Be inspired on a three-part adventure to Florida’s Space Coast, centred on the Kennedy Space Center but also including some superb nature areas and all-action Cocoa Beach.

 

Start with Cape Canaveral and visit the famous Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex, one of Florida’s must-see attractions these days, with interactive exhibits depicting decades of space exploration as well as a superb showcase for the retired Space Shuttle Atlantis.

 

Also here is the 140,000-acre nature preserve of Merritt Island State Park, where you can see a wide slice of Florida animal life – including the ever-present alligators and some of the best bird-watching in the state – on the seven-mile Black Point Wildlife Drive.

 

Port Canaveral is departure point for several major cruise operators, and, even if you’re not heading to sea, you can enjoy this larger-than-life scene from the many harbourfront restaurants of the port’s The Cove area, where you’ll also find the eye-catching new Exploration Tower, a combined museum and observation platform.

 

For the seaside component hereabouts, Cocoa Beach is the happening beachfront epi-centre, a bustling stretch of family-friendly territory focused on its iconic Pier, offering plenty of hotel and restaurant choice and the signature shopping of Ron Jon Surf Shop, a 24-hour emporium dedicated to the surfing lifestyle.

 

Be sure to visit historic Cocoa Village for a lively mix of shopping and dining, take an eco-tour to see dolphins and manatees with Island Boat Lines, go kayaking through the splendid Thousand Islands conservation area and try that Floridian speciality of an airboat ride with Airboat Rides of Midway (and their pet pig, Porkchop!).