Cruise Port Canaveral Guide

Getting Around

• Walking: The cruise terminals are spread out, so walking is not ideal for getting around.
• Shuttle Services: Many hotels and cruise lines offer shuttle transportation to and from Orlando and local attractions.
• Public Transit: Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT) provides bus service in the area.
• Taxis & Rideshares: Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are available at the port.
• Car Rentals: Available at Orlando International Airport and Cape Canaveral.

Top Attractions & Activities

• Kennedy Space Center – A must-visit for space enthusiasts, featuring NASA exhibits, astronaut encounters, and rocket launches.
• Cocoa Beach – Famous for its sandy beaches, surfing, and the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier.
• Exploration Tower – A seven-story observation tower offering panoramic views of the port.
• Ron Jon Surf Shop – The world’s largest surf shop, open 24/7.
• Jetty Park – A beautiful beachfront park perfect for picnics and watching cruise ships depart.
• Manatee Sanctuary Park – A tranquil park with walking trails and a chance to spot manatees.
• Victory Casino Cruises – A casino cruise offering gaming and entertainment while sailing along the coast.
• Brevard Zoo – An interactive zoo where visitors can kayak through animal exhibits.

Monthly Weather & Events

Month	Avg Temp (°F / °C)	Weather Notes	Key Events
January	64°F / 18°C	Mild and dry	Space Coast Birding Festival
February	66°F / 19°C	Pleasant weather	Cocoa Beach Art Festival
March	70°F / 21°C	Warm and sunny	Spring Break Surf Fest
April	74°F / 23°C	Warm and dry	Sea Turtle Festival
May	78°F / 26°C	Hotter, start of rainy season	Port Canaveral Seafood Festival
June	82°F / 28°C	Hot and humid	Space Coast International Air Show
July	84°F / 29°C	Very hot, occasional storms	Fireworks Over the Harbor
August	84°F / 29°C	Peak hurricane season	Shark Week at Kennedy Space Center
September	82°F / 28°C	Hot, rainy	Fall Beer & Food Festival
October	78°F / 26°C	Cooler, pleasant	Oktoberfest Cocoa Beach
November	72°F / 22°C	Pleasant and breezy	Space Coast Marathon
December	66°F / 19°C	Warm, holiday lights	Holiday Boat Parade

Guided Tours

• Kennedy Space Center Tour | 6 hours: Explore NASA’s past, present, and future.
• Airboat Adventure Tour | 2 hours: Ride through the Florida Everglades and see alligators.
• Port Canaveral Deep Sea Fishing | 4-8 hours: Experience fishing in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Dolphin & Manatee Kayak Tour | 2 hours: Paddle through the Indian River Lagoon.
• Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour | 2.5 hours: Witness glowing waters at night.

Getting To and From Orlando International Airport (MCO)

• Distance: 45 miles (72 km) from Port Canaveral.
• Transportation Options:
  • Shuttle: Many cruise lines and hotels offer shuttle services.
  • Taxi/Rideshare: Approx. $100–$150 one-way.
  • Car Rentals: Available at MCO and in Cape Canaveral.
  • Private Transfers: Several companies offer private car services.

Accommodation Recommendations

• Luxury:
  • Ritz-Carlton Orlando – A five-star resort near Orlando attractions.
  • Port d’Hiver Bed & Breakfast – A luxurious boutique B&B by the beach.
• Mid-Range:
  • Radisson Resort at the Port – Popular for cruise travelers.
  • Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront – Beachfront hotel with ocean views.
• Budget:
  • La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach – Affordable and close to the beach.
  • Days Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach – Budget-friendly with a great location.

Shopping, Cafés & Dining

• Best Shopping Areas:
  • The Cove at Port Canaveral – A waterfront shopping and dining district with local boutiques and souvenir shops.
  • Merritt Square Mall – A mid-sized shopping mall featuring national brands, department stores, and a movie theater.
  • Historic Cocoa Village – A charming district with unique boutiques, antique shops, and artisan markets.
  • Ron Jon Surf Shop – The world’s largest surf shop, perfect for beach gear, souvenirs, and surf apparel.
• Best Cafés:
  • Juice ‘N Java Café – A cozy café serving organic coffee, smoothies, and homemade pastries.
  • Ossorio Bakery & Café – Famous for its fresh-baked croissants, wood-fired pizzas, and rich espresso drinks.
  • Café Surfinista – A surfer-themed café offering organic coffee, smoothie bowls, and fresh juices.
  • Sunrise Bread Co. – A local favorite known for its handcrafted breads, cinnamon rolls, and fair-trade coffee.
  • Seaside Café at Cocoa Beach Pier – Enjoy beachfront views with your morning coffee and pastries.
• Best Restaurants:
  • Florida’s Fresh Grill – A highly rated seafood restaurant known for its fresh fish dishes and craft cocktails.
  • The Fat Snook – A locally loved fine-dining restaurant specializing in coastal cuisine.
  • Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar – A casual seafood restaurant with waterfront views and live music.
  • Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar – A laid-back spot offering fresh seafood and tropical drinks.
  • Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill – A multi-level restaurant with a rooftop bar, seafood platters, and a fun atmosphere.
  • Coconuts on the Beach – A lively beachfront bar and grill known for its tropical cocktails and seafood platters.

Recommended Reading & Youtube Videos

• Books About Cape Canaveral, Florida:
  • “Gateway to the Stars: The History of Cape Canaveral” by Steve Norder – A detailed look at Cape Canaveral’s history and role in space exploration.
  • “Florida’s Space Coast: The Impact of Kennedy Space Center” by Ray Osborne – Chronicles the growth of the Space Coast and its influence on Florida.
  • “Exploring Florida’s Atlantic Coast” by Doug Alderson – Covers scenic coastal towns, wildlife, and outdoor activities along Florida’s Atlantic coastline.
• Youtube Videos about Cape Canaveral, Florida:
  • Best Things to do in Cocoa Beach, Florida & Port Canaveral by AikenAdventures
  • Best Things to Do Port Canaveral 2023 | What to Do When Cruising From Port Canaveral by Eat Sleep Cruise

Printable Map + More Info

Take a look at the Britannica of Cape Canaveral here.