What to do in Port Canaveral Florida

Looking for a little help on what we can do in Florida besides going to the theme parks. We have about 16 of us traveling and we've been to the theme parks numerous times also we have been to the Kennedy space Center.

We will be there in late March on the anthem of the seas is there anything nearby The port where the ship comes in that we could take a shuttle or walk too.

Have you been to Kennedy Space Center.A great day and very interesting. Close to PC.

There are some restaurants within walking distance.

If you want to keep a group that large together, I'd look at a ship excursion.

Also try the Florida Departures forum:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=495

Don't just how easy it would be to get there, (ship may have an excursion) but Jetty Park has a nice beach with concessions and such, a little over a mile away. You'll pass it on the port side just as you enter the main channel to PC. Of course the restaurants that Bob mentioned, some of them are Grills, Fishlips, Milliken's Reef are fairly close by and may be of interest. Again not knowing what your transportation needs will be, there is always the beach related stuff down towards Cocoa Beach with places like Ron Jon's and Cocoa Beach Surf Co. which is similar to R-J's except they have a huge shark and exotic fish tank. You could always go over to the mainland to old town Cocoa, interesting shops there. All the above are pretty low key with the Mouse House, Universal, and KSC being the big ticket items.

Have you been to Kennedy Space Center.A great day and very interesting. Close to PC.

Look at the bolded...

Looking for a little help on what we can do in Florida besides going to the theme parks. We have about 16 of us traveling and we've been to the theme parks numerous times also we have been to the Kennedy space Center.

We will be there in late March on the anthem of the seas is there anything nearby The port where the ship comes in that we could take a shuttle or walk too.

OP, I suggest either going to the beach or maybe just walking around Cocoa Beach, although that's kind of a large group.

Port Canaveral is an industrial area, and as someone else mentioned, if you want to keep a large group together, do an excursion through RCI. One other option, for a nice beach day, is to take the free shuttle from the Renaissance Hotel over to Cocoa Beach, which is approx. 10 minutes away. It's been a couple of years since we did that, so I'd recommend a quick phone call to the hotel to make sure they still offer their shuttle to the port.

Ron Jon Surf shop can be a fun time. There is a mall but about 4 miles away. Really not much close by

Although you would have to take a cab,

Why not go to Fishlips for dinner on the water and relax and watch any ships that would be leaving.

Casual food, casual dress, fun music.....

Enjoy

Sea Ya

If you do not want to do that like the other poster said.

Walk around Cocoa beach, go to the go cart track,

Take bug spray, they are like "ninjas' when the sun goes down, nothing gets out without being bitten by mosquitos.

Later

Cocoa Beach Pier and the surrounding beach. Ron Jon's Surf shop.

There is excellent kayaking in that area- dolphins, manatees, etc. Many shops you can choose from.

I thought I read Jetty Park would be within walking distance since port visiting ships dock to the side there. Anyone know about this?

Thanks!

I thought I read Jetty Park would be within walking distance since port visiting ships dock to the side there. Anyone know about this?

 

Thanks!

When the ship is making a port call and docks at the outer most pier I have seen them open the gate and allow passengers to walk into Jetty Park, a very easy stroll. The OP will be on the Anthem, I'm not sure it can use that facility, more than likely the Anthem will dock at Cruise Terminal 1 which means it would be a little over a mile to Jetty Park.

Please look at this map of Port Canaveral, Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach for orientation:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?m...0.kguiZnGCjDj0

Step 1:

What is your cruise terminal? If 5, 6, or 10 then you need transport. Either a rental car shuttle or a pre-arranged ride. Cocoa Beach Shuttle is a good starting point for pre-arranged pickups. 888-taxi is available and despite some bad press about prices they are popular and efficient.

If 1, 3 or 4 then you have some activities within walking distance:

1. Jetty Park (FREE) for a beach/suntan. Very scenic area and very nice beach.http://www.jettyparkbeachandcampground.com/

2. Beach bus stop – For $1.25 one-way, the local beach bus will take you to Cocoa Beach (Shepard Park for Ron Jon area) or within walking distance of the famous Cocoa Beach Pier (use Publix Stop). About 30 minutes to these stops.http://www.ridescat.com/

3. The Cove at the Port – All the famous restaurants (Millikens, Rusty’s, Fishlips, Grills) http://visitportcanaveral.com/

4. The Exploration Tower – A bit expensive ($6.50+tax) but interesting info about the port with games for kids and 360 degree view from the 7th floor. http://www.explorationtower.com/

5. Helicopter and biplane rides - http://www.floridaairtours.com/ the chopper is right there behind terminal 2.

Step 2:

So you want to explore further afield in private and not using a shore excursion?

Rental Cars:

Unless you just want a simple single visit somewhere in Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach, I think the best option is to rent a car for the day. Start price-shopping with Payless (within walking distance of terminals 3 & 4) but all offer port shuttles. To avoid boring waiting time with kids in tow, I suggest that one adult go early to get the car then come back to pick the family!

Please know some of the popular rental car companies share shuttles and offices. See the map above for locations and pictures of their shuttles for easier identification.

I am working on an 8-hour itinerary around the area for self-drive cruisers! Stay tuned…

Shuttles:

If you do not want to drive or use the public beach bus, then shuttle/taxi services are available. 888-taxi -http://cab888.com/ has a port contract with hail privileges whereas others have to pay port entry fees ($5 or more depending on vehicle size, I believe) which add to the costs. So while other companies may offer cheaper per mile or metered rates, it is best to compare them with 888-taxi before booking. They will all be busy so it is best if you call ahead.

Here is a list of the shuttles I see most often in the area: Cocoa Beach Shuttle - http://www.cbshuttle.com, Beach Line -http://www.beachlineshuttle.net, Space Port - http://spaceporttransport.com/ , Hoo Ha taxi – (321) 749 3232, etc.

Expect to pay around $20 for two people for a one-way trip to Ron Jon Surf shop for example.

Kennedy Space Center:

One of the most popular shore excursions. I always see a line of KSC buses waiting on each ship! So you can expect a crowded day at KSC. There are ways to manage your day in order to avoid lines at the top attractions – I am planning to write it up in a separate note.

A private return shuttle to Kennedy Space Center averages between $80 and $120 roundtrip for 2 people (total) plus 20% tip. If you self-drive, the parking costs are $10.

Beach:

During winter months and if Port Canaveral is the first stop when sailing from NY for example, the beach is what a lot of people want! I totally understand and highly recommend to walk over to Jetty Park. The beach there is wide with some wave action and life guards are on duty. You can rent chairs and umbrellas and some beach toys (beach chair/umbrella rentals for 2 people are about $15 a day). The beach café is pretty good too! http://www.jettyparkbeachandcampground.com/

If you want to go to the beach near restaurants/bars, try the Cocoa Beach Pier area - http://www.cocoabeachpier.com/ or further down near Coconuts on the Beach. Cruise ship shore excursions go to Shepard beach (near Ron Jon) so do not go there if you want to avoid your fellow passengers!

The SCAT public transport is cheap and easy (30 minutes) down to the Pier and Ron Jon areas. There are several areas (and companies) for learning how to surf, paddleboard, etc. I know the kids love the surfing lessons so please consider that but do be aware the water is cold in winter and I recommend you use a surf school that supply wetsuits.

Activities (Orlando area):

I understand the attraction but it is tough for me to recommend a whirlwind bus or private tour of any of the Orlando theme parks. It is almost impossible to experience the parks in a long day, so a half-day trip is pretty intense! Ride lines will be long, it may be very hot, the transfers take at least an hour each way and it is very expensive for what you can achieve on such a rushed excursion.

It may be best to rent a car and visit just Downtown Disney (a free Disney-like experience but be aware it is mostly restaurants and shops) and perhaps a lesser-known place like Gatorland. I will think more about this and perhaps write a separate note about Orlando options.

Activities (other than Orlando and Kennedy Space Center):

The best activities around Port Canaveral are beach or nature-based but there are very good museums too. Manatees, gators, airboats, learn to surf, kayak, hike, etc. are on offer. Airboats are a lot of noisy fun!

Pre-arrangements/bookings are crucial.

Disclaimer - I do not endorse any of the companies/establishments listed and I have no relationship (personal or business) with them. My list is just a starting point of different activities so please do your own research! However, we’ve had have positive experiences with many of the listings below and are constantly trying new ones!

a) Sunward Tours - http://www.sunwardtours.com They can arrange just about any activity

b) FunDay Tours - https://www.facebook.com/funday.tours Work primarily with pre-formed groups such as shore trips but check them out anyway

c) Segway Tours - http://spacecoastsegwaytours.com/ will guide you around the port

d) Airboat rides – There are several but most shore excursions go to Midway - http://www.airboatridesatmidway.com/ or Lone Cabbage - http://www.twisterairboatrides.com/ . To get away from the crowds, try Grasshopper -http://www.airboatecotours.com/ , Old Fashioned Airboat Rides - http://airboatrides.com or Switchgrass -http://switchgrassoutfitters.com

e) Kayaking to see manatees and wildlife - Adventure Kayak - http://kayakcocoabeach.com/, Fin Expeditions -http://www.finexpeditions.com for Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands. Also Calypso - http://calypsokayaking.com at Manatee Cove not far from Kennedy Space Center. Note – from November to March the Manatees prefer warmer water in other areas and may not be seen regularly around Canaveral.

f) Learn to Surf. Cocoa Beach Surf Company - http://cocoabeachsurf.com/surf_lessons_camp.html or Ron Jonhttp://www.ronjonsurfschool.com are solid representatives of the surf school companies

g) Air Force Space and Missile History Center – http://www.afspacemuseum.org/historycenter/ The history of the launch areas around Canaveral. Very informative.

h) Warbird Museum – http://www.vacwarbirds.net/ If you love aviation then this is the place to go. Lovingly maintained by volunteers (mostly ex-armed forces). It is an amazing museum.

i) Police Hall of Fame – http://www.aphf.org/museum.html More interesting than most expect. Various exhibits of the history of major crime as well as impressive though very sad memorial.

j) Astronaut Hall of Fame - https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/t...l-of-fame.aspx is part of the Kennedy Space Center experience but in a different location.

k) Brevard Zoo and Treetop Trek - https://brevardzoo.org/

l) Shopping - Dinosaur Store and Museum - http://dinosaurstore.com/ and Ron Jon Surf Shop -http://www.ronjonsurfshop.com/ Fun for kids old and young!

m) Wildlife Parks - Jungle Adventures – http://www.jungleadventures.com - An old-time Florida animal park. Not fancy but friendly and interesting. Larger than Expected. Shore excursions often combine the Jungle and a Midway Airboat ride in the same package.

n) Boat rides on the Banana River to see wildlife including manatees (not many around during Nov and Apr). Start with Island Boat Lines - http://www.islandboatlines.com/ and also Wild Side Tours http://wildsidetours.com/

o) Forever Florida - http://foreverflorida.com a really adventurous safari with swamp buggy rides, ziplines, etc! A bit far unless you have car.

p) Cocoa Beach Skatepark - http://cocoabeachskatepark.com/ Certainly unusual for cruisers but a seriously fun and safe skatepark for the cool kids in your family if they packed skate boards! Open at 4pm during school days so plan accordingly so they can skate for 2 hours or so before returning to your ship.

q) Brewery – Florida Beer Company - https://www.facebook.com/FloridaBeerCompany a very good tour and tasting arrangement! Close to the Port.

r) Sightseeing – Some cruisers prefer more leisurely excursions and most ships offer affordable hourly hop-on, hop-off bus trips to Cocoa Beach and Cocoa Village. Passengers can explore the areas on foot and return to the ship when they want. The beach buses stop between Ron Jon Surf Shop and Shepard Park in Cocoa Beach (for a typical East Coast Florida beach and surf experience). From there they offer constant bus shuttles to the north end of Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village (for a historic downtown experience). You can easily do the same in private using a rental car or taxis/shuttles (watch the costs though). SCAT buses (Route 9 and the 520 connector) will be cheapest but will take much longer.

I thought I read Jetty Park would be within walking distance since port visiting ships dock to the side there. Anyone know about this?

 

Thanks!

I agree with Bill, it would be a long walk to Jetty Park from terminal 1.

Although Port Canaveral has industrial areas, there is a lovely street with restaurants and shops called the Cove adjacent to Cruise Terminal 1 where you will most likely be docked. Exploration Tower, a multi-story structure (with an amazing view from the top floor) has museum type exhibits and kiosks about past and present local items. You can google it for more information. There are also Segway tours, an ecological sightseeing tour boat, and the free Air Force a Space Museum on the north side of the Port that is pretty cool if you are interested in the history of the Air Force Space Program. It also has a nice gift shop. As others have mentioned, there is also Jetty Park, the Cocoa Beach Pier, the famous Surf Shops within easy walking distance of Shepard's Park beach, restaurants, bars, etc. also downtown Cocoa Beach has a couple of beachfront restaurant/bars and lots of little shops, etc. Don't forget the air boat rides about 25 minutes from PC where you travel along the St Johns River and are almost guaranteed to see lots of wildlife including alligators basking in the sun.

Hope that helps and you enjoy your Port of Call visit.

Capt bj has some great ideas. A lot of those we do and we live here. The airboat rides would be great you get to see alligators in their habitat

 

q) Brewery – Florida Beer Company - https://www.facebook.com/FloridaBeerCompany a very good tour and tasting arrangement! Close to the Port.

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We are interested in doing the brewery tour. How far of a walk is it or would cabs be readily available when leaving the tour?