For generations, Space Coast roads have been clogged with idling vehicles when hundreds of thousands of spectators gather to watch high-profile launches — as when up to 250,000 visitors from outside the country were predicted for NASA’s historic SpaceX Crew-1 astronaut mission in November 2020.
But overall, driver infatuation has waned. Brevard County hosted a record 72 orbital launches last year. And that unprecedented pace has accelerated, with perhaps 90 or more launches by the end of the year.
“Launches are becoming so frequent. You don’t have that mad rush anymore. Because everyone says, ‘Oh, another one in a couple of days.’ So the initial 40% to 55% increase (in attendance) has definitely come down a little bit,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
“Now obviously, when New Glenn or Starship takes off from here, then it’s going to be an absolute frenzy. And of course, the manned Artemis (mission) next year,” Protze said.
Despite Cape’s frequent launch schedule, Protze said a “huge” crowd gathered at the KSC Visitor Complex for the initial liftoff attempt of United Launch Alliance’s last three-core Delta IV Heavy rocket on March 28. SpaceX Falcon Heavy launches have also recently drawn sellout crowds.
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Elsewhere, Brevard’s gorgeous waterfront and riverfront offer incredible viewing opportunities for dozens of miles — “you don’t have to be at the Space Center,” said Brevard County Communications Director Don Walker.
But that still means traffic jams and crowded parking spaces can create headaches from Titusville to Cocoa Beach south to the Pineda Causeway.
What to know before driving to see a rocket launch
Walker recommends motorists monitor Brevard Emergency Management’s social media pages, which are updated with traffic information hours before launch.
Brevard emergency officials work closely with the Florida Department of Transportation to alert drivers if there are accidents or road closures, Walker said. For example, FDOT will occasionally make streets one-way corridors to control traffic before and after major launches.
Tip: bring ‘patience’ when driving to the launch
“Patience,” Walker said when asked what drivers should bring. He urged people to arrive early and find a spot to watch.
For spectators ambitious enough to venture near KSC or the Cape Canaveral Space Station, Walker advises packing water and a lunch, as it’s possible to be stuck in traffic for hours.
“A good rule of thumb is that the closer it is to the launch window, the more traffic there will be and the fewer places open to view the launch. So plan accordingly,” said Rachel Horst, Brevard County Public Information Officer.
“If you’re behind the wheel, watch out for space enthusiasts,” Horst said.
Brevard launches hot spots to watch
- Jetty Park Beach and Pier, 400 Jetty Park Road, Port Canaveral. Parking is charged.
- Playalinda Beach, 1000 Playalinda Beach Road, Canaveral National Seashore. Please note that parking is charged and access to Canaveral National Seashore is not always granted depending on capacity and time of day.
- Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park, 1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, Titusville. Please note, parking is available on both sides of the Max Brewer Bridge.
- Space View Park, 8 Broad St., Titusville
- Sand Point Park, 10 E. Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville
- Rotary Riverfront Park, 4141 S. Washington Ave., Titusville
- Alan Shepard Park, 299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach. Please note, parking charges may apply.
- Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave. The price of parking varies.
- Lori Wilson Park, 1400 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. By the way, Lori Wilson Park has a dog park.
- Sidney Fischer Park, 2200 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Please note, parking charges may apply.
- Sebastian Inlet Park, 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (admission fee)
The Space Coast Tourism Office also maintains a rocket launch page that contains a searchable map of the main viewing locations. This site often includes information about parking and traffic, Horst said.
High traffic areas to avoid if not watching a launch
“Generally speaking, the closer you are to the Kennedy Space Center, the more likely you are to encounter launch traffic,” Horst said.
She warned of congestion in busy areas such as the Max Brewer Bridge, the NASA Causeway and the State Road 528 causeway.
Horst said traffic at those locations generally starts to taper off about an hour after launch. Elsewhere, South Brevard and Central Brevard are less likely to see such an increase in traffic.
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For the latest news from the Cape Canaveral Space Station and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/space.
Brooke Edwards is a space reporter for FLORIDA TODAY. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or at X: @brookeofstars
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