A trip to Kennedy Space Center isn’t complete without a stop at one of the many beaches that Florida is known for. Whether you just have a day, or a whole weekend, there are several family friendly beaches close enough to Kennedy Space Center to enjoy some sun and sand.
The Space Coast actually has several different types of beaches, all better for one type of recreation over another, so get in the car and head out to find the beach that the whole family can enjoy. Find out what the family wants to do most, sunbathe on an empty beach, go fishing or watch other fishermen reel in their catch, ride some waves or check out wildlife that you might see at the beach and then pick from the best of the family friendly beaches listed here.
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is famous for being an all around destination, and it has really done a great job catering to families. The beach is busy, but there are a lot of family friendly facilities– restrooms, bath houses, water pumps for rinsing, beach restaurants, surf shops and kid and family based businesses.
Choose Cocoa Beach if you are looking for a destination that is nearby to hotels and resorts and where you can easily go and come to the beach to take care of the kids when they have had enough of the sand. There are enough dining and snack options along this stretch to keep everyone satisfied if you decide to make a whole day of it.
Cape Canaveral National Seashore
If you are looking for something that is a little more secluded and offers a chance for the kids to explore and learn about the unique coastal environment, Cape Canaveral National Seashore is the destination for you. There is only one entrance to the Seashore, down through New Smyrna, and once you enter the park you will be able to enjoy miles and miles of barely inhabited beaches– unless you count the wildlife.
Stop in the ranger station before parking at one of the marked beach stops and let children explore the types of animals and fish they might see throughout the day. You cannot use the seashore here like you would at Cocoa Beach, but you can walk the sand for miles and have it all to yourself in one of the cleanest, pristine beaches left in the United States.
Jetty Park at Port Canaveral
Jetty Park at Port Canaveral is a family recreation park for those families that are looking to have a more active time at the beach. Everyone from around the Orlando area comes here to fish, swim and boat when they have the time. Easy to access and with facilities that are meant to make your time spent here easier, you can pack a picnic and leave the car behind.
Jetty Park Beach and Campground, yes you can make an overnight trip out of your visit and camp at the beach, does charge a small fee per car for day visitors, but this helps cover the cost of the upkeep and keeps facilities like restrooms and bathhouses open to all. The newest addition to the beach includes beach cabins that you can rent out by the day or the week, and sleeps several.
With so much to do in the Space Coast, how can you resist? Has your family visited the Space Coast?
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