Hello From

Cape Canaveral!

 

 

“The Space Between®“

Anna Maria Island

Cape Canaveral

A City and a Cape in Brevard County, Florida

 

Cape Canaveral is a small coastal city on Florida’s Space Coast, famous worldwide as the gateway to space exploration. Known for its pristine beaches, cruise port, and close connection to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral offers a unique mix of laid-back coastal living and cutting-edge aerospace history.

The trademarked tagline for the City of Cape Canaveral,  “The Space Between®”, refers to its unique location between the Banana River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, which fosters both a thriving aerospace business community and a waterfront lifestyle. 

With oceanfront beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, and close proximity to world-famous launch sites, Cape Canaveral offers both scenic beauty and a deep connection to the history of space exploration.

Cape Canaveral Rocket Launch

Cape Canaveral, Florida
Photo by 12019 via canva

Location & Size

Cape Canaveral is located on Florida’s central east coast along the Atlantic Ocean in Brevard County, about 45 miles east of Orlando. 

It sits on a barrier island between the Banana River and the Atlantic, directly north of Cocoa Beach and just south of Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. 

Cape Canaveral is approximately 4.2 square miles.

Founded

Cape Canaveral has a long history that predates its modern status as a space launch hub. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes for centuries before European explorers arrived in the 16th century. Spanish explorers named it “Cabo Cañaveral” (Cape of Canes or Reeds) in 1513, a reference to the tall reeds found along the coast.

For much of its history, Cape Canaveral served as a navigational landmark for mariners. In the 20th century, its strategic location and open coastal access made it ideal for military and aerospace use. In 1948, the U.S. established the Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex, marking the area’s transformation into a center for rocket launches.

The modern city of Cape Canaveral was officially incorporated in 1963, growing alongside the expansion of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and the booming aerospace industry. Today, Cape Canaveral remains a vital link in America’s space exploration history, blending small-town coastal life with a legacy that reaches beyond the stars.

CAPE CANAVERAL WEATHER

Population

Approximately 11,000 residents as of 2023.

Known For

  • Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex

  • Iconic rocket launches and NASA’s historic missions

  • Scenic Atlantic beaches and recreational fishing

  • Proximity to Port Canaveral, one of the world’s busiest cruise ports

  • Laid-back coastal community with charming shops and dining

Cost of living

  • Median Household Income: around $65,000

  • Median Home Price: approximately $375,000–$400,000

  • Median Rent: about $1,800–$2,200 per month

 

 

Things to do

  • Watch a rocket launch at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

  • Relax on Cherie Down Park Beach or other nearby beaches

  • Visit the Exploration Tower and enjoy panoramic views of Port Canaveral

  • Enjoy fishing, boating, and water sports

  • Explore local shops and seafood restaurants along the waterfront

Fun Facts

  • Cape Canaveral has been central to U.S. space exploration since the 1950s.

  • The area is home to Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 39A, from which Apollo 11 launched to the Moon.

  • Port Canaveral is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, welcoming millions of passengers annually.

  • The city offers a rare mix of small-town charm and access to world-class science and space history.

Nearby Cities

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