Kennedy Space Center Tourism

by J. Clark

Overview

Shuttle launches are regular events at the Kennedy Space Center.

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The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Cape Canaveral, Fla., offers guests the chance not only to learn about America's space program, but also to see it in action during scheduled rocket and shuttle launches.
Attractions

Top attractions at the complex include the Shuttle Launch Experience, where visitors experience a simulated space shuttle launch; the interactive Astronaut Training Experience program; two IMAX theaters showing footage shot by NASA astronauts; and question-and-answer sessions with NASA astronauts.

Tours

The visitor complex offers two additional-fee tours to the space center itself: the "NASA Up Close" tour, which brings guests up to the launch pad; and the history-themed "Cape Canaveral: Then and Now" tour.
Hours and Launches

The visitor complex is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. except Christmas and certain launch days. Tours begin at 10 a.m. and leave every 15 minutes. Advance launch tickets can be purchased online.
Lodging

If you're in the area on launch day, the Clarion Inn in nearby Titusville has a clear view of the launch pads across the Indian River. The Titusville-Cocoa Beach-Melbourne area has many other lodging options.
Dining

The Kennedy Space Center has an array of restaurants, cafes and snack bars, as well as a program that allows visitors to have lunch with a veteran NASA astronaut.

Overview