Let’s talk rockets! SpaceX and NASA have been blasting rockets into the great beyond for years now, making space exploration seem more like a backyard BBQ than an intergalactic odyssey. SpaceX, the brainchild of Elon Musk, has been shaking things up with its sleek rockets, re-using boosters and ambitious plans to colonize Mars. They’ve got this reusable rocket thing down to a science, making space travel a little less like throwing money into a black hole.
And then there’s NASA, the OG of space agencies. These folks have been sending rockets into orbit since before it was cool. They’ve launched everything from astronauts to probes to distant planets. With their eyes on the stars and a budget that would make your head spin, NASA’s rocket launches are like watching history unfold in real-time.
Together, SpaceX and NASA are like the dynamic duo of space exploration, pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible and inspiring us all to dream a little bigger. So, buckle up, because the countdown to the next launch is always on AND from Volusia County, we have a front row seat to all the action. Keep reading for my insider TIPS on where to watch as well as a how to watch remotely.
Table of Contents
Let’s talk rockets! SpaceX and NASA have been blasting rockets into the great beyond for years now, making space exploration seem more like a backyard BBQ than an intergalactic odyssey. SpaceX, the brainchild of Elon Musk, has been shaking things up with its sleek rockets, re-using boosters and ambitious plans to colonize Mars. They’ve got this reusable rocket thing down to a science, making space travel a little less like throwing money into a black hole.
And then there’s NASA, the OG of space agencies. These folks have been sending rockets into orbit since before it was cool. They’ve launched everything from astronauts to probes to distant planets. With their eyes on the stars and a budget that would make your head spin, NASA’s rocket launches are like watching history unfold in real-time.
Together, SpaceX and NASA are like the dynamic duo of space exploration, pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible and inspiring us all to dream a little bigger. So, buckle up, because the countdown to the next launch is always on AND from Volusia County, we have a front row seat to all the action. Keep reading for my insider TIPS on where to watch as well as a how to watch remotely.
How to Watch a Launch Remotely
FLORIDA TODAY, a USA TODAY Network-Florida newspaper, provides interactive launch coverage here with frequent updates on launches at least 90 minutes in advance, sometimes longer, depending on the mission. Keep in mind that launch windows are always dependent on weather, mechanical readiness and a host of other factors and therefore, they are often delayed or canceled. For this reason, many people, even locals, choose to view launches online, on TV, or literally pull off the side of the road to look at the sky. You can download the free app for iPhone or Android.
Where to Watch Locally
Let’s talk about catching a rocket launch in Volusia County, just north of Brevard County (where all the cool space stuff goes down at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station).
If you want a primo view, head straight for the beach. Look south and you’ll have front-row seats to the show. Here are some spots you will want to check out: local beaches, waterfront restaurants and our community waterfront parks.
Canaveral National Seashore
Located along the southern Volusia coast as well as the northern Brevard coast, this National Park is the BEST spot I’ve found to catch a launch. Whether you choose to access the New Smyrna Beach entrance or the Brevard entrance, is up to you. There are entry fees to access the park. While there, you can check out Turtle Mound, the Eldora house and 17 miles of beaches. Some beach access parking lots have showers, bathrooms and pedestrian walk ways to the beach (no on beach parking permitted). Check out Canaveral National Seashores website here.
Waterfront Restaurants
With 111 launches planned for 2024, you will have PLENTY of opportunities to catch some launch action! I highly recommend you try watching a launch from a waterfront restaurant. Below is a list of some of our favorite restaurants to catch a launch.
JB's Fish Camp
JB’s Fish Camp is located at 859 Pompano Ave., New Smyrna Beach, on the Mosquito Lagoon, this casual seafood restaurant prides itself on fresh seafood, outstanding burgers, waterfront dining with boat docks and plenty of parking as well as live music. Insider Tip – get the hushpuppies!
Goodrich's Seafood and Oyster House
Goodrich’s is another local treasure, Goodrich’s is located at 253 River Rd. Oak Hill. Their covered, outdoor deck with water view is what you are after. However, on particularly hot days, you may want to try their inside, air conditioned seating area. You can always walk outside for the launch!
Chase's on the Beach
Chase’s is located at 3401 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach, this beachfront eatery features seafood, sandwiches and salads. Chase’s claim to fame is their busy pool and daily drink specials.
River Deck Tiki Bar & Restaurant
River Deck Tiki Bar & Restaurant, located at 107 N. Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach, is located on the river, offering great views of the Intracoastal Waterway. It has covered outdoor deck seating as well as an outdoor bar and boat parking along the deck.
Other Notable Restaurants
Top of Daytona, 2625 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores, is really unique. It’s a long standing hotspot on top of a tall condo building and has an upscale, European-inspired menu and 360-degree views.
Aunt Catfish’s on the River, Located riverside, at 4009 Halifax Drive, Port Orange, is a casual seafood restaurant on the river. The restaurant is famous for its endless cinnamon rolls (45 years and counting, according to its website) and it offers Sunday brunch, too.
Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor, 133 Inlet Harbor Road, Ponce Inlet, offers seafood, sandwiches, salads and other entrees. The restaurant and bar offers entertainment and is described as a great place to watch a sunset … or a rocket launch!
Boondocks Restaurant and Tiki Bar, 3948 S. Peninsula Drive, Wilbur-by-the-Sea, serves seafood, sandwiches, salads and other entrees. It’s a well-known destination for picture-perfect sunsets.
Hidden Treasure Rose Bay, 5993 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange, is the sister restaurant to Hidden Treasure Rum Bar and Grill in Ponce Inlet. It has a laidback tavern with TVs, kayak rentals on Rose Bay. The waterfront restaurant serves seafood, sandwiches, salads and other entrees and typically offers entertainment and happy hour.
Our Deck Down Under, 78 Dunlawton Ave., Port Orange, is a casual waterfront restaurant that serves seafood, sandwiches, salads and other entrees. It’s located under the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange.
Racing’s North Turn, 4511 S. Atlantic Ave., Ponce Inlet, is a NASCAR-themed bar and grill with a beachfront deck, happy hour and entertainment.
Down the Hatch Seafood, 4894 Front St., Ponce Inlet, is a fish camp with beautiful views of the inlet and entertainment.
Hidden Treasure Rum Bar and Grill, 4940 S. Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, is described as a laidback tavern with TVs and close proximity to the lighthouse. The waterfront restaurant serves seafood, sandwiches, salads and other entrees and typically offers entertainment and happy hour.
Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille, 200 Boatyard St., New Smyrna Beach. Outriggers is known for its waterfront views and seafood selections.
• The Breakers Restaurant, 518 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach, is an oceanfront restaurant and lounge, a signature pink building right at the Flagler beach access ramp. The Breakers has seafood, excellent burgers, sandwiches, salads and other entrees.
• The Grille at Riverview, 101 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach, is an upscale waterfront restaurant which specializes in seafood and has a covered deck along the river with a view of the North Causeway Bridge.
Parks
• Mary Dewees Park, 178 N. Gaines St., Oak Hill. Facilities include a rental building, playground, baseball field, basketball courts, tennis courts, outdoor restrooms, pavilions, picnic areas and grills.
• Nancy Cummings Park, 232 Cummings St., Oak Hill. Facilities include a playground, baseball field, basketball courts, outdoor pavilion and restrooms.
• Jimmie Vann Sunrise Park, 275 River Road, Oak Hill. This location has about 350 feet of beautifully restored shoreline, according to the city of Oak Hill. Facilities include a pavilion, picnic tables and kayak launching facilities.
• A.C. Delbert Dewees Municipal Pier, 243 River Road, Oak Hill. Facilities include a 520-foot observation pier with two covered decks and seating, the city of Oak Hill site states.
• Sunrise Park, 275 River Road, Oak Hill
• Seminole Rest National Historic site, 211 River Road, Oak Hill
• Riverbreeze Park, 250 H.H. Burch Road, Oak Hill
• Apollo Beach at Canaveral National Seashore (south of New Smyrna Beach). Canaveral National Seashore runs along Florida’s East Coast in Volusia County and Brevard County. To access Apollo Beach, take Interstate 95 to exit 249, then travel east until it turns into State Road A1A. Follow SR A1A south to the park entrance.
• Oak Hill riverfront is the southernmost city in South Volusia County.
• Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park, 6656 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach. Bethune Beach, which is 3.5 miles south of New Smyrna Beach and one mile north of the Apollo Beach entrance to Canaveral National Seashore Park, has restrooms, picnic pavilions, showers and nearly 800 feet of beachfront sidewalk, according to Volusia County’s site. The nearby riverside park area is across South Atlantic Avenue with tennis courts, pickle ball courts, basketball and volleyball courts, a playground, a fishing pier and restrooms. The river by the park can be a great viewing spot for manatees, dolphins and pelicans.
• Bird Observation Pier on River Road across from A.C. Delbert Municipal Pier (see above). Facilities include a 100-foot observation pier.
