What to Do in Port Canaveral on a Cruise Stop

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

What to Do in Port Canaveral on Your Cruise Stop

Port Canaveral is a popular cruise ship port located in Florida, just south of Orlando. It’s a great place to start or end your cruise vacation, with plenty of things to see and do in the area. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, or just some peace and quiet, you’ll find it all in Port Canaveral.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best things to do in Port Canaveral on your cruise stop. We’ll cover everything from attractions and activities to restaurants and shopping. So whether you’re planning your first cruise or you’re just looking for some new ideas for your next port stop, read on for all the information you need!

Activity Description Cost
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Explore the Kennedy Space Center, where you can see rockets up close, learn about space exploration, and even take a simulated ride into space! $50-$75
Orlando SeaWorld Visit SeaWorld Orlando, home to killer whales, dolphins, and other marine animals. You can watch shows, go on rides, and learn about the animals. $100-$125
Universal Studios Florida Visit Universal Studios Florida, where you can experience rides, shows, and attractions based on your favorite movies and TV shows. $100-$125
Discovery Cove Swim with dolphins, stingrays, and other marine animals at Discovery Cove. You can also snorkel in a natural saltwater lagoon and relax on the beach. $200-$250

Port Canaveral is a popular cruise ship port located in Florida. It is home to the Kennedy Space Center and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. There are many things to do in Port Canaveral, including visiting the Kennedy Space Center, taking a boat tour of the Space Coast, going shopping at the Marketplace Mall, visiting the Cocoa Beach Pier, and relaxing on the beach.

Things to Do in Port Canaveral

  • Visit the Kennedy Space Center. The Kennedy Space Center is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Florida. It is home to the launch pads for the space shuttle and the Saturn V rocket. Visitors can take a tour of the center, learn about the history of space exploration, and see the rockets up close.
  • Take a boat tour of the Space Coast. There are many boat tour companies that offer tours of the Space Coast. These tours take you out to see the Kennedy Space Center, the launch pads, and the Atlantic Ocean. You can also see dolphins, turtles, and other marine life.
  • Go shopping at the Marketplace Mall. The Marketplace Mall is a large shopping mall located in Port Canaveral. It has over 150 stores, including department stores, specialty stores, and restaurants. The mall is also home to a movie theater and a bowling alley.
  • Visit the Cocoa Beach Pier. The Cocoa Beach Pier is a popular tourist destination. It is located on the Atlantic Ocean and offers stunning views of the beach and the ocean. The pier has shops, restaurants, and a playground.
  • Relax on the beach. Port Canaveral is located on the Atlantic Ocean and has several beautiful beaches. The beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. There are also several beachfront hotels and restaurants.

Where to Eat in Port Canaveral

  • The Hungry Sailor. The Hungry Sailor is a casual seafood restaurant located in Port Canaveral. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and offers a variety of seafood dishes, including fresh fish, shrimp, and lobster.
  • Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is a casual seafood restaurant based on the movie “Forrest Gump.” The restaurant has a fun atmosphere and offers a variety of seafood dishes, including shrimp, fish, and crab.
  • The Melting Pot. The Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant located in Port Canaveral. The restaurant offers a variety of fondue dishes, including cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, and meat fondue.
  • The Cheesecake Factory. The Cheesecake Factory is a casual dining restaurant that is known for its cheesecake. The restaurant offers a variety of American dishes, including salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta dishes.
  • Portofino Bay Hotel. The Portofino Bay Hotel is a waterfront hotel located in Port Canaveral. The hotel has a Mediterranean theme and offers a variety of dining options, including a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the ocean.

Port Canaveral is a popular cruise ship port that offers a variety of things to do and see. There are many attractions in the area, including the Kennedy Space Center, the Space Coast, and the Cocoa Beach Pier. There are also many restaurants in Port Canaveral, serving everything from casual seafood to fine dining.

3. Where to Stay in Port Canaveral

There are many great places to stay in Port Canaveral, depending on your budget and interests. Here are a few of the best options:

  • The Westin Cocoa Beach Resort is a luxurious resort located right on the beach. The resort offers a variety of amenities, including a spa, a pool, and a fitness center. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and many offer views of the ocean.
  • The Hilton Garden Inn Port Canaveral is a more affordable option that is still close to the beach. The hotel offers a free breakfast, a pool, and a fitness center. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and some offer views of the port.
  • The Holiday Inn Express Port Canaveral is another good budget option. The hotel is located close to the port and offers a free breakfast, a pool, and a fitness center. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and some offer views of the water.
  • The Ramada Plaza Port Canaveral is a large hotel with a variety of amenities, including a spa, a pool, and a fitness center. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and many offer views of the port.
  • The Oceanfront Inn is a small hotel located right on the beach. The hotel offers a free breakfast, a pool, and a fitness center. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and many offer views of the ocean.

4. Getting to and from Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral is located about 50 miles from Orlando International Airport. There are a few different ways to get from the airport to the port:

  • By car, it takes about an hour to drive from the airport to the port. The toll road costs $5.
  • By bus, you can take the Lynx 524 bus from the airport to the port. The bus ride takes about an hour and costs $2.
  • By train, you can take the Amtrak Silver Meteor from the airport to the port. The train ride takes about an hour and costs $20.
  • By taxi, you can take a taxi from the airport to the port. The taxi ride takes about an hour and costs $50.

Once you arrive at the port, you can take a shuttle to your cruise ship. The shuttle ride is included in the price of your cruise ticket.

Port Canaveral is a great place to start or end your cruise vacation. There are plenty of things to do in the area, and there are a variety of transportation options available to get you to and from the port.

What are the best things to do in Port Canaveral?

  • Visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. This is the most popular tourist attraction in Port Canaveral, and for good reason. You can learn about the history of the space program, see launch pads and rockets up close, and even take a simulated space shuttle ride.
  • Take a cruise to the Bahamas. Port Canaveral is a major cruise port, and there are dozens of cruises to choose from. You can visit the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico, or even Alaska.
  • Go fishing. Port Canaveral is located on the Atlantic Ocean, so there are plenty of opportunities to go fishing. You can fish for anything from marlin to sea bass.
  • Visit the beaches. Port Canaveral has several beautiful beaches, including Cocoa Beach and Playalinda Beach. You can swim, sunbathe, or play beach volleyball.
  • Go shopping. Port Canaveral has several shopping malls and outlet stores. You can find everything from souvenirs to designer clothes.
  • Visit the restaurants. Port Canaveral has a wide variety of restaurants, including seafood restaurants, steakhouses, and Italian restaurants.

What is the best way to get to Port Canaveral?

There are several ways to get to Port Canaveral. You can drive, take a bus, or fly.

  • To drive, take Interstate 95 to Exit 293. Follow the signs to Port Canaveral.
  • To take a bus, you can take the Greyhound bus to the Port Canaveral Greyhound Station.
  • To fly, you can fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Melbourne International Airport (MLB). From either airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Port Canaveral.

What is the weather like in Port Canaveral?

Port Canaveral has a subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild winters. The average temperature in January is 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average temperature in July is 88 degrees Fahrenheit. The average annual rainfall is 55 inches.

What are the best months to visit Port Canaveral?

The best months to visit Port Canaveral are from November to April. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, and there are fewer tourists.

Where should I stay in Port Canaveral?

There are several hotels and resorts in Port Canaveral, including the Hilton Garden Inn, the Holiday Inn Express, and the Comfort Suites. You can also stay in one of the many vacation rentals that are available.

What are the best restaurants in Port Canaveral?

Some of the best restaurants in Port Canaveral include the Boathouse, the Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill, and the Crab Shack. You can also find a variety of fast food restaurants and casual eateries.

What are the best things to do for free in Port Canaveral?

There are a number of free things to do in Port Canaveral, including visiting the Jetty Park Beach, watching the dolphins at the Dolphin Cove, and taking a walk or bike ride along the beach.

Port Canaveral is a popular cruise destination for good reason. It offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages, from exploring the Kennedy Space Center to relaxing on the beach. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation or a romantic getaway, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in Port Canaveral.

Here are a few key takeaways from this article:

  • Port Canaveral is located just a short drive from Orlando, making it a convenient option for those who want to explore the theme parks.
  • The port offers a variety of cruise lines and destinations to choose from, so you’re sure to find the perfect trip for your needs.
  • Port Canaveral has a variety of attractions and activities to keep you entertained, including the Kennedy Space Center, the Port Canaveral Historical Museum, and the Cocoa Beach Pier.
  • The port is also home to a number of restaurants, shops, and bars, so you can find everything you need without having to leave.

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting cruise destination, Port Canaveral is the perfect place for you. With its convenient location, variety of attractions, and friendly atmosphere, you’re sure to have a memorable vacation.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.