Plan Your Visit to Kennedy Space Center | Location, Things to Do & More
The Kennedy Space Center in Florida is one of the most exciting places to visit for children and adults alike. One of the ten field centers of NASA, Kennedy Space Center is crucial to the USA's space program but is also a highlight tourist attraction. The visitor complex at Kennedy Space Center has a range of educational and entertaining attractions that offer you a rare glimpse into the world of space, science and technology. Read on to find the best way to plan your visit to the Kennedy Space Center.
Kennedy Space Center Opening Hours
Monday - Sunday : 9 AM - 5 PM
Visit duration: A day to ensure you see all attractions, 2 hours on a bus tour
Entry to the visitor complex ends one hour before closing time. Due to COVID-19, the Kennedy Space Center has altered its opening hours to allow more time for cleaning and sanitizing to ensure all visitors have a safe experience. Ensure you plan your visit to the Kennedy Space Center accordingly.
Kennedy Space Center Location
Address: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, USA
It is located extremely close to Orlando and Daytona Beach. The Kennedy Space Center is located on federal property and all visitors must adhere to speed limits as traffic violations will result in heavy fines. Follow the rules to ensure a hassle-free visit to the Kennedy Space Center.
Kennedy Space Center LocationGetting to Kennedy Space Center
No public transportation is available to the visitor complex at Kennedy Space Center.
Drive
- You can drive to the visitor complex in a private vehicle.
- Parking facilities are available at the Kennedy Space Center visitor complex.
- The nearest airport is Melbourne (MLB) Airport which is a 51 minute drive from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Bus
- The nearest bus stops to the Kennedy Space Center visitor complex are Cargo Road And Cargo Slip Road.
- They are both a 12 minute walk from the visitor complex.
GPS Coordinates
- The exact GPS coordinates to the Kennedy Space Center visitor complex are 28o30'56.0"N and 80o40'54"W.
- Locate with GPS devices the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
- Ensure you do not use Kennedy Space Center as you will be directed to an incorrect location.
Parking Facilities
- The visitor complex at Kennedy Space Center allows motorcycles, automobiles and oversized vehicles such as RVs.
- The parking fees will be collected at the entrance to the lot.
- Visitors with disabilities can park their vehicles in Lot 2 with a valid parking permit.
- Rideshare and taxi drop offs are permitted in Lot 4 with the appropriate proof of fare.
- If you are an annual passholder, you will receive complimentary parking.
- Those with multi-day tickets will receive one complimentary parking voucher.
- You can access parking 30 minutes before the complex opens.
Parking Rates
Motorcycles - $5.00
Automobiles - $10.00
Oversized vehicles, motor homes or RVs - $15.00
Accessibility
- The Kennedy Space Center is wheelchair accessible and you can rent a wheelchair on the premises for $10.
- All tour buses are equipped with wheelchair and scooter-accessible lifts.
- Theater access to IMAX has wheelchair-accessible lifts to upper seating locations.
- Guests with autism and/or hearing sensitivity can access noise reduction earmuffs.
- Restrooms are accessible for visitors with disabilities.
- Service animals are permitted inside the premises.
Things to do at Kennedy Space Center
Attractions
Kennedy Space Center has a range of top attractions that are both exciting and educational. Some of the major attractions at Kennedy Space center include Rocket Garden, U.S Astronaut Hall of Fame, Apollo/Saturn V Center, Space Shuttle Atlantis and many more.
Shopping
If you're looking to collect some space memorabilia to keep as souvenirs during your unforgettable trip, you can head to the 'The Space Shop', 'The Right Stuff' and the online store at Kennedy Space Center.
Shop at Kennedy Space Center
Dining
Indulge in some delicious meals at Kennedy Space Center that is home to a variety of restaurants. Orbit Cafe, Moon Rock Cafe, Planet Play Lounge among others offer a range of food options for visitors to try out.
Kennedy Space Center RestaurantsThings to do Near Kennedy Space Center
- Visit Cocoa beach which is just a few minutes’ drive south of Kennedy Space Center.
- Go on a cruise at Port Canaveral which is just minutes from Kennedy Space Center. Ships set sail from this bustling port offering many ocean adventures.
- Head to Daytona Beach where you can leisurely explore the Daytona Beach Pier and the Daytona Lagoon water park.
- Go shopping for antiques that are famous in this part of Florida at stores like The Vintage Thistle in Cocoa, and Vintage Venue in Rockledge.
Visitor Tips
- Buy your tickets to the Kennedy Space Center online and in advance to ensure that you don't miss out on the experience.
- Wear comfortable footwear while visiting Kennedy Space Center because you’re going to be walking around a lot.
- All guests, including those vaccinated against COVID-19, are required to wear face coverings in all indoor locations while visiting Kennedy Space Center.
- Large coolers, luggage and other large bags are not permitted through the front gate.
- Proper attire, which includes a shirt and shoes, is required for admittance.
- Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics is prohibited.
- Costume masks of any kind are not permitted during your visit to the Kennedy Space Center.
- Food and beverages packed in small, soft-sided coolers are permitted. Glass bottles or containers are not permitted.
All Your Questions Answered About Visiting Kennedy Space Center Answered
Food and beverages packed in small, soft-sided coolers are permitted. Glass bottles or containers are not permitted.
No, you need to purchase a general admission ticket to visit all the attractions at Kennedy Space Center.
Yes, you can carry a small backpack to the Kennedy Space Center. Anything larger than a backpack will not be permitted.
Kennedy Space Center is a family-friendly destination so ensure you dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes.
You can bring food and drinks into Kennedy Space Center but larger coolers are not allowed.
There is a significant amount of walking involved during your visit to the Kennedy Space Center so it is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes.
The Kennedy Space Center is best enjoyed as a full-day experience so set aside at least 6 hours to immerse yourself in the destination.
Yes you can but flash photography is restricted.
Kennedy Space Center is located on Merritt Island, Florida.
Driving to Kennedy Space Center is usually the best option since no direct public transportation is available.
Kennedy Space Center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.