With the help of Meagan Happel of the Space Coast Office of Tourism, we are sharing a list of 21 adventurous activities with our readers. We agree that it’s about time to shake off the shade of 2020, and carefully consider (with social distancing guidelines in place) these awesome activities that can be done at various points around the Space Coast.
NEW AND EXCITING
CREW-2 AND CREW-3 – SpaceX Crew Dragon is set to have two launches in 2021. Crew-2 is currently set for March 30 and Crew-3 in the Fall. We hope weather will work out to have the splashdowns off our coast this time.
BOEING STARLINER – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket will launch Boeing’s CST- 100 Starliner on a second unpiloted test flight to the International Space Station. This launch is currently set for March 29. ULA and Boeing are shooting for June for their Crew Test Flight.
BREVARD ZOO’S NEW TRAIN – Brevard Zoo upgraded their Cape to Cairo Express recently with a new electric train. Animals in Expedition Africa are being acclimated to its presence.
PLANET PLAY AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX – This new play area for kids ages 2 to 12 will teach technologies used in space exploration and the planets in a fun, playful environment.
CARNIVAL MARDI GRAS – The newest ship in Carnival’s line will call Port Canaveral home beginning in 2021. This ship even has a first-of-its-kind roller coaster on it!
MSC CRUISES – The cruise liner will homeport two of their ships, the Seaside and Divina, at Port Canaveral starting in March 2021.
MARELLA CRUISES – The UK brand will come to Port Canaver- al for their first homeported ship in the US, slated for May 2021.
ENJOY NATURE
BIKE TRAILS – Did you know Titusville is one of the few Trail Towns in Florida? Three major trails converge here! Don’t forget to check out the Brevard Zoo Linear Trail, too.
TRY ROCK SHRIMP – Rock Shrimp has a very special origin story on the Space Coast. No one knew how to prepare them until Laurilee Thompson, the daughter of Dixie Crossroads’ original owner, figured out how in her parents’ kitchen. Now they’re a huge hit! Dixie Crossroads even became a must-do location for many astronauts.
GO FISHING AT HEADWATERS – Local fishers are well aware of the great spots across the county for both fresh and saltwater fishing. Headwaters just opened up for motorboats this past year and is known to be one of the state’s great bass fisheries.
SURF IN THE WATERS OF THE EAST COAST SURF CAPITAL – As hometown to Kelly Slater, CJ and Damien Hobgood, and Caroline Marks, the Space Coast is known a great place to get started in the sport, from picturesque Sebastian Inlet to world famous Cocoa Beach. Why not take a surf lesson this year?
BIOLUMINESCENCE KAYAKING – In the Summer months, the Indian River Lagoon is aglow! Microscopic dinoflagellate is activated like a blue glowstick when a kayak paddles through the water. If you’re lucky, you’ll even be able to make out fish and dolphins bathed in this magical light.
SEA TURTLE WALKS – Approximately 90% of sea turtle eggs in the US are laid in Florida. Space Coast beaches and the Indian River Lagoon provide prime nesting and foraging sites for loggerhead, green, and leatherback sea turtles. The Sea Turtle Preservation Society and other groups host sea turtle night walks in the summer months.
SIGHTSEE AND PLAY
SMASH GOLF AND FOOTGOLF AT DURAN – Look- ing for a unique way to get active? Why not try Smash Golf, a tennis-golf hybrid and Footgolf, a soccer-golf hybrid? At Duran Golf Club, you can try both!
CAPE CANAVERAL LIGHTHOUSE – In the mid 1800’s, dangerous shoals off the coast at Cape Canaveral were a constant threat to mariners, so Cape Canaveral Lighthouse was built. Take a tour to learn about early Space Coast history and how this lighthouse was the first domino towards choosing Brevard as the home of NASA.
AIRSHOWS – In 2021, Space Coast rockets will share the skies with two airshows! In April, the US Air Force Thunderbirds will kick off their 2021 season at the Cocoa Beach Air Show alongside the GEICO Skytypers, Lucas Oil stunt pilot Michael Wiskus, and more. Then in May, the US Navy Blue Angels will head- line The Great Florida Air Show after a 6-year absence. The pilots will fly new F/A-18E Super Hornets to mark the team’s 75th anniversary season.
BIPLANE AND HELICOPTER TOURS – Soar over the beaches and Kennedy Space Center with biplane and helicopter tours from Florida Air Tours, Beachside Helicopters, and Cocoa Beach Helicopters.
MURAL WALKS – The Historic Downtowns across the county are dressed up with beautiful murals, many from local artists. Check them out in Titusville, Cocoa Beach, Eau Gallie Arts District, and Downtown Melbourne.
HISTORIC HOMES OF BREVARD – Did you know that the Space Coast has multiple beautiful Victorian homes? Come see what Brevard County was like in the late 1800s and 1900s with tours of these homes through out the year. In the winter, they’re even decked out in vintage and historically accurate Christmas décor.
JET SKI AND BOAT RENTALS – Take to the water with these fun rentals found at various locations around the Space Coast. Fishing fans can also consider chartering tours along the Indian River Lagoon.
Meagan Happel
Meagan Happel is the Public Relations Manager and Film Commissioner for the Space Coast Office of Tourism and a member of Space Coast FPRA. Meagan previously served as Marketing Coordinator for Brevard Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services. Meagan can frequently be found attending conventions and film festivals and enjoying the many wonderful activities and sites of the Space Coast!