Day trip to Atlantic Coast.

**Oceansplasher** · 02-07-2011, 15:03

When we were in Florida last October we took the family for a day to KSC, and everyone really enjoyed it, lovely day. Whilst there at the gift store I noticed some items that I liked, but didn't buy, then looked on website when I came home and would have ordered them but shipping was way too much.

So this October I plan to call in to the KSC store and pick up said items, but only to call into the gift store. Whilst over on that side of the Florida Coast, I wondered what else to do, or which beach to go to make it a nice daytrip.

Any advice is appreciated. Driving distances dont worry us, it will be just me and the mrs this trip, so very flexible. Thanks a lot.

**caroline** · 02-07-2011, 15:21

We love Vero Beach

**sunseeker** · 02-07-2011, 15:47

Can you get access to the gift shop without purchasing a ticket and going through security? It's been a while since i have been there but i didn't think you could.

Dave

**DaveL** · 02-07-2011, 15:54

Vero Beach is very nice (see below) but is quite a long trip down the coast road from KSC.

I think I might be more tempted to head north to Daytona have a drive on the beach, alway interesting. Then move to the south which will take you to the Ponce Inlet area with a nice park/beach where you can relax for the rest of the day.

Regards Dave

**Lyn** · 02-07-2011, 16:23

If you like birds (the wildlife kind) you may like to try Merritt Island. There is Blackpoint Drive, which as the name implies you dive round. There is also walks an Information Centre and you can also get to a manattee lookout spot. There is also beaches here as well, not been too them for years so don't know what they are like.

**Madabouttigger** · 02-07-2011, 19:24

Daytona has the speedway and a nice beach to visit or drive down the beach if you wish, you can also drive down to Coco beach and go for a wander down the pier, watching the surfers. We like both beaches and usually visist them if we go to KSC

**christhear** · 02-07-2011, 19:45

I believe that it may be possible to access the giftshop by the astronaut hall of fame without purchasing a ticket. Its not as big as the one at KSC but may have what you want. Also I'm sure they have a shop at MCO so if your'e landing there it could be worth taking a look.

**steph_goodrum** · 02-07-2011, 20:25

We've done a couple of trips to the coastline this trip, Paradise Beach and Cocoa Beach (park at Shepard beach not the pier, the facilities are much nicer. we also like Jetty park up that way and did a boat trip round Merritt Island (or the thousand islands they call them) where we saw lots of manatees and dolphins.

You cant get to the gift shop in kennedy without a ticket but can, as said, at the astronaut hall of fame and at MCO

**sammibabe** · 03-07-2011, 21:06

Originally Posted by steph_goodrum

We've done a couple of trips to the coastline this trip, Paradise Beach and Cocoa Beach (park at Shepard beach not the pier, the facilities are much nicer. we also like Jetty park up that way and did a boat trip round Merritt Island (or the thousand islands they call them) where we saw lots of manatees and dolphins.

You cant get to the gift shop in kennedy without a ticket but can, as said, at the astronaut hall of fame and at MCO

Another request for rough directions and time needed, thanks