Welcome to Cape Canaveral, Florida—a sun-drenched gem on the Florida Coast, where rocket launches light up the sky, and the Atlantic Ocean sparkles along the shore. If you're wondering where is Cape Canaveral located, you'll find it on Florida’s east coast, just a short drive from Orlando. This dynamic city is exclusive to our Grand Florida Coast & Keys cruise, so don’t miss out on your chance to visit. With so much to see and do, we’ve rounded up some top attractions to help you make the most of your time in this exciting port.
Kennedy Space Center
No visit to Cape Canaveral is complete without a stop at the legendary Kennedy Space Center. This iconic facility offers a front-row seat to space history, from the Apollo program to modern-day Mars missions. Walk beneath the towering Saturn V rocket, experience the thrill of a shuttle launch simulator, and even meet an astronaut.
American Cruise Lines offers excursions that include guided tours of the Space Center, giving guests an insider’s look at the heart of America’s space program. If you're looking for things to do in Cape Canaveral, Florida, this is a must-see attraction.
Pristine Beaches
For a more laid-back way to enjoy Cape Canaveral, spend some time on any of the amazing beaches. Cocoa Beach is famous for its soft sand, warm waters, and the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop. Jetty Park offers a quieter retreat with fishing piers and oceanfront picnic spots.
Explore the beaches on your own for some sunbathing, swimming, or just a relaxing shoreline stroll. When looking for Port Canaveral activities, a relaxing beach day should definitely be on your list.
Sands Space History Center
For space enthusiasts, the Sands Space History Center is a hidden gem. This museum showcases the development of America’s space program with artifacts, models, and exhibits detailing the early days of rocket launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. For those searching for Cape Canaveral attractions, this lesser-known stop is a great addition to your itinerary.
A visit here is a featured excursion when we dock in Cape Canaveral. You’ll enjoy a guided tour that will highlight some of the most notable of the 8,000 launches since 1950.
Manatee Sanctuary Park
Nature lovers will want to stop by Manatee Sanctuary Park, a peaceful retreat where visitors can spot Florida’s beloved sea cows. The park sits along the Banana River, once a vital waterway for the Ais Native Americans and early Spanish explorers. With boardwalks along the water, shaded picnic areas, and plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, it’s a fantastic spot to unwind and take in the natural beauty of the stretching coastline.
Watch for Wildlife
Cape Canaveral is more than just space and surf—it’s also a haven for wildlife. Known for it’s stunning array of wildlife, Cape Canaveral is home to hundreds of bird species, as well as dolphins, alligators, and even the occasional bobcat. You might also catch a glimpse of an otter playing in the waterways or a sea turtle making its way to the shore. Whether you’re taking a scenic boat tour or exploring on foot, wildlife sightings are almost guaranteed.
For more on coastal wildlife in the Southeast, check out our blog on what you could see while cruising.
Cruise Through Cape Canaveral with American Cruise Lines
Cape Canaveral offers the perfect mix of history, adventure, and relaxation, making it the perfect port on our Grand Florida Coast & Keys cruise. There are plenty of things to do in Port Canaveral: marvel at space exploration, soak up the sun on sandy shores, or spot local wildlife, in this exclusive destination. Experience it all with American Cruise Lines where top-tier itineraries bring you to the best of Florida’s Coast and beyond.
