. This oversized ferris wheel goes 400 feet in the air and gives you a 360 degree view of the city. Just make sure to plan it right so you’ll be at the peak in time for lift off.
Photo via the orlandoeye/Instagram
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