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Introduction

The Space Coast, as the area around Port Canaveral has come to be known, has become one of the top tourist destinations in Florida. The magnificent Kennedy Space Center is the embodiment of the promise that President John F. Kennedy made to the nation in the early 1960?s. Even after hundreds of space explorations, shuttle launches at Cape Canaveral are still a special event. Although it's easy to spend an entire day at the Kennedy Space Center, there is plenty more to see and do around Port Canaveral. For one, the government purchased too much land around Cape Canaveral. Instead of just selling it back, the land has been designated as wildlife refuges and nature preserves. Nature lovers will not want to miss the beautiful hikes through Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, or the gorgeous sights that surround the Canaveral National Seashore. Just south of Cape Canaveral is Cocoa Beach, which has become a surfer's nirvana. Temperate weather and bodacious waves have transformed this beach into a year-round party. Port Canaveral is a man-made port, with lots of cruise ships using it as an entryway to ports of call throughout the Caribbean. The area around the port has been beautifully developed, with shops and restaurants dotting the waterfront. Fishing boats and gambling cruises have added to the carnival that surrounds Port Canaveral. The best way to enjoy the Space Coast is by balancing your day. Spend the morning marveling at the technological wonders of space exploration. Then, take a picnic lunch to the nature reserves, enjoying the serenity afforded you here. Finally, top off the day by admiring the sunset from a waterfront restaurant on Cocoa Beach. Spacing out your time will allow you to fully enjoy everything that the Space Coast has to offer.