The John F. Kennedy Space Center is located on Merritt Island, near Cape Canaveral in Florida. The area east of Orlando is known as the Space Coast, and most of NASA’s space missions have launched from here. Although the Space Shuttle Program was retired by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 2011, the center remains open to visitors.
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Table of Contents
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Upon arrival at the Kennedy Space Center, it is recommended to start with a two-hour guided bus tour. You will get a firsthand look at the launch pad from which the Apollo 8 crew—the first humans to orbit the Moon—was launched into space. You will also see the Saturn V rocket, which stands 362.9 ft. The bus tour is included in the ticket price, though there is an additional charge for a guided commentary.
From Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, the Apollo 11 mission took off, carrying the Eagle lunar module, which landed on the Moon on July 20, 1969. This is where Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin stepped onto the lunar surface. The center is one of the few places in the world where you can touch a piece of moon rock. The Apollo/Saturn V Center bus tour drops you off at this area, and exploring it takes approximately an hour and a half.
In the outdoor section of Kennedy Space Center, you’ll find the Rocket Garden, a striking display of rockets that carried dozens of astronauts into space.
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What to See at Kennedy Space Center
Exploring the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit takes about two hours.
🚀 Full-Scale Model of the Atlantis Space Shuttle
The largest attraction is hard to miss—the full-scale model of the Atlantis Space Shuttle measures 184 ft. It is mounted at an angle of 43.21 degrees, with its cargo bay doors open and robotic arm extended, just as astronauts saw it in space.
The Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit includes about 60 interactive displays and simulators. You can even learn how astronauts use the bathroom in space.
🚀 Model of the Hubble Space Telescope
Near the Atlantis Shuttle, you will find a model of the Hubble Space Telescope, which has been capturing breathtaking images of space from an altitude of approximately 350 mi since April 1990. Be sure to watch the video showcasing both the successes and challenges of this iconic telescope.
The IMAX 3D theater screens a film about the Hubble Telescope and space travel every hour. Admission to the IMAX theater is included in the ticket price.
🚀 Astronauts Memorial
A touching tribute, the Astronauts Memorial honors those who lost their lives in the pursuit of space exploration. The museum displays authentic personal belongings of astronauts.
Exhibits include items such as Michael P. Anderson’s lunchbox and Rick Husband’s cowboy boots. Both astronauts perished in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster on February 1, 2003. In the adjacent gallery, you can see original components from the Challenger spacecraft, which exploded 73 seconds after launch on January 28, 1986.
The Astronauts Memorial also features the Space Mirror Memorial, a 43 ft-tall monument made of black polished granite. This massive black mirror bears the names of 24 astronauts who died during NASA missions or training.
🚀 Space Shuttle Atlantis
On the lower level of the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, you can experience the Shuttle Launch Experience attraction. In just 45 minutes, this simulation lets you feel what it’s like to be an astronaut waiting for liftoff inside a space shuttle. It’s an incredible experience, but be prepared for long lines.
🚀 Meet an Astronaut
Dedicated space enthusiasts can attend a meet-and-greet with an astronaut. Many astronauts visit the center regularly, so be sure to check the schedule. You can also opt for a special lunch event with an astronaut, where you can freely ask questions and engage in conversation.
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Fun Facts About the Kennedy Space Center in Florida
The space center in Florida was named after John F. Kennedy. It was the American president himself who, in his speech to Congress on May 25, 1961, set the goal of landing a human on the Moon by the end of the decade. The first uncrewed Apollo mission, Apollo 5, launched from Kennedy Space Center on January 22, 1968. President John F. Kennedy passed away more than four years before this milestone.
The space center complex consists of over 700 different buildings and facilities. The largest among them is the Vehicle Assembly Building, which was used for the final assembly of NASA’s largest rockets. The building has a floor area of 32,000 square meters, and at the time of its completion in 1966, it was the largest building in the world.
Every year, the Kennedy Space Center hosts a summer camp for children ages 7 to 16. Space enthusiasts can experience a five-day program where they simulate space movement, explore space in teams, and meet retired astronauts in person.
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How to Visit the Kennedy Space Center
🗺️ Where Is Kennedy Space Center Located?
The Kennedy Space Center is situated on Florida’s east coast between Jacksonville and Miami, approximately 45 mi east of downtown Orlando. It is easily accessible via Interstate 95. Public transportation to the center is complicated, so I recommend using a rental car. Parking is available right in front of the visitor complex, with a fee of $15.00 (updated in March 2025).
🕒 Opening Hours
The visitor center is open seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Sightseeing buses depart between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM at 15-minute intervals. The guided tour lasts approximately two hours, so plan at least eight hours for your visit to the Kennedy Space Center. Space enthusiasts may want to spread their visit over multiple days to fully enjoy the experience.
🎟️ Kennedy Space Center Tickets
A one-day ticket to the Kennedy Space Center costs $80 for an adult and $70 for children ages 3 to 11. A two-day ticket is priced at $95 for adults and $85 for children. You can purchase tickets online. The ticket prices were last updated on March 17, 2025.
For $107 per person, you can book a guided tour of the Kennedy Space Center. This price includes a bus tour of the complex with an audio guide, with stops at historic Launch Complex 39, the Vehicle Assembly Building, and the massive Saturn V rocket.
True space enthusiasts can take part in a full-day experience for $222, which includes lunch with an astronaut. You’ll have the opportunity to ask them anything you like. The package includes a tour guide and transportation to and from your hotel.
💡 Good to Know
The Kennedy Space Center experiences the highest number of visitors on weekends in the afternoon. To avoid the crowds, plan your visit on a weekday and arrive early in the morning. It is recommended to start your tour with the bus sightseeing loop.
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Photos of the Kennedy Space Center in Florida
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