FREE THINGS TO DO IN PORT CANAVERAL

  • 1. Manatee Sanctuary Park – Manatee Sanctuary Park boasts over 10 acres of riverfront beauty. Situated on the Banana River, this park has a little something for everyone! 4 Horseshoe Pits 1/2 Mile Paved Fitness Trail 10 Exercise Stations Covered Riverside Boardwalk Picnic Tables & Grills Covered Pavilion with Basic Kitchen (Available for daily Rentals & Private Events) & Even the OCCASIONAL Manatee! Manatee Sanctuary Park is home to the annual Cape Canaveral Founder’s Day Festival every March & Space Coast Dragon Boat Festival every April! This park is named Manatee Sanctuary because it borders a section of the Banana River that serves as a protected Manatee habitat. While we cannot guarantee that you will see a manatee during your visit, these beautiful creatures have been known to come and feed off the sea grass along the boardwalk. Manatees enjoy warm waters and typically move to inland springs during the winter months. They are considered an endangered species and fall under highly protective legislation. To learn more about these amazing animals, including where to see them year round, please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.
  • 2. Oceanside Distillery, LLC. – Think Local and Drink Local ,We are a true small batch Disitllery producing Rum, Vodka and Bourbons , all crafted in house. We have distillery tours that can be booked in advance by visiting our web site oceansidedistillery.com, our 2000 square foot tasting room has a retail bottle shop, a full cocktail bar along with bar bites made fresh daily in our kitchen, located on the Space Coast close to Port Canaveral Our bottle shop and retail store have lots of items to remember your visit, including shirts, hats, and of course our spirits !
  • 3. Cherie Down Park – Cherie Down is a great beach spot for those looking to participate in beach activities like boogie boarding, surfing, and fishing. This 7-acre beach park features a 200-ft. boardwalk along sand dunes, plus picnic shelters.
  • 4. Center Street Park – Picturesque waterside park offering lush landscaping, a gazebo & unobstructed ocean vistas.
  • 5. Canaveral Lock – Welcome to Canaveral Lock, the largest navigation lock in Florida. Located between Port Canaveral’s West turning basin and the Banana River, Canaveral Lock was constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1965 to secure safe passage of vessels from the Banana River to Port Canaveral and the Atlantic Ocean. The lock reduces tidal-current velocities in Canaveral Harbor, prevents entry of hurricane tides into the Banana River and prevents salt water intrusion. This lock was built larger than originally planned  to allow passage of the Saturn rocket’s first stage, used to put Apollo rockets into space.
  • 6. Sunseed Food Co-op – Nonprofit grocery store providing health-conscious products including organic foods.
  • 7. Core Surf – Surf shop carrying a large selection of new and used boards, plus accessories.

BEST NON-FREE THINGS TO DO IN PORT CANAVERAL

  1. Port Canaveral Food Tours – Join us on a walking food tour of one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. The seafood heavy tour features stops and the most popular restaurants in the area.
  2. Kennedy Space Center Cape Canaveral Admission – Visit a landmark of space exploration with admission to the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, the launch site for some of America’s most important missions. Your ticket to the Kennedy Space Center includes access to the Space Shuttle ‘Atlantis,’ a bus tour of the grounds, an astronaut encounter, and the chance to try a shuttle simulator and virtual moonwalk.
  3. Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours on the Banana River – Cocoa Beach may be well-known for its beaches and fantastic surf, but there’s more to this city’s ecosystem than the oceanside. Join this tour to discover the wild side of the Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands. Behind the beach, you’ll sail though the Banana River on an eco tour. This natural habitat is full of wildlife viewing opportunities, including dolphin and manatee spotting.
  4. Sunset Cruise on the Beautiful Banana River – This trip is a 90 min. relaxing cruise through the Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands, we watch the beautiful sunset and return back to the restaurant. This is perfect for a romantic trip or large groups. The crew plays fun music! You will see wildlife along this journey. There is some narrative but the crew will be glad to answer any questions you may have and will point out animals and mammals along the way.
  5. Bioluminescence Kayak Tour – Discover the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence in the waters around Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on a nighttime kayak tour just north of Cocoa Beach. As you paddle across a lagoon in the dark, watch for marine life like dolphins and marvel at the glow of tiny organisms known as dinoflagellate, which emit light that creates a mystical atmosphere on the water.
  6. Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour w/Cocoa Kayaking – Explore Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands area on this guided kayak tour. Join a small group and follow your guide around the mangrove tunnels, keeping your eyes peeled for resident manatees, dolphins, and sea birds. Learn about the ecology of the area from your guide and enjoy a relaxing day out on the water.
  7. Dolphin Catamaran Day Sail in Merritt Island – The laid-back waters of the Indian River and the lavish yachts flowing along the Intracoastal Waterway set the stage for this relaxing catamaran cruise launching from Merritt Island. Native wildlife is often spotted while sailing between Cocoa Village and Ponte Vedra Beach, including dolphins, manatees, sea birds, and more. Let your captain sail you smoothly through this ecologically diverse area while you kick back with soda and snacks.
  8. Sunset Catamaran Sail in Merritt Island – Spend a few hours sailing Florida’s Atlantic waters with this sunset catamaran cruise launching from Merritt Island. You’ll climb aboard this boat to enjoy snacks and sodas as you sail along the Intracoastal Waterway and the Indian River. As the golden glow illuminates the water with a special hue, you might catch a glimpse of dolphins or other wildlife as you pass by Cape Crossing Resort and Marina.
  9. Sunset Tour Mangrove, Dolphins, Manatee #1 Rated in Cocoa Beach – Explore the waterways and mangrove tunnels around Cocoa Beach, Florida during this relaxing kayak excursion. Set off on your adventure just before sunset and take in the scenery during the golden hour. Paddle through the mangroves in search of the dolphins and manatees that reside in the waters. Lessons are provided for first-time kayakers so everyone can enjoy the evening.
  10. Electric Bike Group Tour – Port Canaveral & Cocoa Beach – Get to see Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach more easily than by foot or rental car on this private e-bike tour. Glide around beauty spots such as Manatee Sanctuary Park and Jetty Park: choosing to let your bike do the work or using your own pedal power. Hear background on the sights you’d otherwise miss, and choose to tailor your itinerary and visit a local pub or micro-brewery en route.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN PORT CANAVERAL/COCOA BEACH

BARS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT