Things to Do Near Port Canaveral

Photo by Cruise Port Canaveral

Do you plan on spending a few days in Port Canaveral before you embark on your cruise? Luckily the fun doesn’t have to start on the ship. Florida’s Space Coast has so many activities and attractions waiting to be discovered.

Kennedy Space Center

Port Canaveral’s astronautical attractions make it one of Florida’s most unique destinations. The Kennedy Space Center is a place you should visit at least once in your life, due to its rich history and fun activities for the entire family. Whether you’re dining with an astronaut, visiting the IMAX theater, seeing the rocket garden, or participating in the shuttle launch simulation, there is surely something for everyone!

Address: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Age Range: 3+
Price: Child – $65, Adult – $75 (discounts and add-ons available)
Distance from Port: 13.8 miles
Distance from MCO Orlando Airport: 43.1 miles
Phone: 1 (855) 433-4210
Website: kennedyspacecenter.com

Exploration Tower

Cape Canaveral’s state-of-the-art Exploration Tower is seven floors of interactive games, exhibits, an auditorium, a café, gift shop, and observation decks that overlook the port. It’s ideal for families to visit, since general admission is only $3.75 for kids!

Address: 670 Dave Nisbet Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Age Range: all ages
Price: Child – $3.75,  Adult – $6.50
Distance from Port: 0.4 miles
Distance from MCO Orlando Airport: 45.4 miles
Phone: (321) 394-3408
Website: explorationtower.com

Ron Jon Surf Shop

As the largest surfing shop in the world, Ron Jon Surf Shop Cocoa Beach has a lot to offer — even a Surf Museum. So if it’s a rainy day or you just want to check out some cool surfing gear and apparel, don’t hesitate to stop by!

Address: 4151 North Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Age Range: all ages
Price: free (AAA, Florida resident, group, and military discounts available on merchandise)
Distance from Port: 3.8 miles
Distance from MCO Orlando Airport: 42.8 miles
Phone: (321) 799-888
Website: ronjonsurfshop.com

Beaches

Florida’s east coast has so many beautiful beaches to choose from, many of them near Port Canaveral! If you don’t feel like taking the obvious Cocoa Beach route, know that there are other beaches nearby that are just as nice and less crowded. Lori Wilson Park and Jetty Park are some of the best options.

Lori Wilson Park
Address: 1500 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Age Range: all ages
Price: free
Distance from Port: 5.6 miles
Distance from MCO Orlando Airport: 50.1 miles
Phone: (321) 455-1380
Website: visitflorida.com

Jetty Park
Address: 9035 Campground Circle, Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920
Age Range: all ages
Price: $16.05 (parking)
Distance from Port: 1.8 miles
Distance from MCO Orlando Airport: 46.6 miles
Phone: (321) 783-7111
Website: portcanaveral.com

Brevard Zoo

Many people don’t know a zoo exists on the Space Coast. Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida is a quaint zoo filled with animals and activities for all ages to appreciate. Train rides, kayaking, and giraffe feeding are some features you can’t miss out on. They even have a new outdoor aerial adventure section called Treetop Trek where you can zip line!

Address: 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940
Age Range: all ages
Price: $17.95 – $31.95
Distance from Port: 28.6 miles
Distance from MCO Orlando Airport: 47.6 miles
Phone: (321) 254-9453
Website: brevardzoo.org

Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Tour

The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is a cool historical spot to consider seeing while in the Canaveral area. Constructed in 1848 and lit 20 years later, it is the only fully operational lighthouse that is owned by the United States Air Force. Reservations are required in advance for clearance by the Air Force.

Address: Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, Lighthouse Rd, Cape Canaveral, FL 33920
Age Range: all ages
Price: starting at $39.95 ($5 off with code “light”)
Distance from Port: 5.7 miles
Distance from MCO Orlando Airport: 46.5 miles
Phone: (321) 307-2900
Website: canaverallight.org

The Dinosaur Store and Museum

If you’re looking for something to do in Port Canaveral with your family that doesn’t break the bank, consider the Dinosaur Store and Museum. Between numerous captivating displays, a reptile exhibit, two game rooms, and awesome souvenirs, there’s plenty to check out.

Address: 250 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Age Range: all ages
Price: $10 – $14
Distance from Port: 4.2 miles
Distance from MCO Orlando Airport: 48.7 miles
Phone: (321) 783-7300
Website: dinosaurstore.com

BK Adventure Kayaking Tours

Kayak alongside the most gentle aquatic creatures as you take in the beauty of the Indian River on BK Adventure’s Manatee and Dolphin Tour. It’s a serene and fun way to pass the time; you’ll even get a little bit of exercise!

Looking for something unique to do after the sun sets? BK Adventure also provides a variety of bioluminescent tours that are unlike anything you’ve ever experienced! Paddle through magical glowing algae from a raft or kayak for an evening you won’t forget.

Address: Courtenay Pkwy N, Titusville, FL 32780
Age Range: 6+
Price: $52 – $95
Distance from Port: 35.7 miles
Distance from MCO Orlando Airport: 55 miles
Phone: (407) 519-8711
Website: bkadventure.com

Golf N Gator

You can’t go wrong with mini golf. It’s an activity the whole family can enjoy, especially the kids! Golf N Gator even has an array of wildlife to see. Expect tortoises, birds, snakes, and iguanas. If you’re feeling brave, try feeding and holding a baby gator!

Address: 6355 N Atlantic Ave, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Age Range: all ages
Price: starting at $13
Distance from Port: 2.8 miles
Distance from MCO Orlando Airport: 47.3 miles
Phone: (321) 799-4545
Website: golfngator.com

Cocoa Beach Parasail

If you’re a thrill-seeker looking to get your fix or just down to try something new, parasailing might be the best way for you to experience Port Canaveral. A bird’s-eye view of the Atlantic Ocean allows you to see the coast like never before. You’ll even catch a glimpse of the Kennedy Space Center!

Address: 505 Glen Cheek Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Age Range: 6+
Price: $89 – $99
Distance from Port: 0.2 miles
Distance from MCO Orlando Airport: 45.6 miles
Phone: (321) 212-8277
Website:  cocoabeachparasail.com

Lone Cabbage Fish Camp

Live music, a bar, southern seafood and airboat rides equal a good time at Lone Cabbage Fish Camp in Cocoa. If you choose to take on the airboat, you’ll glide through the grassy wetlands of the St. Johns River and Lake Poinsett as fast as 45 mph! Prepare to see wildlife up close and personal —  gators, eagles, and birds are bound to make an appearance.

Address: 8199 W King St, Cocoa, FL 32926
Age Range: all ages
Price: $20 – $75
Distance from Port: 17.6 miles
Distance from MCO Orlando Airport: 31.4 miles
Phone: (321) 632-4199
Website: twisterairboatrides.com

Carib Brewery

Carib Brewery (formerly Florida Beer Company) is a drinking experience for beer and cider fans that offers more than 20 options on tap! Live music and games like darts, foosball, and shuffleboard create a casual atmosphere for visitors to sip in. Though actual meals aren’t served, a large assortment of flavored popcorn is available!

Address: 200 Imperial Blvd, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Age Range: 21+
Distance from Port: 1.3 miles
Distance from MCO Orlando Airport: 45.8 miles
Phone: (321) 728-4114
Website: caribbreweryusa.com

Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures

Eager to navigate through obstacle courses 45 feet in the air? Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures is perfect for those looking for an active, fun time! All ages can experience the variety of courses and zip lines offered.

Address: 6419 N Atlantic Ave, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Age Range: 5+
Price: $27.99 – $47.99
Distance from Port: 2.7 miles
Distance from MCO Orlando Airport: 47.2 miles
Phone: (321) 613-0047
Website: cocoabeachadventurepark.com

Port Canaveral is one of the most popular cruise ports in the world. Whether you are flying into Orlando, seeking parking for the duration of your cruise, or looking for hotels that offer transportation to your ship — Go Port has a variety of packages available to accommodate you.