Top Tourist Attractions & Landmarks on the Space Coast

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Things to Do on Florida’s Space Coast

From cars racing around the track or rockets launching into space, Florida’s Central East Coast has some interesting traffic. Turn off the beaten path and check out some of the top attractions and landmarks on Florida’s Space Coast and the surrounding regions.

Cassadega Spiritualist Camp

1112 Stevens Street, Cassadega

What started out as the Cassadega Spiritualist Camp in 1875 is now the “Psychic Capital of the World.”

There are many psychic readers and mediums to choose from. Not interested in knowing what the future holds? There are plenty of other things to do here.

This 35-acre enclave is home to a number of boutiques, cafes, a museum, and even a public garden to wander. Take a tour of the community’s history and funky architecture or wait until nightfall to explore with a ghost tour.

Non-psychics can visit the website to get more information.

DeBary Hall Historic Site

198 Sunrise Boulevard, DeBary

On the hunt for history? DeBary Hall, an 1871 hunting lodge has what you’re looking for. Built as the winter home of entrepreneur Frederick DeBary, the estate became a popular destination for elite visitors.

Walk in their footsteps as you explore this ten-acre landmark. The estate includes the main lodge, stables, and other historic buildings. Plan your landmark adventure here.

Kennedy Space Center

Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island

Get in touch with your inner astronaut and visit this national landmark. Visitors to Kennedy Space Center can get up-close to outer space.

The Center is organized into “Mission Zones” by era of space travel. You can use the app in advance to input your interests and map-out your journey! Whatever you choose don’t miss the Rocket Garden for some great photo opps!

If you witness history in the making find out about future rocket launches here.

Insider Tips: Consider purchasing advance tickets online. Arrive early to avoid lines and having to park far. There is a fee for parking. Pets are not permitted in the complex. However, there is a free air-conditioned kennel where your pet pals can relax while you’re visiting.

Barberville Pioneer Settlement

1776 Lightfoot Lane, Barberville

Go back to in time to check out life in pioneer Florida. As area buildings were threatened by development, the community rallied to save them. What was once the grounds of just a 1919 schoolhouse has grown into a “village” with over a dozen historic buildings and workshops!

Educational programs offer visitors of all ages a glimpse into old Florida. Year-round events and festivals help bring history to life throughout this landmark settlement.

Insider Tip: Check out their website for discounted tickets and package deals. All grounds and most buildings are ADA accessible.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

6400 North Oceanshore Boulevard, Palm Coast

This beachfront park nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Matanzas River is a nature lover’s dream.

Explore the stunning formal gardens and majestic trees. Enjoy lunch under the oaks at one of the picnic table and grill setups. Then head to the beach to go for swim or capture photos of the ancient rock formations. Hike or bike on one of the several trails.

Birdwatchers will love keeping an eye out for migrating feathered friends. Get a copy of the current migratory bird list from the Ranger Station.

Plan your visit to this natural landmark here.

Ponce Lighthouse

4931 South Peninsula Drive

Step-back in history, one step at a time to 1887.

Climb 203 steps, to be exact, to get to the top of Florida’s tallest lighthouse at Ponce de Leon Inlet. You’ll be rewarded with a great workout and amazing views.

Prefer to stay closer to the ground? Admission includes a self-guided tour map of the historic grounds. You can explore the museum building or just sit and relax and enjoy the breeze.

Reserve your spot on a monthly “Climb to the Moon” tour. This experience offers views of sunset and moonrise!

Insider Tips: Free parking is available for visitors while they tour the lighthouse. Start your lighthouse adventure here.

Marine Science Center

100 Lighthouse Drive, Ponce Inlet

Want to know more about the local environment and waterways? Check out the Marine Science Center. For over 20 years this organization has been educating visitors of all ages about conservation.

The Center also serves as a rehabilitation facility for injured sea turtles. Stope the Turtle Terrace at the Center’s headquarters to observe the current patients.

Learn more about the MSC and its programs here.

Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens

950 Old Sugar Mill Road, Port Orange

In the early 1800s Florida was home to many sugar plantations. This 12-acre hidden gem features the ruins of the Dunlawton plantation. It was destroyed in an 1836 during a Seminole Indian raid.

The property has served many uses over the past 184 years. In the 1950s it was even an amusement park. This explains the concrete dinosaurs throughout the park!

Visitors are welcome to explore the mill ruins and the well-organized plant collections. Be sure to check out the human sun dial and a children’s garden. Oh, and never mind the dinosaurs, keep an eye out for the gnomes.

Insider Tips: Admission is by donation, pay what you can. Wear closed-toe shoes and stay on designated paths to avoid poison ivy. Bring insect repellant.

Plan your visit to Dunlawton here. If you’re craving another sugar plantation, check out the ruins of the Cruger-dePeyster plantation.

Daytona Beach Pier

1200 Main Street, Daytona

Daytona’s Main Street Pier has been a popular destination since 1925. This iconic landmark extends 1,000 feet out over the Atlantic. The pier restaurant, just off the boardwalk, is a fun spot to grab a bite or drink.

There’s no charge to walk out on to the pier and enjoy the view, there are even benches for relaxing. If conditions are right, you might spot surfers trying to catch the perfect wave.

The fishing section of the pier is currently closed for renovations (the Sunglow Pier at 3701 S. Atlantic Ave is open to anglers).

Click here to learn more about this iconic spot

Daytona Beach Oceanfront Bandshell

Weekend evenings the Daytona Beach boardwalk comes alive. Free musical performances at the historic amphitheater make sure the party keeps going! Whether you love country, jazz, big band, or rock music, the rotating line-up will be music to your ears.

End the weekend with a bang! Saturday night bandshell performances are usually followed by a fireworks display.

Insider tip: For easy bandshell access park at the Ocean Center garage. Walk over the Ocean Walk Shoppes crosswalk to Oceanfront Park. There you can rent a “VIP” chair for maximum concert comfort.

Find out about future performances here.

Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory

154 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach

The Angell & Phelps chocolate factory has been delighting sweet-toothed visitors since 1925. Kids of all ages will enjoy the free 30-minute demonstration of the candy-making process. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, they offer free samples at the end of the tour!

Plan your visit to this tasty landmark here.

Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation Home & Gravesite

640 Mary-McLeod-Bethune Boulevard, Daytona Beach

The beautiful campus of Bethune-Cookman University dates back to 1904. This historically black university was created by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.

Visitors can tour this pioneering educator’s 1913 home, which she called her “retreat.” In addition to her residence White Hall Administration building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Arrange your visit to learn more about this visionary here.

Basilica of St. Paul

317 Mullally Street, Daytona Beach

In honor of 125 years of service to the community St. Paul’s was designated a Basilica by Pope Benedict XVI. It is one of only 60 Basilica in the United States.

Visitors of all denoninations will appreciate the landmark 1925 Spanish Mission-style building, and stunning stained-glass windows.

To experience the beauty of this historic landmark you can attend a daily mass, or contact the office in advance to schedule a tour.

Daytona 500 International Speedway

1801 West International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach

Got the need for speed? Daytona International Speedway has been delighting race fans since 1959.

Visitors can visit the grounds and the Motorsports Hall of Fame. Choose one of three guided tour options to experience the thrill of the track! Everyone will feel like a winner after climbing the podium for a photo opp.

Learn more about this unique landmark here.

Experience Florida’s Space Coast

Step off the beaten path onto the fun and adventure of Florida’s Space Coast. This region has something for everyone and every interest.

Start planning to make your own landmark memories, click here.

**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).

Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.

Jacqui May

Jacqui May has a background in nonprofit project management and writing. She is currently a freelance consultant, Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, and writer. She enjoys working with diverse organizations to connect them with resources, and make a difference in the community. Jacqui is a straight ally and several of her close family and friends identify as lgbtq. She volunteers with organizations serving veterans, developmentally disabled adults, the homeless, and low-income community members. Originally from New York City, she is a long-time Floridian and has extensively explored the Sunshine State. Jacqui loves history and believes that everyone has a story worth listening to.

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