Port Canaveral attractions for a unique situation

We are traveling on the Anthem of the Seas to Port Canaveral in December and are looking for something to do. Our situation is unique in 2 ways; first,the ship is in port odd hours.- 1:00p-11:00p. The second way that our situation is unique is that my parents will be driving up from south Florida to meet us for the day so we have the freedom to go pretty much wherever we please. We were thinking of doing the space center since my husband has never been there and I haven't been there in 20 years but my father has been there loads of times so we would rather do something new.

My question is this: are there any activities in the area that anyone can recommend? Any good spots for dinner on(at) the beach?

Thanks!

We are traveling on the Anthem of the Seas to Port Canaveral in December and are looking for something to do. Our situation is unique in 2 ways; first,the ship is in port odd hours.- 1:00p-11:00p. The second way that our situation is unique is that my parents will be driving up from south Florida to meet us for the day so we have the freedom to go pretty much wherever we please. We were thinking of doing the space center since my husband has never been there and I haven't been there in 20 years but my father has been there loads of times so we would rather do something new.

 

My question is this: are there any activities in the area that anyone can recommend? Any good spots for dinner on(at) the beach?

 

Thanks!

A recent thread on the subject:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2224254

If your parents aren't too tired from the drive, head to Downtown Disney. Lots to walk around and see. Several good places for dinner. If you do go to the Space Center and return, try any of the places along the ship canal for an early dinner or sunset drinks.

Thanks. We have done Downtown Disney many times so we were planning on staying closer to port.

OK 1pm 'til 10 .... those hours are 'difficult'

the link you were provided is a very well done comprehensive list of nearly every option! but not much in the way of recommendations, huh?

Downtown Disney for your situation? No way I'd recommend a 1 hour drive each way ....

Curiously there are few 'beach side' dining options around Canaveral. Plenty of nice places to eat but they don't happen to be on the ocean beach. An exception are the places on the Cocoa Beach pier. These places have the BEST VIEW of any place you could eat in the area. The pier is under new ownership and undergoing major renovation - including the eating places - so I can not recommend from experience but the view is great ... check the web page

A little south of here is Coconuts on the Beach .... I go here occasionally and it is ON the beach. http://coconutsonthebeach.com/ not fine dining but decent food, usually entertainment, and ON THE BEACH.

In the port area I recommend GRILLS .... been here a long time and has better food than you'd expect . . http://www.grillsseafood.com/menu/

The BEST seafood would take you a bit south on A1A ... nearly to Patrick Air Force Base where you can find FAT SNOOK.

Emeril did a feature of this place recently .... it IS that good.

http://www.thefatsnook.com/#!menu/galleryPage

what else to do? That 1pm arrival is killer ....

Space Center? NO you won't get there 'til 2 at best. Wasted $$

Cocoa Village is a small area with eclectic shops and possibly right up your alley .... good for a couple of hours of low stress shopping anytime. http://visitcocoavillage.com/

even if you don't eat at the pier (I'd plan dinner at Fat S myself) it may be worth a walk out to see the ocean.

There are several companies that offer inland 'eco' boat tours which will spot Manatee and Dolphin .... these depart from several different locations and times. You need to search the topic and then look at your particular day . . . .

You MUST visit Ron Jon as there are inspection stations at the county line and at the port. One is not allowed to leave the area without having one Ron Jon branded item per group else a significant fine is awarded. HINT: buying ANYTHING gets you a branded plastic bag and typically TWO RJ stickers, satisfying the requirement for 4 groups . . .

at low tide it is a beautiful area to just walk the beach!

Heidi's is a great Jazz Club attached to Heidelberg rest'

http://heidisjazzclub.com/

a few recommendations from a local ..... or gimme a call and come over to my place and we'll burn beef on the grill poolside!

+++++++++++++

here's what I'd plan if I were you.

'rents pick us up and we drive to the Cocoa Pier .... find a place to sit at the pier and watch the beach sipping a drink and talk it up.

Head over to Cocoa Village after an hour or so and walk the shops.

Dinner at Fat Snook

Walk the beach at dusk or later .... there's a good chance you'll see sea turtles laying eggs ..... you can get to the beach nearly right across from Fat Snook . . .

this is what I'd plan . . . .

enjoy