Space Coast Viewing Guide

Where to Watch Artemis III Launch from Florida's Space Coast

Artemis III is currently targeted for June 2027, launching from Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center. Artemis dates move often — check the live schedule before you travel.

An SLS launch is far brighter and louder than a typical Falcon 9, and the crowds are much larger. Arrive early, expect road closures around the causeways, and pick a spot with a clear line of sight north toward pad 39B.

16public viewing spots

• Apollo/Saturn V Center

  Park

  ***CONFIRM WITH KSC FOR ANY LAUNCH*** For high profile launches, tickets may be available.  Otherwise, there is a bus tour here included within standard KSC ticket.

• KSC LC 39 Observation Gantry

  Park

  This will not be open for all launches (especially those from pad 39A. It seems that this is sometimes included within KSC admission ticket and sometimes a paid add-on. Check with KSC Visitor Center before locking in plans. https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/explore-attractions/behind-the-gates/the-gantry-at-lc-39/

• Playalinda Beach - Elevated Boardwalk

  Beach

  In each of the parking complexes, you will have to take an elevated boardwalk to get to the beach.   Many people choose to use this boardwalk platform as a way to see the entire rocket on the launchpad prior to launch!  If that is a priority, this may be your spot!

• Cherie Down Park

  Beach

  This spot has generally decent parking and can be a decent alternative to Jetty Park.  In reality, this marker represents the fact that any spot up and down this stretch of beach is a great view, especially for booster landings.

• Rotary Riverfront Park

  Park

  Great small park with palm trees, views of pretty much all pads, and some parking spots. It also has a nice pier that runs out into the water. I've only shot here for one launch and it was off of pad 41. For that pad, only the top portion of the rocket was visible prior to launch. 39-B appeared to be a completely clear view.

• Jetty Park Pier

  Pier

  A fixed concrete pier at Jetty Park, one of the closest locations south of the launch pads.  This is a great spot when optimizing for booster landings. Admissions can be tricky, so make sure to check latest ticketing information from their official website.

• SR-50 Boat Ramp

  Beach

  A nice view if you are coming form Orlando and don't feel like driving all the way to the coast and getting stuck in launch traffic.  Needs to be a clear day.

• Playalinda Beach

  Beach

  This marker represents the approximate location of how far you can go on Playalinda Beach for launch viewing. Some tips: - Beach opening hours do not adjust for a launch. If a launch gets postponed to be after park closing hours, you will be forced to leave. - Playalinda has closed for launches in the past, but recently it has remained open. - This is my personal favorite public launch viewing spot! Even if a launch scrubs, you still get a nice beach day. - If you go too far north, you may encounter a different kind of rocket #NudeBeach - From this spot, you may not be able to see (all of) the rocket ahead of launch, but it will be visible within 5 seconds of liftoff! - The view in this picture is a launch from Pad 40. If the launch is from 39-A, you'll be twice as close!

• Max Brewer Bridge

  Roadside

  A nice elevated view to be able to see most of the launch pads.  During major launches, the entire bridge can be shut down to allow pedestrian traffic.

• Space View Park

  Park

  Nice public park on the water with good views!

• The Space Bar

  Restaurant

  Have a drink with a launch on the side.

• Exploration Tower

  Viewing area

  Previously offered elevated launch viewing from a seven-story observation deck. It closed for a waterproofing and maintenance project in 2022 and has not reopened. Kept on the map as a landmark so you do not plan a launch around it.

• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

  Park

  KSC Visitor Center has a set of bleachers. These should have audio coverage of countdown. NOTE: for any launch, check with KSC to confirm if these will be available (and if there will be a cost for them). Very unlikely to be open outside of normal hours. Almost certainly an obstructed view prior to launch, but nice and close for the launch itself (easy to see 3 seconds after liftoff)

• Cape Canaveral Lighthouse

  Viewing area

  Not available to the public, but added to the map as a reference point

• Vehicle Assembly Building

  Viewing area

• Seth's Sweet Spot

  Roadside

  This spot is not for the faint of heart, as it is tough getting back onto the highway. But Seth (editor of Space Explored) is a big fan! Photo credit: © Seth Kurkowski