20 Attractions to Explore Near Air Force Space and Missile Museum

Jetty Park is a great spot to enjoy beautiful sunsets and views of the Atlantic Ocean. It features over 500 feet of fishing jetty, picnic areas with shelters, a beachfront pavilion with restrooms and showers, plenty of parking, a campground for RV's, and several nature trails perfect for joggers or birders. One of the highlights of the park is its rich history - visitors can learn about its original construction as well as the repair projects conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Space Launch Delta 45 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force. CCSFS was the launch site for a number of American space exploration pioneers, including the first American earth satellite in 1958.

Port Canaveral is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. With its deep-water port and proximity to both land and sea resources, visitors can enjoy a host of activities while here. It boasts 12 world-class terminals where visitors can board their vessels and embark on any number of voyages across the globe. But the fun doesn't end at boarding a cruise ship; there are plenty of beaches, fishing spots, shopping centers and other to explore for those who would rather spend some time on land.

Cape Canaveral Light is a historic lighthouse located on Florida's east coast. First constructed and lit in 1868, the current 151-foot (46 m) lighthouse tower was relocated inland between 1893-1894.

The Wizard of Oz Museum is every fan's dream come true. Located in the heart of Central Florida, it houses an incredible assortment of memorabilia from the classic 1939 movie that continues to captivate multiple generations. Within its three stories, visitors can explore full-size sets and period costumes, see a treasure trove of rare artwork and vintage props, discover Judy Garland's original silver slippers, and even satiate their taste buds at Auntie Em's cafe.

Lori Wilson Park offers a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts. The park includes boardwalks, lookout towers and bike/walking trails that become home to different species of birds and other wildlife. Enjoying a sunny day on the beach can include strolling along the sand and soaking up the peacefulness of waves crashing onto 350 feet of crystal-clear shoreline. A highlight of this Florida beach paradise is an area for hand launch boating and fishing within Indian River Lagoon.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is located on Merritt Island, Florida, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. NASA Administrator James Webb began self-guided tours through Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and a small trailer with simple displays on card tables in 1963. About 100,000 people toured the facility that first year.

Space Shuttle Atlantis, is a major attraction that showcases the impressive achievements of the United States space programs. This unique museum and visitor center reveals the fascinating history of space exploration and everything that went into making the NASA Space Shuttle program possible. With over 60 interactive exhibits, fun educational programs, films, and simulators to explore all aspects of space exploration, visitors will experience a captivating journey through space and time.

On Merritt Island, Florida, the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame is located inside the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Heroes & Legends building. Displays the world's largest collection of astronauts' personal memorabilia

In the 1960s, Cocoa Beach began its rapid growth. As a result of the U.S. space program, there was a 1000% increase in population from 1950 to 1960. NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center is located about 24 kilometers north of town. A lot of people moved to Cocoa Beach in search of new opportunities and because of jobs related to the space program.

Located along the Indian River, there are 2 miles of boardwalk paths and trails that meander through lush seagrass beds and past kayaking access points. Visitors can take in spectacular sunset views from the beachside pavilions and fishing piers, or spend time bird watching from the several observation decks scattered throughout the park. When you’re done exploring you can stop by the concession stand for a cold beverage or snack before heading back home.

A group of natural, modified, and spoiled islands in the Banana River Lagoon are known as the Thousand Islands. Florida acquired the Thousand Islands in 1988. It leased them back to Cocoa Beach in 1991 under the condition that they are used for recreation and conservation.

Brevard Veterans Memorial Center honors the sacrifices of servicemen and women of Brevard County, Florida. The centerpiece of the Memorial Center is a Field of Honor with individual memorials representing each war veterans have served in. It also houses a library, exhibit hall and museum with artifacts and photographic displays covering veterans service from World War I to the present day. Additionally, located at Liberty Bell Park, the center holds annual ceremonies.

Cocoa Village, is a charming and eclectic cluster of stores and restaurants located by the Indian River. This hip haven offers plenty of activities for everyone in the family; the kids will love shopping at one of the unique little shops or riding the vintage carousel while parents enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many cozy cafes. Just around the corner lies nearby Cocoa Beach which offers miles of pristine coastline, excellent surfing opportunities and loads of sun-drenched fun.

At the museum are the remains of the Windover Woman, the oldest human remains found on the North American continent. Visitors can see how Native Americans lived and how Florida pioneers survived.

The Helen & Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary is a scenic oasis of serenity and beauty. It spans 15 acres of coastal uplands with wetlands, scrub jays, gopher tortoises, and other wildlife thriving amongst its tall pines, oaks and palms. Visitors to the sanctuary can explore various trails that meander through a diverse ecosystem of aquascapes, longleaf sandhill, mesic flatwoods -- as well as boardwalks and bridges that make for an docile sightseeing journey.

Gerald Arenberg founded the museum in Florida in 1960. In 1955, a drunk driver injured him in the line of duty. He always dreamed of building a memorial commemorating all law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty, those who sacrificed their lives to protect, serve, and keep the peace.

The Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum maintains and restores all types of aircraft indigenous to the world's armed forces from pre-WWII to today. The VAC has vintage aircraft and a 30,000-square-foot (2,800 m2) hangar with a restoration area.

Many locals consider Playalinda to be a popular spot for locals. In Brevard County, public nudity is prohibited by ordinance. As Playalinda Beach is within Brevard County, the nudity ordinance is enforced by county and state law enforcement officers as well as federal park rangers.

The park was established by an act of Congress on January 3, 1975, on a barrier island. More than 1,000 plant species and 310 bird species can be found in the Canaveral National Seashore.