A Complete Guide to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

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What is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the visitor center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Filled with delightful exhibits, attractions, and activities, the Visitor Complex offers tourists a glimpse into the world of space and technology.

The Visitor Complex is divided into five Mission Zones. Within these zones, attractions and tours are grouped by chronological era. From the inception of space exploration to current and ongoing missions, visitors get an up-close experience of the stories of humans in space. The Visitor Complex also contains historic spacecraft and memorabilia, two IMAX theaters, and a range of bus tours of the spaceport, among many other exhibits.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex | Location & Opening Hours

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kennedy space center visitor complex timings

Why You Should Visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Mission Zones at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

kennedy space center visitor complex | heroes and legends

Heroes & Legends

Get a chance to understand and celebrate the pioneers of NASA’s early space programs which inspired USA to reach for the stars.

kennedy space center visitor complex | race to the moon

Race to the Moon

Witness the size and scale of the Saturn V moon rocket while feeling the emotion of the Apollo era with a collection of experiences.

kennedy space center visitor complex | shuttle a ship like no other

Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other

Visit the permanent home of the actual Space Shuttle Atlantis. Thirty years of NASA's Space Shuttle Program is for you to experience in this mission zone.

kennedy space center visitor complex | NASA now + next

NASA Now + Next

Learn more about NASA's present day missions and what their plans for the future are in this exciting zone.

kennedy space center visitor complex | behind the gates

Behind the Gates

Step inside the official space operational facilities and launch sites of various historic missions in the past at this zone.

Must-See Attractions at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

kennedy space center visitor complex | rocket garden

Rocket Garden

This is an outdoor display of historic rockets that put Americans and satellites in space. All visitors can walk up to and around the base of the rockets. The rockets in the garden are all originals except for the Mercury-Atlas, which is a re-creation but full-scale replica.

kennedy space center visitor complex | US astronaut hall of fame

U.S. Astronaut Hall Of Fame

The US Astronaut Hall of Fame is a testament to the brave men and women that have explored space. Inside, you can find interactive exhibits, videos and artifacts honoring each inductee that celebrates their incredible accomplishments.

kennedy space center visitor complex | apollo/saturn v center

Apollo/Saturn V Center

This 100,000-square-foot facility was especially built to house a restored Saturn V launch vehicle. Visitors can also witness other exhibits related to the Apollo program. 

kennedy space center visitor complex | shuttle launch experience

Shuttle Launch Experience

Get a chance to experience a simulated shuttle launch! The Shuttle Launch experience is housed in a 44,000-square-foot building that holds four simulators that can each accommodate 44 people.

Why Was the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Established?

Kennedy space center visitor complex

As NASA's path breaking Mercury program grew in popularity, growing numbers of press and public flocked to the Kennedy Space Center to get a closer look at America’s expanding space program.

Alan Shepard’s historic suborbital launch on May 5, 1961, further caught the attention of the public and by 1963 there was a huge demand for visitors. In the same year, noticing the rise in demand, Texas Congressman Olin Teague, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Manned Space Flight, asked NASA Administrator James Webb to create a visitor program. This program eventually led to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex with all its attractions as we know it today.  

History of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in a Nutshell

  • In 1963, after NASA’s Mercury program grew in popularity and caught the attention of the public, NASA Administrator James Webb was given the responsibility to set up self-guided tours that the public could drive along a predetermined route.
  • In the first year, nearly 10,000 visitors flocked to the Kennedy Space Center to marvel at the development of the USA’s space program.
  • By 1964, more than 250,000 self-guided car tours were permitted between 1 and 4 pm. on Sundays at Kennedy Space Center.
  • In 1965, Kurt H. Debus, the director of Kennedy Space Center was given $2 million on a full-scale visitor center, covering 42 acres.
  • In 1969, as NASA neared the moon, the popularity of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex only increased. In the same year, it became the second most visited Florida attraction.
  • Between 1995 and 2007, the Kennedy Space Center visitor center went through many changes. Restaurants, retail shops, buses, and new exhibits were all renovated.
  • During this time, the visitor complex got its current name, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
  • Ever since, the facility has been entirely self-supporting and receives no taxpayer or government funding.

Things to Do at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

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kennedy space center visitor complex shopping
kennedy space center visitor complex restaurants

Book Your Kennedy Space Center Tickets & Tours

*All exhibits and attractions at the Kennedy Space Center are subject to change and tours may be altered or closed due to operational requirements or launch preparations.
Admission Tickets to Kennedy Space Center
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
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Tickets to Kennedy Space Center with Explore Tour
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
Guided Tour
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Tickets to Kennedy Space Center & Chat with an Astronaut
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
Meals Included
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Tickets to Kennedy Space Center with Round-Trip Transfers
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
10 hr.
Transfers Included
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Small Group VIP Tour of Kennedy Space Center
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
11 hr.
Guided Tour
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Q. Is it free to enter the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

A. No, you need to purchase a ticket to visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Book your tickets here.

Q. How much does it cost to enter the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

A. Kennedy Space Center tickets start from $80.25.

Q. Where can I book tickets to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

A. You can book tickets to enter the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex online. Click here to book now.

Q. Where is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex located?

A. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is located on Merritt Island, Florida.

Q. What can I see at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

A. All the attractions at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex are divided into 5 Mission Zones - Heroes & Legends, Race to the Moon, Behind the Gates, Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other, and NASA Now + Next. Each zone houses an exciting range of attractions and exhibits displaying the journey of space exploration.

Q. Are there any restaurants at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

A. Yes, there are two main restaurants at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex - the Orbit Café and the Moon Rock Café.

Q. What are some must-see attractions at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

A. Don’t miss highlight attractions like the US Astronaut Hall of Fame, the Rocket Garden, and the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and the Shuttle Launch Experience at the Visitor Complex.

Q. Why should I visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

A. The Visitor Complex at the Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit for those who love space exploration. It houses actual rockets, shuttles, memorabilia, fun exhibits, and so much more! t

Q. How long should I spend at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

A. It should take you a whole day to comfortably visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and see all its attractions.

Q. Can I bring a backpack into the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

A. Small backpacks are allowed inside the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Q. What should I wear to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

A. You will most likely be spending the whole day at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, so we suggest wearing comfortable clothes and shoes. Keep in mind that clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics is prohibited.

Q. Is visiting the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex worth it?

A. Yes the Visitor Complex at the Kennedy Space Center is an iconic destination that is a must-visit for everyone.

Q. What are the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opening hours?

A. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open from from 9 AM to 5 PM daily.

Q. Are there any guided tours of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?

A. Yes, you can book a guided tour of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for a more meaningful experience.