Florida is the land of many beaches, from Key West to Miami. The state is also home to several well-known theme parks — Disney World, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Beaches and theme parks aren't the only things to see and do in Florida — a vibrant space and rocket history have its home there as well. If stargazing, learning about the planets and being obsessive about all things space enliven you, take a space-themed tour through the panhandle state with these three destinations just an hour away from Orlando.
Get ready to have an immersive space experience at Kennedy Space Center in Titusville. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has a host of attractions for visitors: an Atlantis exhibit, a children's play dome, an interactive spaceship crew cabin, an IMAX theater and even an opportunity to meet an astronaut. Starting at $50 for adults and $40 for children. Kennedy Space Center. SR 405, Titusville, Fla. 866-737-5235. kennedyspacecenter.com
One of the lesser known sites flooded with decades worth of space history, The Air Force Space & Missile Museum has been around since 1966. Two complexes are on the museum campus— Launch Complex 26 and Launch Complex 5/6 — both of which give a thorough and vivid background to the age-old background of space expeditions and the rockets which power them. An adjoining history center adds more dimension and has a gift shop to buy space-themed souvenirs. Air Force Space & Missile Museum. 191 Museum Circle, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. 321-853-9171. afspacemuseum.org
U.S. Space Walk of Fame Museum
Found in Titusville, less than 20 miles from the Kennedy Space Center, this museum holds aeronautical odds and ends. The curators of U.S. Space Walk of Fame Museum gathered photos, spacesuits and launch consoles from former spaceships still in working condition. Four galleries —Apollo, Gemini, Mercury and Shuttle — highlight other important mementos from their corresponding eras in space exploration. Beyond the museum walls is an interactive space walk. Granite and steel monuments pay homage to past and present space heroes. $10 for adults and $5 for children 13-18. U.S. Space Walk of Fame Museum. 308 Pine St., Titusville, Fla. 321-264-0434. spacewalkoffame.org
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