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Cocoa Beach and the
Florida Space Coast
Cocoa Beach Located on a barrier island, nestled between the great Atlantic Ocean and the Banana River. It is one of the closest beaches to Orlando, making it a great day trip for theme park visitors. Cocoa Beach is well-known for its surfing and its proximity to Kennedy Space Center.
Just six miles long, and mostly less than one mile wide, Cocoa Beach is truly a unique place! Where else can you choose between watching a space launch from the beach or precious animal species in their natural habitat? You can choose between a swim in the ocean, or a quiet kayak exploration off the Banana River islands. Play a round of golf at our 27-hole golf course, surf cast from the beach for dinner, or just enjoy a day at the beach where you will likely see dolphins at play or be lucky enough to see an occasional whale in migration. Widely known as the surfing capital of the East Coast, Cocoa Beach is the hometown of surfing champions.
The primary attraction to Cocoa Beach is the weather. With its coastal location and positioned where two climatic zones (sub-tropic and temperate) meet, the weather usually avoids extremes. This unique location attracts wildlife indigenous to both climatic zones, as well as coastal and migratory species. And, of course, the weather, beaches and local amenities attract human visitors as well!
Top Family Attractions
NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Tour the Apollo/Saturn V Center that showcases the tense moments of placing the first men on the lunar surface. The Launch Complex Observation Gantry gives you a birds-eye view of the space shuttle launch pads and the International Space Station Center is where you'll see the actual hardware being readied for placement into orbit.
The Beaches. Over 100 of the best surfing spots on the East Coast can be found right here on Florida's Space Coast. With the longest beach in the State and three of "Florida's Ten Best Beaches," as declared by Southern Living, the area offers a distinct beach getaway, which can be tailor made for any interest. Whether its kayaking at the break of dawn, soaring over the crowds on a parasail, skipping the waves on a boogie board or just soaking up some rays.
 Ron Jons Surf Shop is a THE surfers Mecca making it one of the Space Coast's most visited attraction. Hailed as the world's most famous surf shop, Ron Jons Surf shop has over 52,000 square feet spread across three levels. Expect a huge selection of boards, bikinis and Surfing articles.
American Police Hall of Fame. This educational attraction offers thousands of items on display such as a crime scene, gas chamber, electric chair and a forensics learning area and several interactive displays. A helicopter ride and an indoor gun range are also available.
 Historic Downtown Titusville. The Space Coast boasts several historic downtown areas located in Titusville, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Eau Gallie and Melbourne. All of these districts are great destinations for dining, shopping, catching a play, perusing an art gallery or just taking an afternoon strolls
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This is one of two National Parks located on Florida's Space Coast. The other being the Canaveral National Seashore. Consisting of 140,000 acres, the Refuge is home to American bald eagles, alligators, manatees, bobcats, armadillos and more. Built as a overlay of Kennedy Space Center, take your time and explore this natural wonder which provides opportunities to hunt, bird watch, observe manatees, hike (the refuge has 3 nature trails one that's handicap accessible) and kayak.
The Valiant Air Command & Vintage Warbird Museum is a non-profit museum dedicated to America's military. Sitting on 10 acres of property at the Space Coast Executive Regional Airport in Titusville, Florida, the museum maintains and restores all types of aircraft that were indigenous to the world's military Air Forces starting before WW1 to the present.
Special Events in November
16th Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade Weekend will be held the first weekend in November. Several events and festivities surround the parade.
The Enchanted Forest will host FOREST FESTIVAL 2012 on Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 10:00am-3:00pm. This FREE event will feature guided walks, live animals, educational programs, face painting and more!
The 26th Annual Space Coast State Fair is one of Central Florida's last remaining traditional fairs! Scheduled from November 8-18, the Space Coast Fair will take up absolutely every inch of the Space Coast Stadium! You can expect thousands of fair goers.
The 4th Annual Native Rhythms Festival will be held from November 9-11, 2012 at the Wickham Park Pavillion in Melbourne, Florida. Co-sponsored by the Indian River Flute Circle and Native Heritage Gathering, Inc., this three-day festival will feature music and demonstrations honoring the culture of the indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Here are some great places to stay on the Florida Space Coast:
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