Viewing guides · Playalinda Beach

Watching a Rocket Launch from Playalinda Beach

Playalinda Beach, in Canaveral National Seashore, is the closest public beach to the launch pads.

Viewing spots at Playalinda Beach

What each spot is like, 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!