Starry Night, Stellar Flight: Cape Canaveral Gears Up for Spectacular SpaceX Liftoff

Cape Canaveral is experiencing a record-breaking rocket launch boom this year with large SpaceX, NASA, and Blue Origin missions lighting up the Space Coast of Florida. Whether you're new to the scene or a veteran space enthusiast, this is your one-stop guide to top viewing spots and the latest launch news.

 

Best View Points

 

Jetty Park: Offers a great view for most launches, most notably Blue Origin's New Glenn and Falcon 9 landings. The park is 5.7 miles from Pad 36 and 6.0 miles from the Falcon landing pad. Note: View of the actual liftoff of the Falcon and Atlas rockets is partially blocked by a berm, but the show after the rocket leaves the tower is great. Admission is $15 per car, reserve online in advance.

 

Playalinda Beach: Closest public site to Pad 39A launch pads (3.6 miles). Summer hours 6 a.m.–8 p.m., but typically closed for night or crew launches.

 

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Offers the optimum public viewing with live commentary, bleachers, and facility access. Premium viewing tickets required; arrive early due to heavy traffic.

 

Titusville Riverfront Parks: Max Brewer Bridge and the several parks along the Indian River offer unobstructed, public observation for launches from several pads—perfect for family and photographers alike.

 

Cocoa Beach Pier and Parks: Ideal for a relaxing beach day with rocket launch in the background.

 

Recent Launch Highlights 

Key Tips

Source: LaunchPhotography.com, Kennedy Space Center, Visitor Complex SpaceX Launch Announcements