Viewing guides · Night launches

Watching a Night Rocket Launch in Florida

Upcoming Space Coast launches that lift off after dark.

Where to stand

Public viewing spots, 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.

Recently flown

• Falcon Heavy · NROL-97Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 11:54 PM EDT · Launch Complex 39A · with my recap
• Falcon 9 · Starlink Group 10-49Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 5:33 AM EDT · Space Launch Complex 40
• Falcon 9 · Globalstar 2-R Mission 1 (x 8)Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 9:12 PM EDT · Space Launch Complex 40
• Falcon 9 · BlueBird 11-13Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 3:49 AM EDT · Space Launch Complex 40

My recaps and photos

• Incredible LaunchNROL-97 · Thu, Oct 1, 2026

More viewing guides

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