Port Canaveral advice

[Pootle]

We're thinking of taking a look at Port Canaveral on Thursday, in readiness for our August cruise on the Dream with the family. Anyone (Wayne? ) got tips on where to park and anything else we might do while over on that coast.

Today has been warm and sunny but it's anyone's guess for Thursday so don't think we're planning on a beach trip in the area.

Thanks.

Edited to add that I've just read that it's easy enough to park at the terminal for $15, but is this the best thing to do if you just want to see a ship leave and get a 'feel' for the area?

 

[wayneg]

Hi Moira. Hope your trip is going well.

You can park at the cruise terminal but not much there apart from the terminal, secure area where you can't go unless cruising.

We alway go a little further down where the ships pass, there are a few restaurants and bars, we enjoy going to Grills massive free parking area right next to it. They also have a viewing deck where people stand to wave off the ships. http://www.grillsseafood.com/locations/port-canaveral/

Not sure about a Thursday but on a weekend they have live music and right next to the fish cleaning area for fishermen returning with their catch. Maybe not as much going on midweek. under the waste pipes was where we saw manatee last trip.

Shout out if you want any more info

 

[mickg7dyd]

Hi,
There's lots of free parking in the Cove area and the Exploration tower is well worth a visit. From the top floor you get great views of the surrounding area including the port & space centre. Then as you make your way down, each floor has exhibits detailing the history of the area.
We really enjoyed it and then had a nice dinner at Grills and watched the ships leave and the fishing charters arriving and unloading their catch.

http://www.portcanaveral.com/welcomecenter/

Mick.

 

[Woodview]

After your sightseeing trip as given by Wayneg ( Very good advice )

head into CoCo Beach via the road you turned off and go to Ron Jon 's Surf Shop for a look , Then head the few hundred yards to the beach.

After that Drive home via the Hwy 520 & Branch Off Left

And join Hwy 532 This is the Real Florida Countryside &

this 532 leads onto St Cloud & Hwy 192 till Kissimmee & then to Disney

Area .

Travel Distance is about the same as the Hwy 528 toll road

 

[Pootle]

Thanks so much all of you. Just what I was looking for and the pics were great Wayne. I knew you had taken a trip out there in the last 18 months, but couldn't remember which trip it was!

Yesterday temps reached the 80s and had pool time; today highs in the 50s and it's a wrap-up day and lunch at Cheesecake so still good

 

[Woodview]

If you follow my directions as how to leave CoCoa Beach

, I should have said to join Hwy 520 ... with your back to the beach and near Ron Jon's it is the road streight in front of you ,

This passes Cape Canaveral Hospital, And over causeway to CoCoa,

Then after you pass the Huge Bob Steel car dealer ( far end )


Look out for The Lone Cabbage Cafe ( on Left )

Here there is a good Airboat ride ...... But as you drive in keep streight on for 100yards and pull in beside the narrow waterway . You Should see

the Resident Alligator.

 

[Pootle]

If you follow my directions as how to leave CoCoa Beach

, I should have said to join Hwy 520 ... with your back to the beach and near Ron Jon's it is the road streight in front of you ,

This passes Cape Canaveral Hospital, And over causeway to CoCoa,

Then after you pass the Huge Bob Steel car dealer ( far end )


Look out for The Lone Cabbage Cafe ( on Left )

Here there is a good Airboat ride ...... But as you drive in keep streight on for 100yards and pull in beside the narrow waterway . You Should see

the Resident Alligator.

Lol, will report back if we see it

We have been to Ron Jon's - 25 years ago! Thanks for additional details.

 

[Pootle]

Success, went, found Grills, ate there and watched the Dream depart so mission accomplished! No singer on Wayne, but good food and enough people dining to give a good atmosphere. Some hardy souls were even at the outside bar too, even though it was cool and raining!

The Dream was late departing and so we didn't leave Grills until 6 pm, by which time it was already getting dark, so no resident alligator alas, as we came straight back to OKW.

Thanks again for the tips. Might get to see the gator in August when we leave our cruise on the Dream

 

[wayneg]

No doubt Matt & Karen will be wanting another afternoon there in July. Will have to check the schedule and see which is best day to visit.
Hope the weather improves