Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Visitor center · Brevard County ·
Explore NASA's past, present & future; see rockets & Atlantis
Explore NASA's past, present & future; see rockets & Atlantis
"Set to take one step closer to returning to the moon in 2026, NASA plans to launch Artemis II here—the first crewed launch of the Artemis program, a lunar flyby—as soon as February 5, though that date is subject to change. Launches turn into communal events shared on nearby beaches, causeways, and waterfront parks. Build in extra days, since schedules can shift frequently due to weather or technical concerns and be aborted down to the last second." - Stefanie Waldek
"Located on Florida's Space Coast, where NASA launches actually happen, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex puts you right in the heart of America's space program. General admission runs around $77 for adults and $67 for children (ages three to 11), with various add-on experiences available, like the Chat With an Astronaut add-on that lets you sit down, eat, and chat with a real astronaut. The complex sits on the grounds of a working spaceport, so if you time your visit during a launch, you can watch rockets lift off from dedicated viewing areas. The retired space shuttle Atlantis steals the show here and is displayed at a 43.21-degree angle with payload bay doors open, so you can walk around. The Behind the Gates bus tour takes you to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where a 363-foot Saturn V rocket hangs horizontally overhead. For an upgraded experience, the Fly With an Astronaut program pairs small groups with a veteran NASA astronaut for behind-the-gates touring and a catered lunch." - Iona Brannon Iona Brannon Iona Brannon is a journalist with a love for food and travel. Her work has appeared in Afar, Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider, among other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Merritt Island, Florida, offers a unique experience for visitors to learn about the American space program. It allows visitors to meet retired astronauts, hear their stories, and witness the massive spacecrafts that have taken astronauts to space. The center hosts various programs, including the Astronaut Encounter and Chat With an Astronaut, where guests can interact with astronauts in intimate settings. The center also continues to host launches and is expanding with new areas like the Gantry at Launch Complex 39." - Caroline Eubanks Caroline Eubanks Caroline Eubanks is a Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel writer and the author of “This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States.” Her work has been published by Condé
"The Kennedy Space Center on the Florida route is listed as a notable stop between St. Augustine and Miami." - Skye Sherman Skye Sherman Skye Sherman is a travel writer based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Aside from traveling, she's also a pilot, scuba diver, bookworm, and fourth-generation Floridian. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Palm Beach Illustrated, Atlas Obscura, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"For those with their eyes towards the skies, there’s also the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for an insider's look outside of this world." - Travel + Leisure Editors