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The Space Coast Driving Tour 1 Day - 201 miles
City: Cocoa Beach
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Map: Cocoa Beach
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This is a great tour to Kennedy Space Center, and the beaches along the space coast. You start out from the Orlando Official Visitor Center, International Drive. Take I-4 north to exit 41. Drive east 40 miles on SR 50. Cross over I-95, and turn left onto US 1. Continue north about 4 miles then turn right onto SR 402. Your first expedition will be the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. They offer guided driving tours and walking trails, which will allow you to visit 22 different species of endangered animals. They also have canoe rentals, which can take you out to the manatees. From here you may drive east to the Cape Canaveral National Seashore and at the southern end is Playalinda Beach, where you can enjoy some swimming or surfing.
Now head back to US 1, going south for 8 miles and turn right on SR 405, which leads you into the Space Center Executive Airport. This is where the Warbird Air Museum is located. It is right here where you can view the fantastic collection of military aircraft from World War II. Next, head east and enter gate 3 at Kennedy Space Center. This brings you to the US Astronaut Hall of Fame where you can thrill to the adventure of a video space trip or flight simulator. The museum features exhibits, which have been devoted to the Gemini and Mercury astronauts. Now, on to Port Canaveral to see the cruise ships go out. Take a left onto Kennedy Parkway South and leave by gate 2. Drive 2 miles and turn left onto Bennett Causeway. You will see Cape Canaveral and Premier Cruise Lines and also the famous Disney Cruise Line. Next, drive south on SR A1A for three miles and turn right on SR 520, head west for 2 1/2 miles and cross the causeway. Here you are at Cocoa Village. You will want to park the car and walk around the narrow streets. This little village dates back to 1880 and offers around fifty little shops and restaurants. One mile from this location is the Brevard County Planetarium, which is the largest in the world, the Astronaut Memorial Hall and the Museum of History and Natural Science.
From Cocoa Village, cross over the bridge on SR 520 and Merritt Island, turn right onto SR A1A heading south to Cocoa Beach. This is a favorite beach for families and for surfers. There is a great pier with shops and restaurants. While you are in Cocoa Beach, you must visit the world famous Ron Jon Surf Shop. This outstanding Landmark is three stories tall and offers a large selection of beachwear and equipment.
Continuing on SR A1A south for 2 ½ miles, turn right on SR 518. Cross the river and turn right on Highland Avenue. This lovely suburb, Eau Gallie is home to the Brevard Museum of Art and Science. Guided tours are available during afternoon hours and are very interesting. Heading on to Melbourne, turn left on St. Clair Street and left on US 1, drive three miles to US 192. This is another historical town, which is a delight to visit. Take a rest and enjoy the many restored shops, restaurants and galleries. Concluding this tour, return to Orlando via I-4 to Kissimmee on US 192.
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