Shuttle launch visible from Melbourne Beach area?

[Disney grandma]

We are planning a trip to DW over the 4th of July, and it looks like the last shuttle launch might be July 8. Can it be seen from the Melbourne Fl area beaches? We were wanting Cocoa Beach but most of the places we wanted to stay for the night are booked.

 

[vicki_c]

Yes, but you will mainly be seeing the smoke trail. I've watched a launch from Melbourne before, although not on the beach. Get some binoculars.

PS - I wouldn't book a hotel room in Melbourne Beach for the purpose of seeing the shuttle; the view from there would not be worth the added expense to me. Aside from the fact that there is a huge chance it will not go on that date anyway.

 

[Samsma]

Titusville is a good place to watch from what I hear.

 

[ParrotBill]

Melbourne is fairly far away, you will hear it and see the bright engine flare and smoke trail, but not the launch at the ground.

My favorite place is Jetty Park near the cruise docks. But if it's late morning as planned you must get there and stake out a spot VERY early!

 

[Disney grandma]

We got a very good rate at the Hilton Doubletree on the beach, and thought the grandkids would enjoy a couple days on the beach anyway. I tried Titusville, but no luck. We definitely do not want to sit in a car for hours waiting in traffic, so this might be our only option right now. Thanks for all the information.

 

[JimMIA]

Your view is also going to depend greatly on the weather. We were at WDW (Wyndham Bonnet Creek) for Monday's launch and couldn't see a thing because of low clouds.

Melbourne Beach is much closer than WDW, but if it's cloudy, you might not be able to see much. If the weather is clear, Parrot Bill described the view perfectly.

I don't know if you'll be able to hear or feel the launch in Melbourne Beach. If you are up in the Titusville area, particularly in the Cape Canaveral Beach area, you will definitely hear it and you'll be in for some chest-pounding shock waves.

You could stay in Melbourne Beach and drive up and get a good vantage point. This is a once in a lifetime experience (and the LAST one), so I'd sure get as close as you can.