Advice about Kennedy Space Center

[mommary]

We are two (older) couples staying on site but renting a car to go to KSC.
Any advice on what we should see while there? It's really my first time going off property to explore what other things Florida has to offer.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Bellamouse]

We are planning a day trip there ourselves and so I am interested in the same information! Thanks for asking the question.

 

[RabFlmom]

You will want to see the new exhibit for Atlantis.
Take the bus tour which takes you out to see the launch pads and Apollo museum. That will take as many hours as you want it to, depending how interested you are in learning about everything.
Walk out in the Rocket Garden.
You might want to do a lunch with an Astronaut if they are offering it . See an IMAX movie. Go to a lecture. Spend time in the huge gift shop.
There are several places you can eat on property. There are lots of picture ops so make sure you have a memory card for lots of pictures. My battery for my camera didn't make it through the whole day there last time we went and we live about 25 miles from KSC so have been there 100s of times.

On the way to the visitor's center you pass the Astronaut Hall of Fame. You may want to go there too.

Also while in Titusville area you might want to find Space View Park(one of the spots they always reported manned launches from) and look at the memorials there. There are 3 sections-on both sides of the road. It is right on the river There are molds of a lot of the astronauts hands that is always fun to see if your hand matches. It is right on the river so you see dolphins, manatees, Spoonbills, Blue herons, turtles there, too. Oh, yeah, while on KSC roads watch for gators in the itches etc. Might see one in pond right at the Visitor's Center, too.

While in the Titusville area, you might want to check out the National Seashore and do a wildlife drive through the marsh.

If you make it a day and are still there in the evening my favorite restaurant is right across from the VAB building on US1- El Leoncitos. They have an outdoor deck and pretty good margaritas, too.

 

[firstwdw]

The Saturn V exhibit is not to be missed....absolutely awesome! You will take a short bus ride from the visitors center to get to the building it is housed in but so worth it and part of the regular admission!

 

[Sadie22]

My husband and I spent a day and a half there several years ago, and it was not enough time. We went on one of the bus tours and took our time reading all the exhibits. We never made it to the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Allow plenty of time.

 

[Eaglefan9727]

Sorry, But this might be a stupid question, But I cant find a tour that does the launch pad and mission control in the same tour? Can someone tell me which one it is? Thanks....

 

[mrsclark]

DH really loves space exploration and space history. We did the KSC: Up Close Then and Now Tour. It does cost extra, but DH loved it (we did that tour on our honeymoon!). You get to see in detail the places related to the Mercury and Gemini programs. A government issued ID is required because you are taken onto a military base to see the Mercury and Gemini launch areas.

If you are looking for a really detailed look at a specific part of the space program like what I just mentioned, I would check into the guided tours offered: http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/tours.aspx

Personally, if you are only going to be there one day, I would skip the movies (IMAX) offered and instead focus on the Rocket Garden and the basic tour included with your admission plus any guided tour you might be interested in!