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With so many nearby attractions, this destination in Brevard County is a popular port for families embarking on a cruise from Florida.
Local Culture and Flavor
Affectionately nicknamed “Florida’s Fun Port,” this vibrant seaport in Central Florida is conveniently located near sandy beaches, major theme parks, the Kennedy Space Center, the Brevard Zoo, hotels, restaurants, universities, shops and the Orlando International Airport. Enjoy the picturesque, 40-acre Jetty Park with its 1,000 foot fishing pier. Drive a few minutes south to gorgeous Cocoa Beach, the surfing capital of the state, and stroll along the boardwalk. At the port, you’ll enjoy modern facilities and accessible parking so you can enjoy yourself before or after your cruise.
Past and Present
The historic, deep water port was originally created for military use. Congress was asked to approve Port Canaveral’s construction for the Navy in 1878. The approval didn’t come through until a half century later, and the port was finally dedicated in 1953. It wasn’t until 1964 that cruise vessels began to use the port and its economic potential was realized. Present-day Port Canaveral is one of the busiest ports in existence and it continues to grow.
Cape Canaveral is a place to explore the skies, the seas and the magical places in between.
The Cape has all kinds of outdoor adventures, with some of the best surfing beaches on the East Coast. If deep sea fishing is more your style, journey out on a charter, where you can try to catch mullet, snapper and more.
Check out the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, where bald eagles, manatees and alligators are just a few of the species that call the Cape home. You can also stroll through the Brevard Zoo to the "Paws-On Interactive Zone," where you can be just a whisker away from many fascinating animals native to Florida.
Stand on the Launch Complex Observation Gantry to get an aerial view of the space shuttle launch pads and the International Space Station Center. Tour the Air Force Space and Missile Museum and learn more about the United States heritage of space exploration. (Note: Kennedy Space Center entry fee will apply.)
Best of all, Port Canaveral is located approximately an hour away from Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando. For your most magical vacation yet, consider taking a trip to Orlando to visit the parks before or after your cruise. From the high-energy thrills of Disney's Hollywood Studios to the international inspiration of Epcot to the fairytale fantasy of Magic Kingdom park, there's something to delight every member in your traveling party.
Cruising The World
