Florida: Port Canaveral and Jetty Park Beach
October 26, 2014 5 Comments
Back View of Iridescent “Sail” of Exploration Tower
Exploration Tower Entrance
Top of Exploration Tower
Exploration Tower at Sunset
Color Wand Lit Path Around Tower
Exploration Tower at Night
View of Port Canaveral from Top of Tower
Recycled Art in Tower Atrium
Recycled Glass Jellyfish in Atrium
Recycled Glass Mobile
Ron Jon Surfboard Display in Tower
Disney Dream Cruise Ship Departure
Jetty Park’s Wide Sandy Beach
Kitty Cat Drawing on Sand
Jetty Park’s Long Fishing Pier
Sea Turtle by Fishing Pier
Dolphin Swimming by Pier
Seagull and Waves at Sunset
Seagulls Flying Overhead
Vintage Poster of Jetty Park
If you visit Central Florida, be sure to stop by Port Canaveral and Jetty Park near Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Exploration Tower acts as a Welcome Center for the area. The building opened in November 2013, and is meant to evoke the image of a sailing ship. The architecture is stunning, especially at night. From the tower’s 7th floor Observation Deck there is a bird’s eye view of Port Canaveral, Jetty Park, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and NASA to the north. It is an excellent place to view rocket launches (check schedule at: http://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/). Info about visiting the tower is at: http://www.explorationtower.com/.
A fun thing to do is to watch the cruise ships go out to sea. They exit the port past Jetty Park, with people waving and cheering all the way. Popular times to watch are Thursday and Sunday afternoons around 4 pm (a full schedule of departures and arrivals is at: https://www.portcanaveral.com/Cruise/Cruise-Lines-Schedules. Port Canaveral was named America’s Best North American Cruise Port in 2015 by CruiseCritic.com. The ship “Carla C” that inspired the TV show “The Love Boat” visited the Port in 1979.
Jetty Park’s wide sandy beach is especially nice for families. It is popular year round. If you walk onto the fishing pier, be sure to look for manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles in the water below. You’ll probably see egrets and pelicans “fishing” too. And don’t forget to bring bread to feed the seagulls – it is a family favorite. More info about visiting Port Canaveral is at: http://visitportcanaveral.com/. Details about Jetty Park Beach and Campground are at: https://www.portcanaveral.com/jpc and https://www.portcanaveral.com/Recreation/Jetty-Park-Beach-Pier
About Pam
Wow, how did you manage a pic of the fishing pier when no one was on it? Usually it’s packed with people. Love the new Exploration Tower; I haven’t seen it yet 🙂
You noticed the pier was empty! It was a one time deal, I think. It was a week day and a little chilly – somehow at that moment the pier was clear. I took a picture quick thinking that the opportunity might never happen again. The tower is really interesting – great views and low cost to go in. Regional displays on each floor. Doesn’t take long to tour, but a nice diversion. And afterward go to the beach or lunch at the Cove. They have special entrance at night during rocket launches. Would be a great place to watch!
The port and Jetty Park have surely changed over the years! I used to live in Cocoa and frequented the port often. I still like to go over for lunch with a friend and just wander around. Thanks for reminding me of times past.
Great place to vacation! Beautiful pictures!
It’s one of our all-time favorites in this area – always go back for more!