Travel to Cape Canaveral

Question

Hi. We are staying in Clearwater 21st April for 5 nights. We would love to see Cape Canaveral. Just wondering if anyone had done it in one day and how they found the travelling. We will have a car. Staying closer is not an option. Thank you

Answer

Visiting Cape Canaveral from Clearwater in one day is definitely doable, but it's going to require a bit of planning since it's about a 2-hour drive each way (roughly 100–120 miles, depending on traffic and route). The round trip will take up a good portion of the day, so you’ll want to make the most of your time at Cape Canaveral itself.

Traveling to Cape Canaveral:
The drive is straightforward, primarily via I-4 East, which connects Clearwater to the Cape Canaveral area. While it’s an easy route, be prepared for potential traffic congestion, especially if you're traveling during peak times (morning or late afternoon), or around tourist-heavy seasons. Plan for some flexibility with your travel times to account for any delays.

Departure: Aim to leave early in the morning, ideally around 7:00-8:00 AM, to maximize your time at Cape Canaveral. You'll get there by mid-morning, allowing for several hours of exploration.
Drive time: Expect the drive to take around 2 hours, though it could be a bit longer depending on traffic conditions or if you're stopping along the way.
Arrival: Once you arrive, you can explore the Kennedy Space Center, which is the main attraction in Cape Canaveral. Depending on how long you spend there, you may have time to visit other nearby attractions such as the Cocoa Beach Pier or the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

What to do at Cape Canaveral:
The Kennedy Space Center is the highlight of the area and is well worth the drive. It’s a fantastic place to learn about space exploration, see real spacecraft, and watch astronaut demonstrations. If you’re short on time, here are a few things you definitely shouldn’t miss:

Space Shuttle Atlantis: This is a must-see exhibit where you can get up close to the real Atlantis shuttle.
Heroes and Legends: This exhibit celebrates the astronauts and pioneers of NASA’s space program.
Astronaut Hall of Fame: A great spot for history buffs, showcasing the achievements of the astronauts.
Rocket Garden: Outside the main building, this area is home to several iconic rockets, including the Saturn V, which is one of the most impressive sights.

Travel Time Considerations:
Keep in mind that a round-trip drive of about 4-5 hours will take up a large chunk of the day, so if you plan to stay a while at the Space Center, you may only have time for a couple of other attractions in the area. If you can, try to get an early start and spend as much time as possible at the Kennedy Space Center.

Other nearby attractions:
If you have time after visiting the Space Center, there are a few places nearby to visit. Cocoa Beach is just 15 minutes from the Kennedy Space Center and offers beautiful beaches, restaurants, and shops. The Cocoa Beach Pier is a fun stop for a stroll and some lunch with a view of the ocean.

Final Tip:
If you’re trying to fit it all into one day, be mindful of your time at each spot. A full day at the Kennedy Space Center can take up to 6-7 hours, so you'll need to balance your schedule. You can always opt to focus on the highlights of the Space Center if you're tight on time and want to include some time at the beach or other attractions in the area.

Overall, a day trip to Cape Canaveral is completely doable, just plan accordingly to make the most of the drive and your time there!