Destination Space Coast Florida

Canaveral National Seashore

The Canaveral National Seashore is home to the longest expanse of pristine shoreline in Florida. The seashore is home to threatened animals such as sea turtles, who nest on its shores. Visitors can swim in the ocean, fish in the lagoon or stroll down a wooded trail. 62 miles/70 minutes from Orlando

Ocala National Forest

Ocala is the southernmost forest in the continental United states and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. Home to more than 600 lakes, rivers and springs, this National Forest contains some of the finest and clearest springs in the United States. Visitors can swim, snorkel and dive in these crystalline waters year-round. 70 miles/90 minutes from Orlando

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

Comprised of over 31,000 acres of saltwater bays, estuaries and brackish marshes at the mouth of the Chassahowitzka River, the refuge is home to over 250 species of birds, over 50 species of reptiles and amphibians and at least 25 different species of mammals, including the endangered West Indian Manatee. 100 miles/120 minutes from Orlando

The Air Force Space and Missile Museum

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station preserves both the hardware and the spirit of the United States' venture into space. Visitors have the opportunity to view displays of numerous missiles, rockets and related space equipment. The museum highlights the Air Force as a major participant in America's space program and emphasizes activities at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station beginning in the early 1950s and continuing today. 60 miles/60 minutes from Orlando

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Containing a wide variety of habitats including coastal dunes, freshwater impoundments, saltwater estuaries and marshes, all of which provide habitat for more than 1,500 species of plants and animals. Many recreational activities such as bird and wildlife observation, the Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, manatee observation deck, fishing and hunting, boating and paddling are available. Participate in the annual Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, the largest festival of its kind in the United States. 46 miles/55 minutes from Orlando

Orange County Regional History Center

Making history relevant, interesting and fun are the goals of the Orange Country Regional History Center. Showcasing vast collections of the Historical Society of Central Florida Inc., the museum features three floors of permanent exhibitions and also presents nationally important limited-run exhibitions. The museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and was accredited by the American Association of Museums, which is the highest honer a museum can receive. In Orlando

The Mennello Museum of American Art

The Mennello Museum collects, preserves, exhibits and elucidates the art of the United States from a variety of time periods and genres. With a collection that emphasizes national and local culture, the museum is situated on a beautiful lake in the cultural Loch Haven park in Orlando. The museum grounds are also home to a beautiful biking and hiking trail that surround Lake Formosa and lets visitors view the extensive sculpture garden as they pass. In Orlando

The Museum of Arts and Sciences at Daytona Beach

Best known for its definitive collection of Cuban art, acquired in 1956 when Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista donated his private collection to the city, the collection is the largest of its kind outside of Cuba. The permanent collection also includes American fine and decorative art from 1640-1920, Chinese art, African cultural objects and prehistory of Florida which includes the skeleton of a 13-foot-tall, 130,000-year-old giant ground sloth. 55 miles/53 minutes from Orlando

The Polk Museum of Art

Striving to create excitement, curiosity and an appreciation for the arts through community engagement and by looking, listening and doing. The museum's collections span five continents, including European and American Decorative Arts, Pre-Columbian, Asian, African and Folk Art. A sculpture garden provides an additional sensory experience. 55 miles/52 minutes from Orlando

St. Lucie South

Located on the St. Lucie Canal portion of the Okeechobee Water, St. Lucie South is the perfect camping location with the tropical atmosphere and lush vegetation. Aside from camping, other activities here include fishing, picnicking, boating and enjoyment of the quiet surroundings. The campground offers 9 RV/tent sites and 8 boat campsites. 140 miles/70 minutes from Orlando

Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge

Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge stretches across 20.5 miles between Melbourne Beach and Wabasso Beach. The refuge was established in 1991 and was named after the late Dr. Archie Carr, Jr., in honor of his extraordinary contribution to sea turtle conservation. Refuge highlights include the Barrier Island Sanctuary Management and Education Center, sea turtle watch programs, hiking trails, beach access and saltwater fishing. 88 miles/100 minutes from Orlando

Castillo De San Marcos National Monument

The oldest existing permanent seacoast fortification in the continental United States. The present star-shaped fort, surrounding moat and earthworks were constructed from 1672 to 1756 to protect Spanish territory in Florida and shipping routes along the coast. 105 miles/110 minutes from Orlando

Did You Know?

Astronaut Joe Acaba recently chose to take Smokey Bear on a space flight to the International Space Station! Smokey Bear has been educating people to prevent human-caused wildfires since 1944 and serves as the nation's symbol for wildfire prevention.