Is there anything more satisfying than enjoying winter on the beach, knowing that all your friends and family back home are shoveling snow and wearing thick sweaters?
Probably not – and Florida is one of the best places to grab some of that oh-so-precious winter sun.
But while the Keys, Naples, or Miami might be the first places you think of, there’s one lesser-known spot on Florida’s east coast best visited in winter, at least according to its local tourism organization, that should be on your radar.
Here’s why the Space Coast should be your ‘final frontier’ this winter:
It’s The Quietest Time To Visit
Florida’s Space Coast Office of Tourism reckons that March and April are the peak months for visitors in this part of the country, while the summer also usually stays busy.
This means the winter is neglected, which means less waiting in line at the countless family-friendly attractions and being able to more easily get tables at the fantastic restaurants in the area.
It’s a good time to enjoy a hugely popular state with fewer crowds.
Amazing Deals On Hotels
The months from December through February are when the hotels are cheapest in the Space Coast area – the average cost can be as much as $25 a night less than March, which is one of the most popular months.
Going just a month earlier to get a saving as good as this seems like a pretty sensible move.
You can also make savings on local transportation at this time of year with the Space Coast Area Transit and Cocoa Beach Trolley.
Many of the other locations here are very walkable, saving you even more money and getting some exercise in while it’s not too hot.
Not As Cold As You’d Think
While you may see the locals wrapped up in coats and long pants, the weather in the Space Coast region of Florida is actually pretty pleasant for those of us who don’t live in the state.
The temperature range in December, January, and February usually sits between 58F and 68F, while it is also the time of the year with the fewest days of rainfall too – just 3 days on average in February.
So, while it may not deliver the same winter heat as southern destinations such as the Florida Keys, it’s still a great place to thaw out and catch some golden light.
In The Heart Of The Action
Some of the towns that call the Space Coast home include Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Titusville, Palm Bay, Merritt Island, and West Melbourne.
Titusville is home to the amazing Kennedy Space Center, which is a great day out for both young and old, and many of these towns are great places to watch launches when they occur.
Cape Canaveral and Port Canaveral are excellent spots to enjoy some fine seafood dining, or event to partake in some offshore fishing yourself – take it from me, it’s one of the best places on the planet for it.
Events For All The Family
Even though winter is a quieter time in this coastal gem, there are still plenty of events happening – examples include the Space Coast Light Festival and the Festival of Trees.
Perhaps the most iconic (and the one you need to see to believe) is the Surfing Santas gathering at downtown Cocoa Beach on Christmas Eve.
Witness hundreds of surfers turn up and catch some waves, all while dressed as Saint Nick – what could be more festive than that?
Getting There Is Really Easy
Many of the locations on the Space Coast are just a one-hour drive from downtown Orlando, meaning you can easily fly into here and hire a car to explore.
Orlando International receives hundreds of flights a day from all over the country, so you’ll always be able to find a cheap one, especially in the off-season.
Melbourne, in the south of the region, also has its own international airport, and while it’s not as huge as Orlando, it can be a great place to catch a budget flight.
The I-95 highway runs parallel to most of this region, which is the other option to access it if you prefer to drive.
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