I am thinking about going to see the space shuttle launch scheduled for July 13. I do not have a ticket to view the launch from the Kennedy Space Center property. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to view the launch offsite, how far in advance of the scheduled launch to arrive at the viewing location, or any other useful tips? I'll be coming from West Palm Beach - 2 hours away with normal traffic conditions. Thanks for your suggestions! - Karen

I know of 2 places you could go. Off of 528 (Bee Line) there's Kelly Park -- off of Banana River Drive. Or you could go to Port Canaveral. There are many resturants that have a great view of the launch. I would highly suggest getting there a good couple of hours in advance as it will be packed.

I agree with White Rabbit; it will be packed. In addition to White Rabbit's suggestions, you could try Jetty Park (Port Canveral area), the beach in Cocoa Beach, or any of the parks along US 1 in Titusville. Should get a good view from any of those.

Be sure to check the launch status before you leave home. Have fun!

I was just looking this up myself...I went to the Kennedy Space Center web site and it gives you detailed directions and map info on the best viewing areas around...

I will be in Florida on 5/31/08 and would like to take advantage of the launch viewing opportunity and would like some advice.

1) It is a Saturday afternoon launch the weekend after Memorial Day so I figure there will be larger than normal crowds.

2) I will be in checking out of our condo on Siesta Key 10:00am and be heading for Venice for our last night.

3) I need to pack for the trip home the next day. Flight is from Tampa at 2:00 in the afternoon so I will need to leave by 11am to return car and such.

Now, for your suggestions. I really don't want to end our nice beach week vacation with a traffic jam so where could I get optimal viewing? It's only 2 hours across the state and I don't want to shortchange myself by pulling up 20 miles from the launch but again I don't want to sit in traffic for hours.

Thanks,
Autoeng

It's more like a 3 hour drive from Venice to Cape Canaveral. Add the traffic and you're talking more like 4-5 hours, especially for the return drive as everybody will be leaving at the same time.

Do you really need to spend the last night in Venice?

If you do, then I wouldn't bother with the launch. You would be doing a lot of driving.

Siesta Key-Venice-Cape Canaveral-Venice-Tampa

That's about 7-8 hours of driving on a good day, much more on a launch day.

If you really want to see the launch then skip Venice as your last night and book a hotel near Tampa airport. Drop off you luggage on the way to the other side. See the launch, comeback to your hotel in Tampa for the last night.

This will save at least 3 or so hours of driving.


That said, you should also pay attention to weather on the launch day. Many launches get cancelled because of weather, and many more because of mechanical. Don't ever assume the launch will happen as planned and be ready to be disappointed. I live on Siesta key and went to 2 launches and I was disappointed both times, although the second time it was rescheduled for the following day or something like it and we just stayed so I did get to see it.

If you do get lucky, you will be amazed! It's a very unique experience. Nothing else like it in the world.