Port Canaveral is one of the busiest cruise ports in the United States. Consider extending your vacation a day or two and check out one of these awesome things to do in the area!
Timing your arrival/departure
No matter what port you’re sailing out of, it’s always a good idea to arrive the day before embarkation. You wouldn’t want unexpected travel delays (missed or delayed flight, car troubles, etc) to cause you to miss your ship! Arriving at least a day early also means you have some time to check out the surrounding area! Or, arrive even earlier, and have plenty of time to explore the area in more depth.
Most cruise ships require you to disembark early in the morning (so that they can turn the ship over for the next passengers…who are usually arriving only hours later!)…but many flights don’t leave until later in the evening. Don’t spend that time just sitting at the airport! Instead, use those hours to explore areas around the port. Or, stay a night or two extra, and have plenty of time to explore the area in more depth.
Travelling between Orlando and Port Canaveral
In general, most people will fly into and out of the Orlando airport (MCO)…which is approximately 50 miles away from Port Canaveral. Thankfully there are a variety of transportation options to get you back and forth between the two!
Most cruise lines offer dedicated transportation between MCO or their partner hotels and the port. Additionally, there are independent shuttle services that can be arranged as well. Both cruise line and independent shuttles are usually priced per person.
Ride share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are another option. Given the distance a driver must travel, it can be expensive. However, the cost is charged out per vehicle instead of per person. If you have lots of luggage, you may need to reserve a larger vehicle…which does often cost extra.
One way car rentals are also quite common between Orlando and Port Canaveral…with a variety of companies available directly at the airport and close to the cruise terminal.
For more discussion about how to travel between Orlando and Cape Canaveral, check out this blog post.
Orlando or Space Coast?
There are two convenient areas to spend a day near Port Canaveral: Orlando or the Space Coast (which includes a handful of different communities around Cape Canaveral). Which is right for you probably depends on a variety of factors including when you arrive, how you’re going to get to the port, and what things you’re interested in doing.
Things to do in Orlando
Have something to eat: Orlando’s full of amazing restaurants featuring a variety of cuisines! If you want to make an afternoon or evening of it, consider one of the many entertainment complexes (such as Universal’s City Walk or Disney Springs) which offer a variety of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options all in one place. Both are accessible without theme park tickets.
Catch a show: Orlando has lots of options for catching some incredible performances. From large scale productions such as Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life or the Blue Man Group to smaller venues such as the Renaissance Theatre Company.
Spend some time at a theme park: It is possible to visit a theme park in one day! Just make sure you have reasonable expectations. Pick ONE park to visit and realize you probably won’t get to do everything (even in one park) in a single day. And that’s okay! It’s a great reason to come back again in the future. If the weather is cooperative, a waterpark can be an excellent choice as they tend to be a bit smaller. Some parks also have late night events, which can be a great option if you’re arriving in the afternoon the day before your cruise.
Get out into nature: It’s surprisingly easy to get out into nature around Orlando. Silver Springs (a little over an hour away) is one of the most popular destinations. Here you can hike, go kayaking, take a glass bottom boat tour, or check out the Silver River Museum. Another popular destination is Weeki Wachee Spring (just under two hours away). Here you can take in a mermaid show, swim, enjoy water slides, take a boat tour, go kayaking, and learn more at interpretive exhibits.
There are a variety of other options ranging from just a few minutes to an hour or so away from Orlando as well, including Rock Springs Run Wildlife Management Area, Kelly Park/Rock Springs, Wekiwa Springs, Blue Springs, De Leon Springs, Juniper Springs, Rainbow Springs, and Three Sister’s Spring.
Take in some history: Why not spend some time in the United States’ oldest city, St. Augustine? St. Augustine is located a little less than two hours away from Orlando and day trips are possible either through an organized tour such this one from Gray Line or on your own with a rental car.
Things to do along the Space Coast
Visit the Kennedy Space Center: A visit to the Kennedy Space Center is a must if you’re spending time on the Space Coast. This complex features tons of history documenting the United States’ path to the moon…mars…and beyond! With a variety of interactive exhibits, simulators, Q and A sessions, and more, there’s plenty to keep everyone in your group entertained. Check out an upcoming blog post for a guide to Kennedy Space Center.
Go on a bioluminescence tour: Several areas around Port Canaveral offer the opportunity to witness an amazing natural phenomenon…bioluminescence! Head out kayaking (or on a raft) after dark with BK Adventures to see the waters glow.
Chill on the beach: The Space Coast offers a selection of easily accessible beaches. Enjoy a traditional beach day complete with a pier full of shops and restaurants at Cocoa Beach. Or opt for a more secluded experience at the pristine Canaveral National Seashore. If you’re travelling with your canine companion, don’t miss Canova Beach Park–a popular dog-friendly option.
Get out into nature: There are lots of opportunities to enjoy nature along the Space Coast. Get out on the water with a boat or kayak tour to look for dolphins, manatees, and alligators. Go hiking. Learn about sea turtles and other wildlife that call this area home. For a list of ideas, check out this website featuring both organized and do-it-yourself tours.
Watch a launch: With more and more happening each year, it’s possible that your stay may coincide with a rocket launch! Consider staying at the Courtyard Titusville Kennedy Space Center for a front row seat without having to leave your hotel. Kennedy Space Center also offers viewing areas if you’re visiting the day of a launch. There are also plenty of other locations (beaches, roads, restaurants, hotels, etc.) which can offer good views of a launch. If getting amazing photos or as close as possible is your goal, check out this website which details the best viewing areas for upcoming launches.
