Unique Ways to Ring in Spring on Florida’s Space Coast

Discover the hidden gems along Florida’s Space Coast and spring into adventure from the community that’s launching tomorrow.

Sweaters are back in the closet, flowers are blooming, and the sun is taking a break from those early sunsets. Another beautiful Florida winter has come and gone, which means one thing – springtime has sprung on Florida’s Space Coast. We’ve covered the region’s 72 miles of pristine coastline to find some unique gems to inspire you to launch on your own springtime escapades that may be a little different from the norm.

Take a different type of tour

Excitement may not come to mind when you hear the word “tour,” but the Space Coast has a few unique options that may just change how you think. First up, Village Food Tours takes touring to a delicious level. An awesome way to experience the culinary variety along the Space Coast, Village Food Tours visits a sampling of restaurants from one of 3 locations, all while learning local history and fun facts, and maybe even finding a new favorite local dining spot.

Next, take touring to the skies! Cocoa Beach Helicopters offers a unique view of the Space Coast, including a walk-in Beachside Special over the World’s busiest cruise ship port, Port Canaveral. If you are looking to go even further, they offer extended tours that even go over the Space Shuttle runway and Kennedy Space Center.

Finally, Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours brings touring to the waters of the Indian River Lagoon to explore the rich wildlife of this Space Coast’s ecosystem. Knowledgeable tour guides help spot wildlife including manatees, osprey, pelicans, alligators, turtles, and of course, dolphins.

A few TRUE natural gems Wanna REALLY get away from it all? The Space Coast has that option for you, too. Klondike Beach, located on the Canaveral National Seashore is hidden away among the dunes and ONLY accessible by foot or bike and is mere miles from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39b which supports NASA’s Artemis Missions. Accessing the beach does require a bit of a hike, so it’s crucial that nature-lovers prepare accordingly.

Another off-the-grid location is Turtle Mound, the largest shell midden in the mainland United States. It stands around 50ft high and consists of 1.5 million bushels (53 million liters) of oyster shells and the remains of the Timucuan culture, an ancient civilization. Visible seven miles out at sea, early sailors used Turtle Mound as a navigational device. Today, you can access it via Apollo Beach and take boardwalk lined paths to view this historic piece of paradise.

While astronauts literally travel out of this world from the shores of Florida’s Space Coast, you can feel like you are doing the same by experiencing the Space Coast RAREST natural blockbuster – bioluminescence. BK Adventures hosts a number of bioluminescence tours throughout the year including during spring break, which coincides with April’s New Moon and International Dark Sky Week 2024. What is bioluminescence? Glowing algae and plankton create a rare, bright- blue glowing effect as paddles and disturbances move the waters of the Indian River Lagoon, which BK has dubbed “Bioluminescent Bay.”

Downtown Discoveries

The Space Coast is home to not one, not two, not three, but FOUR unique downtowns, plus some beachside main strips- all which offer something for anyone – including little hidden gems we have to share with you. When you think charming, you think Historic Cocoa Village. And nothing is more pleasantly old-fashioned picturesque than the area of Harrison St. Turning down this winding alleyway is like taking a trip to old-Florida. Harrison St. curves through shops and eateries, including OSSORIO Bakery and Café and Pub Americana while running parallel to Cocoa Riverfront Park, home to local favorite the Village Idiot Pub. Around the corner is The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse and Bugnutty Brewing Company and Brevard Ave – the main artery at the heart of the Village.

Downtown Cocoa Beach is in the mecca of Space Coast Spring Break spots.

Downtown Cocoa Beach is in the mecca of Space Coast Spring Break spots, Cocoa Beach, and the vibe just screams beachside chill. A few hidden, maybe even “hole in the wall” cocktail bars bring beachy elegance a whole new meaning serving up an eclectic yet laid-back atmosphere, with drinks to match. These include The Dunes Cocoa Beach, The Alibi, and Tropics Cocktail Bar. Plus, you’re just steps away from the world-famous Cocoa Beach where you can see cruise ships and rocket launches from pristine sands and blue water.

While not an official Downtown, The 5th Avenue strip of Indialantic gives that classic beachside boardwalk (yet sophisticated) feeling. From the end of the 192 Causeway to the Indialantic Boardwalk Beach Access there is a strip of local establishments in this highly- walkable community. Making a day at the beach is easy, from grabbing breakfast and coffee at Indialantic Coffee or The Surfinista to lunch from one of MANY local spots (ahem, the ORIGINAL Bizzarro NY Pizza) to dinner on the beach at BB’s Beach Bar or Nini’s Cuban Cuisine. Plus, the beachside amenities are insane – from sand volleyball pits to the newly updated kids playground at James H. Nance Park – you can’t go wrong with this classic Space Coast beach.

the space coast beer trail

Stick around for a launch and complete the Space Coast Beer Trail mission!

With over 110 expected launches in 2024, you can almost guarantee to catch one of man’s most dazzling displays of innovation each week from Florida’s Space Coast. Want a unique way to celebrate your love for Space? Launches and Lagers Space Coast Beer Trail offers just that experience by asking “which beer pairs best with rocket launches?” Pick up a passport at participating locations or download the digital passport and start collecting stamps. Then, catch at least one rocket launch and check it off in your passport with the date viewed. Once all your steps are complete, collect your mission patch – and bragging rights.

To learn more about Florida’s Space Coast, and career options available in this innovative region, explore FLSpaceCoast.com