Being just a short drive from crowd-drawing beaches, exotic wildlife, and unique museums, Cape Canaveral is the perfect day trip from Orlando. To help make your trip to Florida’s Space Coast be truly out of this world, we created the local guide you’ll want to keep handy all summer.
Ready to have some fun in the sun? Keep scrolling for the top things to do in Cape Canaveral!
If you find yourself thinking, “Today is a great day for a boat ride,” then it’s time to set sail with Sail Cocoa Beach. Hop aboard their 41′ catamaran for a daytime or sunset cruise where you’ll have the chance to sail the beautiful waters of Cape Canaveral. Bring binoculars, for this is your chance to spot exotic wildlife like dolphins! We also recommend bringing your friends, family, and camera—you’re guaranteed to come across some views you’ll want to remember forever.
Hours & Location:
Monday | 10AM—6PM
Tuesday | 10AM—6PM
Wednesday | 10AM—6PM
Thursday | 10AM—6PM
Friday | 10AM—6PM
Saturday | 10AM—6PM
Sunday | 10AM—6PM
📷: Oceanside Distillery Cape Canaveral
Your dream beach day might not actually involve the beach, and that’s okay. If you’re looking to trade the sun and sand for drinks, the Oceanside Distillery Cape Canaveral needs to be at the top of your must-try list. Their cocktails are unlike any other—if you’re not sure which one to start with, we recommend trying out their crowd favorite, the Toasted Coconut Cocktail.
Their secret is in the premium, locally distilled liquor. If you’re curious about how distillation works, they offer tours with industry experts where you can learn all about the behind-the-scenes process! There may or may not be samples involved…but visit their website to learn about pricing and available tour dates!
Hours & Location:
Monday | Closed
Tuesday | Closed
Wednesday | 3PM—8PM
Thursday | 3PM—8PM
Friday | 2PM—9PM
Saturday | 2PM—9PM
Sunday | 1PM—6PM
📷: A1A Beach Rentals & Outdoor Center
A1A Beach Rentals & Outdoor Center is making the beach fun for everyone! Want to ride bicycles down the coastline? They’ve got them. Want to test out your surfing skills? Ride a wave on one of their surfboard rentals. At this bright rental center, you’ll be able to find all the equipment needed to make your dream beach day a reality. Truly some of the best things to do in Cape Canaveral—and it’s all in one place!
Hours & Location:
Monday | 9AM—5PM
Tuesday | 9AM—5PM
Wednesday | 9AM—5PM
Thursday | 9AM—5PM
Friday | 9AM—5PM
Saturday | 9AM—5PM
Sunday | 9AM—5PM
Canaveral Wildlife Tours offers not one, not two, but four tour options—which means no matter your interests, there’s guaranteed to be a tour perfect for you.
Take part in their Lighthouse & Spaceflight Tour, Wildlife Driving Group Tour, Wildlife Kayaking Tour, or their fully immersive Airboat Ride Tour. Whether you’re looking to stay on land or take this excursion off-shore, you’re sure to have a hassle-free and incredibly fun experience!
The tours book out fairly quickly, so visit their website to view availability and pricing!
Hours & Location:
Monday | Closed
Tuesday | 8AM—6PM
Wednesday | 8AM—6PM
Thursday | 8AM—6PM
Friday | 8AM—6PM
Saturday | 8AM—6PM
Sunday | Closed
Take your Cape Canaveral day trip to new heights, literally, with one of our favorite things to do in Cape Canaveral. Cocoa Beach Parasail gives its fliers the opportunity to explore Florida’s beautiful coastline from 500 feet ($89) or 1000 feet ($99) above. No matter which you choose, make sure to keep an eye out for wildlife like dolphins and manatees.
The best part? Their crew will help document your parasailing adventure by snapping pictures you’ll want to share all over social media.
Hours & Location:
Monday | 9AM—4PM
Tuesday | 9AM—4PM
Wednesday | 9AM—4PM
Thursday | 9AM—4PM
Friday | 9AM—4PM
Saturday | 9AM—4PM
Sunday | 9AM—4PM
Follow the yellow brick road to Cape Canaveral’s most unique tourist attraction.
For only $29.99/adult and $14.99/child, The Wizard of Oz Museum will fully transport you into the World of Oz. With immersive exhibits, movie memorabilia, and the oldest edition of the book, it’s the perfect rainy day activity that all ages are guaranteed to enjoy. There are over 2000 items of memorabilia, so make sure your ruby slippers are strapped on tight because it’s going to be a long journey down the yellow brick road!
Hours & Location:
Monday | 8AM—5PM
Tuesday | 8AM—5PM
Wednesday | 8AM—5PM
Thursday | 8AM—5PM
Friday | 8AM—5PM
Saturday | 8AM—5PM
Sunday | 8AM—5PM
📷: Tiki Cruises
Last on our list of things to do in Cape Canaveral is a tiki cruise! Grab your friends, family, and pets and join Cap’n Dave aboard the Liki Tiki—a sailing tiki hut for up to six people. The views are great and the company will be even greater.
You can rent the Tiki Cruises by the hour for $25/hour per person or choose to set sail for an entire day filled with dolphin watching, grilling, and drinking. Keep in mind this cruise is BYOB, so if you plan on drinking, pack a cooler!
Hours & Location:
Check out their website for rental times.
Ready to have some fun in the sun with these top things to do in Cape Canaveral? We don’t blame you. Pack up your car and take us along for the ride by following us on Instagram @StuffToDoInOrlando and tagging us in all your coastal adventures!
Storyteller and lover of people. Michigan-born, Florida-living....