Hi All,


I'm visiting Florida with my five year old. After 4 days in Orlando, I'd like to take him to the Kennedy Space Centre.

I'd prefer to move from Orlando to a hotel somewhere on the coast. I'd also like the journey from the hotel to the complex to be an hour or less.

I'm after suggestions for suitable locations/hotels.

Haven't been to this part of Florida for ten years or more and previous visits (sans kids) were altogether different propositions! I'm looking for 'child friendly' in terms of amenities and if the town had walkable restaurants/bars so much the better.

We'll be travelling in August. Budget not so important as finding a suitable place!


Thanks for any advice,
Adey

Adey, I have a related question.................how does one track launches at the Kennedy Space Center. I want to be there for one in Dec!

ps I am staying at the Sheraton in Jensen Beach but I have no idea if its closer than MCO.

I would look at hotels in Titusville or Cocoa Beach.

One example - Hampton Inn in Titusville offers free breakfast and free internet.

Given the one hour travel time requirement, you're not going to have many choices because Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is a bit isolated. Non-NonRev's suggestions of Titusville and Cocoa Beach are probably your only options.

Titusville is mostly just limited service hotels/motels. Places like Best Western, Quality Inn, Days Inn, Holiday Inn, Fairfield Inn, and Hampton Inn. Most of them are going to be right off I-95 with not much more than a pool. They would be about a 25 minute drive to KSC via NASA Parkway.

You'll find more resort-like accommodations along Cocoa Beach. Additionally, there will be more within walking distance. Keep in mind, however, that Cocoa Beach isn't as lively as South Florida or Daytona Beach. But, that's probably a good thing since you'll be with a 4-year old.

I've never stayed in Cocoa Beach, so I can't give a recommendation. Aside from independent hotels, you'll find Hilton, DoubleTree, Four Points, a Holiday Inn resort, and various other national brands. Of those, the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront is the furthest south. It's about a 40 minute drive to KSC via Courtenay Parkway (Route 3).

The KSC website has a listing of upcoming launches here (click the "Rocket Launches" filter on the left side): https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/events.aspx

Typically, they don't provide exact details until close to the date. Additionally, not all launches have public viewing. Unless it's a major launch, anything outside of the normal operating hours of KSC will not have public viewing.

Because this is rocket science, launches get postponed. A lot. Over the years, I've purchased viewing for one Space Shuttle launch and three rocket launches. But, I've never actually seen a launch because each time they were scrubbed.

The KSC policy for launches is that once you board the bus to go to the viewing site, you're ticket is considered "used" whether the launch happens or not. When it is scrubbed, you must purchase another ticket for the next attempt. (Although that sounds harsh, it makes some sense because KSC has to pay their staff to provide everything each day.)

So, even if you're lucky enough to have a launch in December, and it's not at 3am, you still may not be able to actually see it. I'm not trying to discourage you...I'm just making sure you understand what might happen.

Finally, Jensen Beach to KSC is about a two hour drive. By comparison, MCO to KSC is 50 minutes.

The Sheraton Four Points is interesting, as it has a surf shop in its lobby, complete with a shark tank. Would be interesting to a 4 year old.
The Courtyard and Hampton are basic hotels. The Hilton is the closest to a resort hotel with real beach front access and a decent pool.
I've stayed at them all. The Hilton would be a slight nod over the 4 points, as it has the direct beach access.

And the trek from Jensen Beach hotel to I-95 is quite a distance. The ride up A1A is nicer but slower.

I used to go out for shuttle launches and stayed at the Motel 6 in Cocoa Beach, and it was fine. The rooms I used to get were huge and had a mini kitchen. A block from the beach and close to restaurants and the pier. Has a nice pool.

Just so you have a different perspective on things....



You can find launch schedules here:

https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/events.aspx
And
http://www.spacearchive.info/

Hi All,


Many thanks for the thoughtful and through responses! I am always humbled by the help bestowed on me by the flyer talk community - and this time is no exception.

It seems like Cocoa Beach it is. I've stayed there twice, once in 1997 where I was fortunate to be a guest of JPL at a rocket launch and more recently when (with more luck than judgement (as writeflyguy notes) I surprised my girlfriend to a sunset launch of a Space Shuttle - back in the early 2000's.

The Hilton seems to fit my needs and I do have status with them. Was a little put off by some of the reviews I've read but I think, for the area, it's going to be fine.


Thanks again,
Adey

If you've not already booked, I'd strongly suggest New Smyrna Beach. 55 minute drive to KSC. It's one of the neatest little small towns I've come across. You are allowed to drive and park right on the sand, which is becoming more and more rare. Car access to the beach becomes free after ~4pm. Usually the attendant at the 3rd Ave ramp goes home early and leaves the gate open.

Flagler Ave is where many restaurants & shops are, Canal St is your typical Americana small town, complete with a drugstore that still has a counterbar restaurant. The restaurants in this area are amazing. The Garlic (Italian) might not be the best place for a 5 year old, but the food and atmosphere is amazing. Boondocks (Ponce Inlet) is a restaurant built on a dock. The catfish are their garbage disposal there. Order an extra plate of fries and toss one at a time over the side and watch the catfish go crazy. Quite fun and I think your 5 year old would love it. While you're there the lighthouse is just down the street. The Breakers (Flagler Ave) is a burger joint right on the beach, with a counterbar built right along the beach view. La Fiesta(Port Orange) is a bit off the beaten path on Nova Road, but easy enough to get to. Mexican food in an upscale-type atmosphere, and very good food at that.

As far as accommodation, there are tons of rentals, some mom & pop hotels. Only two chains: Best Western, Hampton Inn. I have stayed in both hotels as well. The Best Western is right on the beach, with every room overlooking the beach. They also have a restaurant which overlooks the beach. Rooms have always been clean and the rooms usually have a fridge and microwave. There's a Publix supermarket and Walgreen's drugstore and liquor store within walking distance. The Hampton Inn is on Flagler Ave, so not right on the beach, but it's the newest hotel in the area. Rooms are a definite step up from the usual Hampton Inn, clean, modern. Free breakfast too, although there are so many good & cheap breakfast places nearby that it's almost a shame to eat there.

Thanks KRSW.

I've already booked the Hilton at Cocoa Beach, so will probably remain there.

Your description of New Smyrna Beach is enticing though. We've got a week to kill after Cocoa Beach before heading to ATL so we might check it out.



Thanks again,
Adey