Viewing guides · Crewed launches

Where to Watch a Crewed Launch from Florida

Launches that carry astronauts from Florida. Right now they fly from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral.

Where it launches from

Upcoming crewed launches are scheduled from Space Launch Complex 41, Space Launch Complex 40, Launch Complex 36A, Launch Complex 39A Starship Pad, Launch Complex 39B.

Where to stand

Public spots open for a launch from Space Launch Complex 41, in my own words.

• Playalinda Beach

  This is about as far as 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. - 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!

• Playalinda Beach - Elevated Boardwalk

  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!

• Jetty Park 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.

• Max Brewer Bridge

  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.

• Cherie Down Park

  This spot generally has decent parking and can be a good 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.

• Space View Park

  Nice public park on the water with good views!

• Rotary Riverfront 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.

• SR-50 Boat Ramp

  A nice view if you are coming from 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.

On the schedule

• Atlas V N22 · Starliner-1January 2027, date to be announced · Space Launch Complex 41
• Falcon 9 · Crew-14March 2027, date to be announced · Space Launch Complex 40
• Falcon 9 · Haven-1Around March 2027, date to be announced
• New Glenn · Blue Origin HLS LEO DemoJune 2027, date to be announced · Launch Complex 36A
• Starship · SpaceX HLS LEO DemoJune 2027, date to be announced · Launch Complex 39A Starship Pad
• Space Launch System (SLS) · Artemis IIIJune 2027, date to be announced · Launch Complex 39B

Plus 3 more further out, most without a firm date yet.

Recently flown

• Falcon 9 · Crew-13Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 11:10 AM EDT · Space Launch Complex 40

More viewing guides

• Falcon Heavy
• Falcon 9
• Starship
• New Glenn
• Vulcan
• SLS
• Playalinda Beach
• Jetty Park
• Titusville
• Night launches
• Sonic booms