One of the biggest problems travelers face? Deciding where to go next!
Admittedly, it’s a first-world problem, but the world is wide and filled with wonders. We want beauty, challenges, and, in my case at least, to eat delicious food at the same time! Which leaves us spoiled for choice.
The good news is if you’re living in the U.S. then you won’t have to go far to find a fresh, fascinating and innovative destination for your next vacation.
According to Conde Nast Traveler, the best American destination to visit in 2025 is the Space Coast, Florida.
Why The Space Coast?
The Space Coast is a 45-mile stretch of Florida coastline that starts just east of Orlando and officially runs from Titusville to Palm Beach.
This means that as well as attracting tourists in its own right, it also attracts tourists from Florida’s roller coaster and action center.
One of the reasons Conde Naste chose the Space Coast is because NASA will be sending humans around the world for the first time in decades next year. And there’s no better place to see this spectacle up close!
But they also shone a light on the opportunity to view bioluminescence at the Indian River Lagoon, the beautiful beaches and conservation areas, and the new hotels opening in the area too, including the Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral, that will be opening its doors in 2025.
Exploring Space On The Space Coast
As the name suggests, the Space Coast has been the focal point of the American space program, and the site of manned missions to the moon as well as other space missions.
A whole aerospace industry has popped up here as a result.
One of the biggest attractions on the Space Coast is the iconic Kennedy Space Center. This is more than a museum, its a fully immersive space experience, a place to learn about space history, and there’s even opportunities to meet astronauts. It’s insanely cool, and so big you could spend more than one day here.
My top tip is to look at the site’s launch schedule before you visit. Although launches aren’t as common as they used to be, if one occurs during your visit, this will enhance the whole experience considerably.
NASA and Blue Origin are currently preparing for their ESCAPADE mission, with launches planned for spring 2025. Tickets to the Kennedy Space Center start from $75 per person.
As a Brit, when we take our package vacations to Florida we go to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the Kennedy Space Center. It has a huge international reputation. And it is a lot of fun!
But if you have a real interest in space adventure then you might also want to visit the nearby and equally well-known Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Unfortunately because this is a working military site, entry is prohibited BUT the site does have a museum called the Sands Space History Center which is just outside the gates to the base, and which offers free admission.
Other Incredible Attractions On Florida’s Space Coast
There are attractions to appeal to so much more than just rocket nerds here. In fact, the coastline along the Space Coast is spectacularly beautiful, looking out to the Atlantic Ocean.
If you are staying in Orlando and want to combine your visit to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse with a beach day, then the Space Coast boasts the closest beaches to Orlando.
The most iconic of the beaches here is Cocoa Beach, which is considered the East Coast surfing capital.
If you can already surf then there are plenty of spots where you can hire a board here. If you’re new to the sport then take a lesson with the Cocoa Beach Surf School. One hour lessons start from $60 per person and 2 hour lessons start from $100 per person.
From here take the time to travel to Melbourne beach, which is home to the most significant green sea turtle nesting grounds in the U.S. Conservation efforts over the last decade means the number of green turtles living, nesting, and thriving here has grown significantly. It’s an incredible thing to see.
Finally, visit Brevard Zoo. I wouldn’t normally recommend a zoo as something to see and do, but this one’s pretty cool. It’s the only zoo in the U.S. where you can kayak past the animal enclosures (and the animals have large enclosures while the zoo has a good welfare reputation).
Guided kayaking tours around the zoo cost $12.95 in addition to the zoo entry cost, which is $32.95 per person. You can buy your zoo admission in advance, but you have to book your kayaking tour on arrival, subject to availability.
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