Discover the great outdoors of Florida's Space Coast

Situated along the Atlantic, the beach communities welcome plenty of tourists, whether you’re there for an intergalactic-themed visit or not

This 10-day-old baby alligator was bravely venturing outside his family's nest near Camp Holly. This Melboure-area tour operator takes visitors along the local waterways in search of wildlife like gators, blue herons and more. Laura Shantora Nelles/Toronto Sun — This 10-day-old baby alligator was bravely venturing outside his family’s nest near Camp Holly. This Melboure-area tour operator takes visitors along the local waterways in search of wildlife like gators, blue herons and more. Laura Shantora Nelles/Toronto Sun

Even if galaxies far, far away are completely off your radar, you’ll be sure to find something you fancy in Florida’s Space Coast.

Situated along the Atlantic Ocean not far from Orlando, the beach communities welcome plenty of tourists, whether you’re there for an intergalactic-themed visit or not.

While outer space may not be my thing, being out-of-doors is, and there is a buffet of options for nature lovers in this tranquil seaside stretch.

Paddler’s paradise

If you’re game to hit the water, you can make a splash with a night-time paddle along the Banana River looking for glowing jellyfish and bioluminescence. These fascinating organisms glow the same way as fireflies and are a unique sight, although they don’t tend to photograph well, so you may want to leave the camera at home and just enjoy. (Pro-tip: Put bug spray on the bottom of your feet if you paddle barefoot, the mosquitoes are ruthless.) Our guide Ian had plenty of tidbits of information about the local area, its flora and fauna, and peppered our evening with dad jokes and tales of his encounters with stingrays and being bit by a shark — ouch.

The opportunities to get up close and personal with animals at the Brevard Zoo include feeding giraffes and kayaking around the property. Laura Shantora Nelles/Toronto Sun

Another opportunity to paddle in the Space Coast with plenty of animal sightings is the Brevard Zoo, where you can take a leisurely voyage through either the self-guided route in the Wild Florida area, or a guided tour through the Nyami Nyami River. Guide Nick gave us the low-down on an ostrich egg, some awfully noisy primates, and some background on the zoo’s giraffe herd, which can be seen from the slow-moving canal. This compact, charming zoo is also home to a turtle hospital, petting zoo (complete with Basset Hounds) and has opportunities to interact directly with the animals, including feeding the giraffes.

Say hello to plenty of critters, such as this racer snake, catching some afternoon rays near a trail at the Merritt Island Wildlife Preserve on Merritt Island, Florida. Laura Shantora Nelles/Toronto Sun

There are plenty more spots ideal for canoeing or kayaking, and a great spot to view wildlife is the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Whether on the water or hiking the trails, you’re sure to see plenty of creatures. Determined to see a turtle, I made my way from the visitor’s centre along a trail where I also encountered a racer snake, several birds, persimmon trees, and an utterly terrifying (but totally safe!) banana spider. There are also allegedly 10,000 alligators in the wildlife refuge, but I didn’t see any that day.

What the flock

The Space Coast is also an optimal spot to catch up with your feathered friends. I spotted ibis, egrets, and small blue herons in Jetty Park, and had to brake for peahens who were crossing the street while en route to Cape Canaveral.

Ship shape

While you may know Cape Canaveral from watching rockets blast off into space on TV, the area is also home to a cruise ship terminal, where giant vessels dock. If boarding a floating city is your jam, a pre- or post-cruise stay, complete with parking options at local hotels, in the Cape could give you a few days to enjoy the Space Coast. While I was in Cocoa Beach, a rocket ship did take off from the famed launched point — but it was at 3:38 a.m. when most folks are sound asleep.

Make a spiky friend at the Museum of Dinosaurs in Cocoa Beach. Laura Shantora Nelles/Toronto Sun

Museum mania

There aren't any cardboard cutouts of your boys Maverick and Goose to pose with, the volunteers at the Warbird Air Museum in Titusville, Florida will be happy to snap your pic in front of their most-popular plane, the F-14. Laura Shantora Nelles/Toronto Sun — There aren’t any cardboard cutouts of your boys Maverick and Goose to pose with, the volunteers at the Warbird Air Museum in Titusville, Florida will be happy to snap your pic in front of their most-popular plane, the F-14. Laura Shantora Nelles/Toronto Sun

Here and there

The Space Coast region is comprised of several neighbouring communities, some right along the ocean and some on the mainland, all of which have their own unique offerings. You can choose to stay in the same community the whole time and use it as a home base (I rested my head in Cocoa Beach) or try out some different locales throughout the county.

Immerse yourself in the vintage equipment at the American Space Museum in Titusville, Florida. This oft-photographed set-up was once featured in a music video. Laura Shantora Nelles/Toronto Sun

Canada's very own Roberta Bondar is featured at the American Space Museum in Titusville, Florida. Laura Shantora Nelles/Toronto Sun — Canada’s very own Roberta Bondar is featured at the American Space Museum in Titusville, Florida. Laura Shantora Nelles/Toronto Sun

Open waters

Some stunning landscapes can only be seen by water. The air boat tour at Camp Holly provides access to a magical journey through the cypress trees and Spanish moss. Laura Shantora Nelles/Toronto Sun

The Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tour is a great way to see the local lagoon dolphins (they live their whole lives in the brackish waters, instead of in the open waters of the Atlantic) and manatees frolicking in the waves. We saw many dolphins, including mamas with babies, as well as manatees.

See food

If you’re hungry for fresh seafood, the Space Coast has you covered. Top bite of the week was the tuna sandwich at Coconuts on the Beach — which comes by its name honestly, it really is on the beach. In the name of science, this former Montrealer had to try the poutine at the 4th Street Fillin’ Station. The cheese curds were breaded, and the crispy onions were a savoury touch. My only qualm was not enough gravy had reached the bottom.

The name says it all - Coconuts on the Beach really is on the beach. This Cocoa Beach resto serves up excellent seafood, like this perfectly prepared tuna sandwich. Laura Shantora Nelles/Toronto Sun — The name says it all – Coconuts on the Beach really is on the beach. This Cocoa Beach resto serves up excellent seafood, like this perfectly prepared tuna sandwich. Laura Shantora Nelles/Toronto Sun

If you’re a crab cake enthusiast, do not skip Dixie Crossroads in Titusville. The house-made tartar sauce is icing on these cakes, but the real delight here is little fritter-style balls, similar to a hush puppy, served with powdered sugar.

Rusty’s Seafood in Cape Canaveral is exactly what any seafood fan is after – fresh and perfectly accompanied. Try the fish tacos. Long Doggers Cocoa Beach also had a great seafood menu, you can even sub out any fish dish for the catch of the day.

Pop one of these corn fritters in your mouth and prepare to be amazed at Dixie Crossroads restaurant in Titusville, Florida. These crunchy, sweet, little nuggets are similar to a hush puppy. Laura Shantora Nelles/Toronto Sun

Where to stay

Everything on the Space Coast is relatively close. I stayed at the Hampton Inn in Cocoa Beach, which is easy to use as a home base and features views of the ocean, a mineral pool, and beach access.

How to get there

Hop a Porter flight from Pearson to Orlando and pick up a rental car, you’ll be at the beach in an hour.