perchy

Joyce, Jetty Park would be a great way to spend some time at the beach AND see the launch. Expect traffic to be very heavy the closer to launch time. If you plan to spend time at the beach, it's a good way to kill a few hours of time prior to the launch.

luv, you can see the launch from Orlando, but it's hardly as spectacular vs. when viewed from the coast.

The area on US 1 by a McDonalds across the river from the launch pad is another excellent location that might prove an easier "escape" from traffic afterward.

The Canaveral Locks is also a good spot...some locals go there.

You won't go wrong anywhere on the coast, really -- not on launch day.

JoyceL

Would the view from Jetty Park be better than the view from the Space Center's Visitor's Center? The Visitor Center is closer, but has trees blocking the shuttle's initial ascent. I am wondering whether this is also true for the Jetty Park view.

wsoxrebel

The last time we saw a launch was a night one and it was majestic. Your comments make me want to show the younger family members.

Since things are so much tighter security-wise since then, please direct me to where/whom I can find out more info on winter launchings (when we'll be there next)?

ccolor

wsoxrebel:

Here's the website for Kennedy Space Center - it has lists of all the upcoming launches.

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/home/index.html

dsquared

Joyce, I asked a few friends who've lived in the area for 30 years or more (and some of whom worked at KSC). They all said do the Visitors Center. You'll actually feel the launch from there (the ground shakes) and get a good view.

wsoxrebel, remember that launch dates are highly likely to change - especially as NASA is working out safety issues at this time.

tanda1960

I watched a shuttle launch many years ago from Jetty Park. I was sort of disappointed. You're not really close enough to feel the ground shake and the roar of the liftoff is pretty muted from that distance. And no, you don't see the initial liftoff, you have to wait for it to clear the tree line.

I don't know how early you would need to be there to get into the park, I went for a 7am liftoff and we got there sometime around 1am and there was a pretty good line to get in.

I've never seen another launch up close, so I have nothing to compare it to. But if you really want the best experience possible, I would say try to get into the Visitor's Center. But if you just want to see the shuttle to say you saw it, head down south of 520 to Lori Wilson Park, plenty of parking spaces and room to hang out on the beach. If the launch is scrubbed, you'll have a decent day at the beach, if it goes off, you'll still be able to see it.

JoyceL

Thanks for the information. This is all very helpful.

Kaymit

this message is for DS who lives in the Cocoa Beach area.

This is a little off the subject but my husband and I are moving to the Cocoa Beach area next month. I was wondering if you had any local insider tips for us to help us make the movie easier. We are moving from Texas so are used ot high humidity.

You can email me directly at [email protected]

Thanks

Kay

dsquared

Kay, I'll email you tonight.

And it's a good thing you're used to humidity. ;-)

LeighB

Hey dsquared... I apologize for getting off topic a bit! I am trying to plan a trip down there for the August launch of Atlantis. Unlike Joyce, a friend and I are going specifically to see the launch. Tentative window opens on 8/28. We are planning to get down there the day before and have a hotel booked for a full week, in case of slips. Can you suggest a hotel/motel/rental in the Cocoa/Canaveral area? We're trying to do this trip on a budget, but want something relatively nice if we're staying for a week! THANKS!!!

dsquared

Leigh, what type of hotel are you looking for? Cocoa beach has everything from the usual chains, to mom-n-pops, to B&B's. Since you're staying for a week, you might want to look at vrbo.com for a weekly rental. Check Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral.

LeighB

Thanks for answering dsquared!
We don't care if it's a hotel/motel/B&B/vacation rental... Just something that's clean, in a good location and relatively inexpensive (preferably under $100 a night). I've read some mixed reviews about most hotels in Titusville and surrounding areas. We just want something basic but nice! I will check out the website you mentioned and will take any advice you might have on other places! Thanks soooo much!!!

dsquared

At $100 per night, you should be able to get some of the chain hotels; the Best Western Oceanfront gets good reviews. The Days Inn would be in that range but it is actually not oceanfront - it's a short walk to the beach. Mom and Pops include: Wakulla Suites, Beach Island, Beach Place, or Luna Sea (which is across the main road from the beach).

Many, many snowbirds who own condos here rent them thru vrbo or local realtors during the summer. You should be able to get one for $600-800 a week.

And my usual word of caution for anyone who's coming to a launch: watch the NASA website closely for info; launch dates change all the time.

If you need any restaurant recs, just let me know.