Half-Day Itinerary
Below is a suggested half-day itinerary (roughly four to five hours), designed to give you a taste of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s must-see highlights in just a few hours. If you’re arriving in the afternoon, be sure to prioritize the Bus Tour — it closes earlier than other attractions, so check the schedule to make sure you don’t miss it.
Tips and Reminders
- Download the Kennedy Space Center Official Guide on Google Play or the App Store for easy and immediate access to daily show times, tours, park hours, astronaut meet and greets, and more
- The list of attractions listed below are in no particular order, offering flexibility to your day
- Make sure to leave some time for shopping and snacks. The Milky Way is a great place to grab a mid-afternoon ice cream on a hot day.
- Need additional help? Stop by the Information center (located before the front gate) upon arrival. A crewmember will be happy to help you plan your day as well!
Downloadable Itinerary
WITH BUS TOUR
BUS TOUR
STOP ONEThe Gantry at LC-39 Kick off your adventure with the Bus Tour, where the first stop is The Gantry at LC-39. Get ready for breathtaking 360° views of iconic launch pads just 1.5 miles away, all while surrounded by the enchanting wildlife of Merritt Island. Don’t forget to explore NASA’s Earth Information Center, dive into interactive exhibits, and experience the excitement of a simulated engine test fire every 30 minutes. It’s a perfect blend of nature and technology that’s sure to amaze!
BUS TOUR
STOP TWONext up is the Apollo / Saturn V Center, where you can witness one of the most significant achievements in human history—the Saturn V rocket! Stand in awe beneath this towering giant that made the Moon landings possible. This is your chance to delve into the stories and experiences of the Apollo missions—an experience that will leave you inspired!
SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS®
Experience the thrill of NASA’s shuttle era at the Space Shuttle Atlantis® attraction. This isn’t just an ordinary display; it is home to the real Atlantis orbiter that flew 33 missions. It also features over 60 hands-on experiences, from astronaut simulators to a mock International Space Station. And for a rush of adrenaline, don’t miss the Shuttle Launch Experience! It’s an exhilarating ride that astronauts themselves say comes close to a real launch liftoff. Buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride!
WITHOUT BUS TOUR
GATEWAY
The Deep Space Launch Complex®Get excited for what’s next in space exploration at Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex! Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to get up close to actual spacecraft and innovative technology designed for deep space missions. Don’t miss out on the epic journeys from Spaceport KSC®—from Mars to distant nebulae, this experience promises cosmic adventures you’ll never forget!
ROCKET GARDEN
Searching for the perfect photo op? Head to the Rocket Garden, where you can stand beneath a stunning collection of real rockets from NASA’s early days. Including the historic Mercury-Redstone 3 that launched Alan Shepard, the first American in space! Join a guided tour and immerse yourself in the rich history and stories of these towering giants of space.
SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS®
Experience the thrill of NASA’s shuttle era at the Space Shuttle Atlantis® attraction. This isn’t just an ordinary display; it is home to the real Atlantis orbiter that flew 33 missions. It also features over 60 hands-on experiences, from astronaut simulators to a mock International Space Station. And for a rush of adrenaline, don’t miss the Shuttle Launch Experience! It’s an exhilarating ride that astronauts themselves say comes close to a real launch liftoff. Buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride!
HEROES AND LEGENDS
Featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of FameFor those fascinated by space history, Heroes & Legends is an unforgettable experience. Walk through the early days of space travel and learn about the heroes who made it possible. Stand beneath the impressive Redstone rocket and get up close to the Gemini 9 capsule. Then, immerse yourself in the inspiring stories at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, where the legacies of these brave explorers continue to shine.
