A1A Scenic Highway - Space Coast
State Road A1A is Florida's legendary coastal highway, hugging the Atlantic Ocean shoreline from Miami to Jacksonville. The Space Coast section from Cocoa Beach north through Cape Canaveral to Titusville offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Central Florida, with views of rocket launch pads, pristine beaches, and the Indian River Lagoon.
Route Overview
Starting in Cocoa Beach at the famous pier, A1A heads north through Cape Canaveral, past Patrick Space Force Base, and into the Canaveral National Seashore. The route crosses the Indian River into Titusville, home of the US Space Walk of Fame. Along the way you pass surfers, sea turtles, manatees, and occasional rocket launches from nearby Kennedy Space Center.
Stops Along the Way
1. Cocoa Beach Pier
Start at the historic Cocoa Beach Pier, an 800-foot fishing pier with restaurants, bars, and gift shops stretching over the Atlantic Ocean. Great for sunrise views and people watching.
2. Ron Jon Surf Shop
The world's largest surf shop is a Cocoa Beach landmark. Open 24 hours, this two-story emporium has everything from surfboards to souvenirs.
3. Lori Wilson Park
A beautiful beachside park with boardwalks through coastal hammock, picnic pavilions, and one of the best public beach access points on the Space Coast.
4. Port Canaveral Cove
Watch cruise ships and cargo vessels from the waterfront restaurants and shops at the Cove. The Exploration Tower offers panoramic views of the port and launch pads.
5. Jetty Park Beach
A family-friendly beach at the mouth of Port Canaveral's channel. Watch ships pass by while swimming, fishing from the jetty, or camping at the campground.
6. Canaveral National Seashore
Twenty-four miles of undeveloped barrier island beach managed by the National Park Service. Playalinda Beach on the south end has views of Kennedy Space Center launch pads.
7. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Over 140,000 acres of wildlife habitat surrounding Kennedy Space Center. Drive the Black Point Wildlife Drive for birdwatching and alligator sightings.
8. US Space Walk of Fame
End in Titusville at this outdoor monument honoring the astronauts and workers of America's space program. Located along the Indian River with views of Kennedy Space Center across the water.
Driving Tips
- A1A has a 35-45 mph speed limit through most beach towns - enjoy the slow pace
- Watch for sea turtle nesting signs from May through October - lights out after dark near beaches
- Pull off at any beach access point for quick swimming stops
- Fill up on gas in Cocoa Beach - stations are sparse through the National Seashore section
Official Resources
Group Road Trip? BusBrother provides charter bus service along this route. Let a professional driver handle the road while your group enjoys the scenery. Get a free quote.