"Space, the final frontier." These are the journeys of Freedom Rolling. Its continuing mission to explore odd tourist destinations. To seek out new states and new attractions. To boldly go where many have gone before.
OK, so Kirk and Picard we are not, but one favorite destination has to be the Space Coast of Florida. Situated between Daytona and Melbourne, the Space Coast was originally chosen in the 1950's being one of the more undeveloped eastern coasts of Florida, but now houses one of the most famous Space Force launch ranges, and attracts many enthusiasts from around the world. Spend a little time in the cities of Titusville and Cape Canaveral, where helpful locals can clue you in on the best sights and deals. Maybe catch a wave or two on the Atlantic Ocean. If fishing tickles your fancy, plenty of piers adorn this coast. If the RV or tent life is for you, then consider one of our well-enjoyed places to stay, Jetty Park in Cape Canaveral. This Florida State Park has its own beach and fishing pier, along with great views of the launch range.
If you came looking upward, then the Kennedy Space Center is the place for you to visit. The Visitor Center boasts a substantial "rocket garden" consisting of the many rockets of yesteryear, along with several exhibits and memorials, such as the Atlantis shuttle and a tribute to the fallen astronauts and potential astronauts in the line of duty. Take their bus tour into the Space Force Station, and you can see an actual Saturn V rocket, once ready to serve an emergency Skylab mission, and is now on display for visitors. Consider spending at least a couple days at Kennedy. With the pricing during our stay before the RV, we were able to get an annual subscription for the price of two entries, with all the associated perks.
If you can time your visit right, combined with a little luck, maybe you can be at the Space Coast on a launch day. Sure, you may have seen some of these from the comfort of your home, but nothing beats witnessing a launch live in person. The Kennedy Space Center offers ticket packages to view near the range, but perhaps you don't want to spend the extra money or be around so many visitors. Head back across the Indian River to Titusville, and there are several parks on the shore to give great viewing opportunities. NASA's website gives the location of several parks with free or limited fee viewing. Rotary Riverfront Park places you directly in front of Pad 39A, famously used during the Apollo days, and now serves as a base for SpaceX's high profile missions. Bring some binoculars or a telescope to see the propellant fills, ignition, and other activities across the river. Wireless usage will be jammed so you may not be able to livestream or hear a slightly delayed cast, but shout-outs to Space Scout for guiding visitors at Rotary Riverfront Park as to what's happening.
If you're going to follow your internal compass, don't burn out your fuse up there alone. Head out to the Space Coast and really explore humanity's journey to the stars.
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