Cape Canaveral tours will allow you to explore this area of Florida on the state’s eastern shore called the Space Coast. The reason behind the name, as you would learn from taking Cape Canaveral tours, is that it is the site of the John F. Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. On Cape Canaveral tours, you can see these launching sites for U.S. space shuttles, plus you might see the Cape Canaveral lighthouse or Port Canaveral. There is also an actual city called Cape Canaveral. It is located just south of the Space Center and Air Force Station.

On Cape Canaveral tours, the most popular stop is probably the Kennedy Space Center. During the past 30 years, millions of guests have visited the Kennedy Space Center while on Cape Canaveral tours. Visitors get to see the launch pads, rockets and other technology that has made history. But they also get to see a fair amount of Florida wildlife, which is somewhat surprising. Even with all the high-tech goings-on of the space program and adjustments that had to be made in security surrounding the space center since Sept. 11, 2001, Cape Canaveral fishing is still a favorite pastime. However, some fishermen are no longer allowed access to their favorite fishing holes, and that has caused a bit of a stir. Apparently, the areas that have been closed to fishermen were some of the best for fishing due to their location and characteristics. It’s a shame that Cape Canaveral fishing is now limited, but it had to be done in the interest of national security, according to the government.

However, back to the tours … Cape Canaveral tours of the Kennedy Space Center include several options. With the “NASA Up-Close Tour,” which takes guests to the closest-possible viewing point to see the shuttle launching pads. Among Cape Canaveral tours, this one is extremely popular, so you need to make reservations in advance. Another tour called the, “Cape Canaveral: Then and Now Tour” will take you back to experience the launch of the first U.S. satellite. You’ll also get a glimpse at the current rocket program. This is another tour that sells out daily, so reservations are needed. Finally, there is the “Kennedy Space Center Tour,” which is included with your ticket price to enter the Kennedy Space Center. On this tour guests see the International Space Station Center, LC 39 Observation Gantry and the Apollo/Saturn V Center. This is a bus tour that lasts between two and two-and-a-half hours; one departs from the visitors’ center every 15 minutes.

Something you need to know before you book your Cape Canaveral tours is that Kennedy Space Center is closed on Christmas Day and on certain launch days. Adult admission tickets range from $17 (to see the Astronaut Hall of Fame only) to $225 for the Astronaut Training Experience, which includes gear and a meal. Normal admission, which includes the bus tour of the space center, is $31 per adult and $21 per child. In addition to the tour, you can see IMAX movies and other shows and exhibits. Kennedy Space Center should definitely be a stop you include on your Cape Canaveral tours.