2. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Access is on the same road that takes you to the Canaveral Seashore Playalinda entrance. The best time to visit here is November to March, as that’s when the bird population is at its best. There is a 9-mile unpaved road that takes you to the best birding spots. There are a number of hiking trails. The refuge visitor center is currently closed due to COVID restrictions, but the roads and trails are open. And there are even hiking tours led by refuge Rangers.

3. Kennedy Space Center

Now that the U.S. is back in the launch business, people are flocking to the beaches and causeways for the lift-off views. The best view is from along US 1 in Titusville, where you get an unobstructed view across the river. Hotels are almost impossible to get around the launch windows. There is a website that posts the launch schedule so you can be prepared.

No trip to the Space Center is complete without stopping at the Visitor’s Center. Here you can see full-scale mockups of America’s space fleet, including a Space Shuttle. There are iMax movies, a ride that simulates what the astronauts feel during lift-off, and a large gift shop. Make sure to read our article on everything you need to know about visiting Kennedy Space Center if you plan to make it a part of your trip.