As Artemis II brings national attention back to the Space Coast, Brevard County is rolling out the welcome mat with far more to experience than the launch itself.
Beyond the launch pad, the Space Coast delivers classic attractions—from wildlife encounters to waterfront restaurants and rooftop bars with prime views—giving travelers plenty to explore once the countdown clock pauses.
Whether you’re here for a few hours or a few days, Brevard County delivers food, drinks and things to do that make watching Artemis II not just a moment — but a memorable trip.
Places to eat and drink in Brevard, with a view
Coconuts on the Beach | 2 Minutemen Cswy., Cocoa Beach
A longtime Cocoa Beach staple serving casual coastal fare such as fish tacos, burgers and tropical cocktails alongside live music and ocean views.
El Leoncito | 4280 S. Washington Ave., Titusville
The restaurant serves Mexican and Cuban comfort dishes, including tacos, enchiladas and traditional plates, and has long been popular for launch watching near Kennedy Space Center.
Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill | 610 Glen Cheek Drive, Port Canaveral
Fishlips offers a broad seafood‑forward menu featuring fresh fish, sushi, steaks and cocktails, with multiple waterfront dining levels, directly on the water.
Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar | 500 Glen Cheek Drive, Cape Canaveral
Known for its laid‑back vibe, Grills serves seafood baskets, burgers, fish tacos and tropical drinks in an open‑air setting with water views.
Pier 220 Seafood & Grill | 2 A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, Titusville
Pier 220’s menu focuses on fresh seafood, steaks and cocktails, making it one of the most popular dining destinations for launch viewing along the Indian River.
Pier 62 Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar | 401 Meade Ave., Cocoa Beach
Located on the Cocoa Beach Pier, Pier 62 serves seafood‑driven dishes and creative sandwiches, including favorites like seafood chowder and gator melts.
Rising Tide Tap & Table | 523 Glen Cheek Drive, Cape Canaveral
Rising Tide features an expansive menu with street tacos, smash burgers and stone‑baked pizzas, along with dozens of craft beers on draft.
Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar | 628 Glen Cheek Drive, Cape Canaveral
Rusty’s specializes in oysters, seafood platters and casual coastal classics, paired with waterfront views and cruise‑ship scenery.
Best places in Brevard to visit
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex | Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a global draw for space enthusiasts, and offers guests an up‑close look at the history and future of space exploration, from the Rocket Garden and Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit to opportunities to meet astronauts.
The complex is also a popular place to watch rocket launches, though visitors should check launch schedules in advance, as some events require separate tickets.
Included with daily admission, the bus tour takes guests past the massive Vehicle Assembly Building and ends at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, home to moon rocks and other historic Apollo‑era artifacts.
Brevard Zoo | 8225 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne
Recently voted No. 5 zoo in America, the zoo is home to more than 700 animals, including giraffes, rhinos, kangaroo and many more. Guests can feed some of the animals, go on kayak rides and even zipline over exhibits.
A. Duda and Sons donated the land for the zoo, which encompasses 72 acres, including about 20 acres of wetlands.
There’s also a splash area for little ones, food stations, a train ride and private guided tours.
Airboat Tours
Camp Holly, located at 6901 U.S. Highway 192 in Melbourne, offers airboat rides along the St. Johns River that provide a close‑up look at Florida’s natural landscapes.
In addition to airboat tours, the longtime destination features a tiki bar, restaurant and live music on weekends.
Farther north in Cocoa, Twister Airboat Rides at Lone Cabbage Fish Camp, located at 8199 King St., takes visitors through the St. Johns River and Lake Poinsett.
Both experiences offer opportunities to spot wildlife such as alligators, bald eagles, wild hogs and other native species.
Blackpoint Wildlife Drive | State Road 406
Located off State Road 406 (Garden Street), east of the A. Max Brewer Causeway in Titusville, this peaceful drive through Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge should please any visitors.
The 7.7‑mile, one‑way loop is popular with hikers and mountain bikers and is a favorite spot for birdwatching, though visitors often spot other wildlife along the way.
Driving the trail typically takes about 40 minutes at a relaxed pace.
Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash.
Enchanted Forest Sanctuary | 444 Columbia Blvd, Titusville
This nature sanctuary, dedicated to preservation and education, offers guided tours — visitors should check the site for current hours and availability.
The 470‑acre forest is a favorite among nature photographers, hikers and wildlife enthusiasts, with species ranging from snakes and gopher tortoises to deer and bobcats.
The area also features a diverse mix of plant life, including both temperate and subtropical species, making it a rich and varied natural setting to explore.
Amber Olesen is FLORIDA TODAY’s food and dining reporter. Reach her at [email protected]. Michelle Spitzer contributed to this story and is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA.
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