The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Kennedy Space Center

Have you considered visiting Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida? You’re not alone! Approximately 1.5 million people visit this unique attraction every year. For anyone who loves space travel, the history of space voyages, or a different kind of adventure from the typical theme parks, Kennedy Space Center offers a day of fabulous experiences.

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In this guide to visiting Kennedy Space Center, we look at all the details you need to make your visit an exceptional one for you and your family. From entry to the best attractions, learn what you need to know, from a lifelong Floridian.

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Introduction: What is the Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is one of ten National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) field centers. It’s their primary launch center and was the operations center for the Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle programs. The Visitor Complex is 42 acres and includes five “mission zones”, different sections of KSC which allow visitors to experience the history of space exploration in a chronological manner.

Location of Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center is located on Merritt Island on Florida’s east coast. The complex sits just 15 minutes from Port Canaveral, 60 miles from Disney (~1.5 hours), 50 miles from downtown Orlando (~1 hour), and about 65 miles from Daytona Beach (~1.5 hours). It’s an easy day trip from most places in central Florida.

History of Kennedy Space Center

The history of Kennedy Space Center actually began at an adjacent facility now known as Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS). CCSFS was a military center where launch operations took place. The facility and personnel were transferred from Department of Defense to NASA in 1959 to become the Launch Operations Directorate (LOD) part of the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

In 1962, LOD was separated from MSFC to become Launch Operations Center; however, the size of the facility at Cape Canaveral was inadequate for the Saturn V rocket. NASA purchased 131 square miles of land and acquired an additional 87 square miles from Florida in 1962 and began construction of what would become Kennedy Space Center.

The Apollo program operated at KSC from 1967 to 1973. Skylab was launched from KSC in 1973, and three crewed missions went to it that year. From 1981 to 2011, the Space Shuttle program was operated from Kennedy Space Center. The facility currently serves as a launch site for the Artemis program.

Attractions at Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space Center is one of the most iconic places in the world for space exploration. It is home to some of the most advanced launch sites and rocket launch sites, including the Saturn V building. Visitors to this incredible complex can explore a variety of facilities and get an inside look at how NASA works. From interactive exhibits and educational programs to the chance to view a real rocket launch, there’s something for everyone at the Kennedy Space Center.

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Thirty-two attractions are included with daily admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. These range from behind-the-scenes tours to gardens to simulation rides. Though it’s possible to see much of KSC in one day, it really takes two days to see it all. Though I don’t consider myself a particularly avid space enthusiast, the attractions are fascinating. They invite visitors to linger and explore much like the heroes and legends of the space programs. The following are a few of our favorite attractions.

Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour

Step aboard an air-conditioned motor coach at Kennedy Space Center and experience the ultimate behind-the-scene’s tour of America’s premier space complex. The 45-minute tour takes you through restricted areas as it transports you from the main visitor center to the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

Along the way, Emily Calandrelli, host of Xploration Outer Space, guides you to view some of the exclusive areas like launch complex 39B and the Vehicle Assembly Building. You’ll also hear from local experts about NASA’s commercial partnerships and the future of space exploration.

Apollo/Saturn V Center

This incredible exhibit remains my favorite at Kennedy Space Center. The Saturn V rocket was the one used to power man to the moon and still remains the largest rocket ever flown into space. The one on display here is one of three remaining in the United States though a total of thirteen Saturn V rockets were used in the Apollo program. Exhibits and signage along the rocket explain its different sections and how the astronauts lived in it. An Apollo era film projected on the side of the rocket and daily guided tours further explain and educate as do several other exhibits in the Saturn V Center.

Apollo 8 and the Firing Room

In this historic exhibit, face the actual launch console used during the Apollo 8 mission and experience the launch of the first manned NASA mission around the moon, from countdown to the rumble felt by those on the ground when the rocket took off.

Apollo Treasure Gallery

Spacesuits, moon rocks, and other treasures from the Apollo missions. It’s all here and on display.

Space Shuttle Atlantis

The Atlantis Center exhibits begin with opening presentation in two parts. The first part briefly describes how the shuttle program began. The second part puts visitors at a shuttle launch, experiencing it much as we did the Apollo 8 launch.

At the end, as the Atlantis hovered in space in the film with it’s bay doors open, presentation morphs right into the exhibits. Lights go on and there’s the Atlantis, hanging in the middle of the building for all to see.

The Atlantis Center is just as wonderful as the Saturn V Center, but different. The big difference for me is that I grew up with the shuttle program so though it’s educational and fun, it isn’t as awe-inspiring as the Saturn V Center. Like the Saturn V Center, there are many exhibits to see here besides the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

Shuttle Launch Experience

Strap in to experience what it feels like to go through the 8 minute trip into orbit.

Astronaut Training Simulators

After experiencing this, I imagine quite a few budding astronauts chose a different life path. It’s quite extraordinary to see how astronauts live in space.

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Other Things to Do at Kennedy Space Center

Though the Saturn V Center and Atlantic Center are the two biggest exhibit buildings, there are many other things to do at Kennedy Space Center.

Stroll around the Rocket Garden where rockets from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs stand upright facing the sky. Daily guided tours provide insight into the history of these programs.

Forever Remembered honors the lives of the astronauts lost in the Challenger and Columbia tragedies.

Other exhibits include the Mars Rover Vehicle, Planet Play, and many others. When its time to fuel up, several cafes and grills offer typical theme park food such as burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders. For those of you looking for a healthier option, try Space Bowl Bistro with things like acai bowls and “build your own” savory bowls on the menu. And, of course, don’t forget to visit one of the gift shops to pick up mementos of your visit.

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Final Thoughts on Visiting Kennedy Space Center

If you haven’t made your way to the Space Coast yet, do so. You won’t be disappointed. Kennedy Space Center delivers big on education and fun and really brings to life the entire space program. It’s a wonderful experience for kids even if they don’t have a particular interest in space.

If you’re visiting Orlando and are looking for things to do besides theme parks or things to do near Orlando, KSC is a great option. There are even tours which will pick you up at your hotel and provide roundtrip transportation from Orlando to Kennedy Space Center.