What to See at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Visitors to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) can discover the history of space exploration and learn about the space race.
From exciting launches to unique exhibits, Kennedy Space Center has some of the best experiences and things to see that are everywhere.
Upon entering, you’ll read “EXPLORE,” inviting you to discover its diverse attractions.
You can see the first building, Heroes and Legends, dedicated to the NASA Veterans, and Rocket Garden, featuring sky-high rockets outside.
Afterward, you can head off to the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, which will take you to the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
The KSC Center has a lot of other attractions, like Astronaut Encounter, NASA Now+Next, Journey and more.
You can also watch an IMAX Space film after the visit!
The article walks you through these attractions and shares information about must-sees at the center.
Kennedy Space Center tickets include visits to most of these attractions.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Suggested Itinerary
Following is the suggested itinerary for visiting the Kennedy Space Center:
| Attraction | Time required |
|---|---|
| Heroes and Legends, featuring the US Astronaut Hall of Fame, presented by Boeing | 30 minutes |
| Rocket Garden | 15 minutes |
| Astronaut Encounter | 45 minutes |
| Apollo/Saturn V Center via the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour | 2 hours |
| Space Shuttle Atlantis with Shuttle Launch Experience | 2 hours |
| IMAX Space Film | 1 hour |
| Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted | 30 minutes |
| Dining and shopping | 1 hour |
| Planet Play (for kids) | 30 minutes |
The Top Kennedy Space Center Must-See Attractions
Here are some things to see at Kennedy Space Center that are considered surreal and a must-see by visitors.
Astronaut Encounter
Each day at the KSC Visitor Complex, visitors get a unique opportunity to meet veteran NASA astronauts.
During the astronaut encounter, pilots, commanders, mission specialists, and payload specialists have a live presentation.
They share stories and experiences about living and working. After this, there is a question-and-answer session.
Rocket Garden
The Rocket Garden is an outdoor exhibit showcasing real rockets once launched into space.
Visitors can walk among the giant rockets of NASA’s Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs.
It is one of the most photographed locations in the center. Don’t forget to pose alongside the towering rockets.
Space Shuttle: Atlantis
A must-see at the visitor complex is the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Atlantis is a retired Space Shuttle orbiter that belongs to NASA.
It is displayed as it was in space. The entire attraction pays tribute to NASA’s 30-year Space Shuttle Program.
Make sure you devote enough time to exploring this remarkable exhibit.
Saturn V Rocket
Hop on the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour and head to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, also called the Race to the Moon.
As you stand beneath the massive Saturn V rocket, the largest rocket ever to fly in space, prepare to be amazed.
Also, see exhibits that bring the Apollo era to life, celebrating the incredible accomplishment of landing on the Moon.
Watch a Rocket Launch
Launches in Florida occur either at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station or Kennedy Space Center.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex provides the nearest public viewpoint for observing rocket launches.
Visitors can enjoy launch commentary while sitting in bleachers.
Planning your visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex during a scheduled launch window is essential to maximizing your chances of seeing a rocket launch.
Heroes and Legends Kennedy Space Center
This is the first attraction inside the center. There, you see the journey through the eyes of the famous Gemini, Apollo, and other astronauts.
The environment comes alive with vibrant visuals and sounds. You also get the chance to click pictures with the electronic display of the heroes.
What’s Inside: This area comprises exciting sections like the US Astronaut Hall of Fame, Rocket Garden, and Astronaut Encounter.
NASA Now+Next
The Now+Next area showcases the most recent breakthroughs, innovative technologies, and ideas shaping our planet.
It has interactive exhibitions on space, renewable energy, and other emerging topics.
What’s Inside: This area comprises sections like Gateway, Journey to Mars, Spaceport, IMAX Theater, and many more.
Race To The Moon/Apollo Saturn V Center
The Race to the Moon exhibit graphically depicts the fierce struggle among nations to reach the moon’s surface.
It recognizes the heroism and determination of the astronauts who prepared the way for humanity’s first moon trip.
What’s Inside: Experience the journey to the Moon and back in the Lunar Theater and touch things brought to Earth by the Apollo mission.
Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other
The “Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other” exhibit at Kennedy Space Center acknowledges the legendary Space Shuttle Atlantis.
It also exhibits the space suits of astronauts who traveled into space on board these incredible machines.
What’s Inside: It comprises the best things to see at Kennedy, Space Shuttle Atlantis, and the Hubble Space Telescope Theater, which gives a shuttle launch experience.
FAQs
Why is the Kennedy Space Center famous?
Kennedy Space Center is the focal point of all space programs undertaken by NASA.
It also has a visitor center, allowing people to see Space Shuttle Atlantis, Saturn V, and many rockets, artifacts, and memorabilia from actual space missions, etc.
Also, it has two IMAX theaters, a separate space to watch shuttle launches and simulated rocket training experiences.
What is there to do inside the Kennedy Space Center?
Chatting with an Astronaut, the Behind the Gates Tour, Flying with an Astronaut, the Astronaut Training Experience, etc. are some things to do there.
If you schedule your time, the rocket launch at Kennedy Space Center will also be cool to watch.
Can you see Kennedy Space Center from Cocoa Beach?
KSC rocket launches are visible from Cocoa Beach, and Cocoa Beach Pier is a prime viewing spot for visitors.
The pier lies 800 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and is the only venue on Florida’s Space Coast.
How long does it take to see the Kennedy Space Center?
Dedicating a full day, approximately 6–9 hours, is suitable for exploring all the attractions and exhibits.
However, it depends on your interest and the time you want to spend at the center.
If you are a space enthusiast, you can plan for a 1- to 2-day visit to see everything and attend every show.
What are some famous Kennedy Space Center things to see?
Kennedy Space Center has a list of things to see:
The Rocket Garden, Astronaut Encounter, Saturn V Rocket, Atlantis, and Rocket Launch are some of the must-see.
Featured Image: Kennedyspacecenter.com