Visit Florida - Visit Florida 2026
CENTRAL EAST
2025-12-07 06:04:48
Adventures from Sea to Space
Yes, you can witness a liftoff from Cape Canaveral, or follow the thundering sound of cars and motorcycles to Daytona. But along Florida’s Space Coast, you can also fish or surf in havens like Sebastian Inlet and tour wildlife preserves. Here, amid the exhilaration, you’ll discover ample opportunities to enjoy the slow life.
For a detailed state map, see pages 20-21.
ATTRACTIONS
Ignite your cosmic curiosity via 3D rides and space-focused exhibits at the Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex® attraction at Cape Canaveral’s Kennedy Space Center. Feel the rush at Daytona International Speedway, where fans can catch races on the legendary tracks or explore automotive history at the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. See dinosaur teeth up close and learn about prehistoric creatures that once roamed here almost 3 million years ago at The Dinosaur Store & Museum in Cocoa Beach. Witness a live venom extraction and a variety of reptiles—including rattlesnakes, cobras, and mambas—at the Reptile Discovery Center in DeLand. Celebrate Florida’s greatest athletic legends at the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in Port St. Lucie, where exhibits and memorabilia honor sports heroes across generations.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Scan the QR code to discover places to stay in Central East Florida: VISITFLORIDA.com/places-to-stay
DINING
Indulge in globally inspired plates and vibrant cocktails at Mama Foo Foo in Daytona Beach, where elevated tiki vibes and a lively lounge make every night feel like a party. At Hemingway’s Tavern in Melbourne, grab a quick bite at the cafecito walk-up window or catch Conch Thirty Happy Hour, when the bar mimics the author’s fishing boat the Pilar. Bite into the Croissant of the Day with coffee, or grab a fresh baguette and homemade ice cream to go at Ossorio Bakery & Café in Cocoa Village. Lay back and enjoy the surf-inspired vibes and all-you-can-eat snow crab legs from Riptides Raw Bar and Grill in Ormond Beach. Dine among the treetops at Norwood’s Eatery & Treehouse Bar in New Smyrna Beach, where a former Pan Am gas station has transformed into a whimsical canopy setting featuring fresh seafood.
OUTDOORS
Swing big at Sandridge Golf Club in Vero Beach, where championship greens and one of South Florida’s most challenging holes await. Take the leap of a lifetime with SkyDive Sebastian, where adrenaline meets ocean views for skydivers of all levels. Paddle through Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge in clear kayaks for a magical, mystical bioluminescence tour with BK Adventure in Titusville. In Melbourne Beach, watch the surfers or cast a line from the pier at Sebastian Inlet State Park, where world-class waves meet premier saltwater fishing against a backdrop of historic jetties. Chase golden hour on the water with Toon Tiki Charters in New Smyrna Beach— island vibes, breezy pontoon cruises, and sunset sips come standard.
EVENTS
Rev up for Daytona Beach Bike Week, when engines roar and motorcycle fans from around the world cruise in for one iconic rally, February–March. Witness vintage warbirds and modern jets roar overhead at the Cocoa Beach Air Show, a weekend of aerial acrobatics, military demos, and family fun in July.
ARTS & CULTURE
Climb the steps of Florida’s tallest lighthouse and retrace over a century of maritime history at Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum in Ponce Inlet. Discover your passion for opera with captivating seasonal performances by Vero Beach Opera in Vero Beach. Tour the 19th-century home built by the founder of Stetson hats, whose family used the Stetson Mansion in DeLand as a winter retreat to impress guests with outstanding design features. Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens is a living tribute to art, history, and nature—offering interactive garden walks and guided tours that honor both creative expression and the legacy of veterans. Catch a Broadway show or musical within view of the picturesque Indian River at the 100-plusyear- old Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce.
Scan the QR code for a list of upcoming events: VISITFLORIDA.com/things-to-do/events
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CENTRAL EAST
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