Interest is very high for the last 2 - STS 133-Discovery/STS134-Endeavour - shuttle launches. I would be prepared for heavy traffic (larger than past launches) if you decide to drive closer than your cocoa beach hotel. Also be ready for a possible scrub or delay in the launch (could be a couple of minutes to a couple of months). The part of the launch that can be seen with the naked eye (no-telephoto/zoom lens) is 2 - 5 mins. Take these concerns into account on your trip.
In my view, it is well worth the time and effort to view a shuttle launch. I have had the priviledge of watching 2 (nighttime from Nasa Causeway, and daytime from the KSC visitor center) and the misfortune of going to 3 launches that were scrubed or delayed. I had a wonderful time when I visited the area and I too will try to catch one of the last 2. BTW, there could also be a one more launch in the summer, STS-135-Atlantis. A friend, I once took to a launch, summed up the experience this way -

"Wow....this is where humans come to leave earth...a true spaceport"

Good luck and I hope you get to experience the launch.


Here is one more site with info:

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/...w_shuttle.html