Exploration Tower
670 Dave Nisbet Drive, Cape Canaveral, Florida
The Exploration Tower stands tall beside the Canaveral Lighthouse at Cape Canaveral. This interactive attraction was built in 2013 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Canaveral Port Authority. It hosts seven stories of exhibition and event space, including indoor and outdoor observation decks for viewing cruise ships, sunrises, and rocket launches.
A newer attraction on Florida’s Space Coast, Exploration Tower’s exhibitions showcase the diverse uses of Port Canaveral. The second floor charts the history of the port and its original ecology. The third floor hosts a state-of-the-art theater that details the port’s history. The fifth floor provides insight into the port’s logistical operations while the sixth floor is dedicated to the aeronautical and space industries. The top floor is an outdoor observation deck with panoramic views.
Photographers will want to stroll the walking trail around the tower that connects to Port Canaveral Park and viewing area for equally impressive photos from the tower’s ground level.
The 4th floor is reserved for private events, and while that won’t restrict your visit, event days may create more congestion in the tower.
There is a café and gift shop on the first floor.
There are few restaurants or shops within a short walking distance of Exploration Tower.
Exploration Tower is at 670 Dave Nisbet Drive, less than one mile (half a kilometer) from the Port Canaveral Yacht Club. The two main ways to get there are via FL-528 East to A1A South from Orlando or I-95 onto A1A South from Daytona or Miami. With either route, take George King Boulevard to Dave Nisbet Drive. There is a free parking garage across from the Exploration Tower.
Exploration Tower’s main draw is its observation decks, so if you only desire the view, arrive in the morning or evening to watch the cruise ships sail. If you want to explore all seven floors of the tower at your leisure, devote roughly 2 hours to your visit and plan for a weekday in the offseason (fall or spring) to avoid the most crowds.
With NASA and SpaceX launch pads directly across Cape Canaveral, Exploration Tower is an amazing place to view a shuttle or rocket launch. You won’t be the only visitor hoping to have an out-of-this-world experience; you’ll need to purchase tickets through Exploration Tower’s website. Make sure you leave extra time to arrive, as traffic on launch days is even more congested.
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