5 Free Things to Do in Port Canaveral

Updated April 2025

Arriving in the Port Canaveral area before your cruise? Whether you’re flying in from out of state or driving in from nearby, there’s plenty to do before your cruise without spending a dime. The Space Coast offers unique attractions that can turn your pre-cruise stay into a mini-vacation.

With Go Port’s travel packages, we make it easy to arrive early for your cruise! If you’re flying in, a Fly Snooze Cruise package includes a hotel stay and round-trip transportation to your ship. If you’re driving, a Snooze Park Cruise package provides a hotel stay with cruise parking and shuttle service to the port for passengers on select cruises.

Looking for the best free things to do in Port Canaveral before setting sail? Here are five great options!

1. Spot Wildlife at Manatee Sanctuary Park

Nature lovers can’t miss Cape Canaveral’s Manatee Sanctuary Park a peaceful 10-acre retreat along the Banana River that serves as a protected habitat for Florida’s famous sea cows. Keep an eye out for manatees grazing on seagrass along the boardwalk—especially in cooler months when they seek warmer waters. The park also has a paved fitness trail, shaded picnic areas and open green spaces perfect for stretching your legs after a long drive or flight.

Pro tip: This scenic spot is just a short drive from the Port Canaveral hotels we partner with for our Snooze and Cruise packages, including Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral and Homewood Suites Cape Canaveral.

2. Watch a Rocket Launch

Witnessing a rocket launch is one of the most exciting experiences on Florida’s Space Coast. With launches happening year-round, Port Canaveral offers fantastic viewing spots where you can watch rockets soar into the sky. Some of the best free locations include Kennedy Point Park, Lori Wilson Park, and Rotary Riverfront Park, all of which offer free parking.

Pro Tip: Arrive early to grab a good spot! You can check the latest Space Coast launch schedule to see if a launch lines up with your stay.

3. Explore the Local Art Scene

Looking for a more cultural experience? The Studios of Cocoa Beach located just minutes from Port Canaveral, is a great place to admire and explore local artwork — all with free admission.

You might also catch a free outdoor concert hosted by local music organizations like the Brevard Symphony Orchestra. These family-friendly performances often take place in public parks, making for a relaxing way to enjoy live entertainment before heading to your hotel for the night.

4. Go on a Geocaching Treasure Hunt

For adventure-seekers, geocaching is an exciting (and free) way to explore the Port Canaveral area. This high-tech scavenger hunt involves using a GPS or smartphone to locate hidden geocaches scattered throughout the area. Once you find one, sign the logbook, trade a trinket if you’d like, and put it back for the next explorer.

Geocaching is a fun activity to do after arriving early at your Fly Snooze Cruise or Snooze Park Cruise hotel. Make some unique memories before your cruise!

5. Relax on Cocoa Beach

No visit to Port Canaveral is complete without a stop at Cocoa Beach, one of Florida’s most famous beaches. Whether you want to sunbathe, fish from the pier, play beach volleyball, or watch surfers ride the waves, there’s something for everyone.

Staying overnight before embarkation? Cocoa Beach is an easy drive from Fly Snooze Cruise hotels like the Homewood Suites Cape Canaveral or Snooze Park Cruise hotels such as the Ocean Landings Cocoa Beach, so you can enjoy some beach time before heading to your cruise.

Book a Go Port Package for a Stress-Free Start to Your Cruise

Why stress about travel logistics when you can enjoy a worry-free pre-cruise experience? With Go Port’s travel packages, you’ll have everything arranged for you:

• Driving in? A Snooze Park Cruise package includes a hotel stay, secure cruise parking, and shuttle service for Carnival Mardi Gras, Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas and Star of the Seas cruisers.
• Flying in? A Fly Snooze Cruise package includes a hotel stay near Orlando, Melbourne or the Port Canaveral area with round-trip transportation to your cruise terminal.

No matter how you’re getting here, Go Port takes care of your pre-cruise accommodations and transportation—so you can focus on having fun before setting sail.

Book your package today and start your cruise getaway the easy way!

Photos by: Banana Bay Tour Company, Hawks Head