The Best Places to Stay in Cape Canaveral, Florida

Enjoy an out-of-this-world stay on the Space Coast – with Cape Canaveral the perfect place for rockets and relaxation | Courtesy of Cape Crossing Resort & Marina / Expedia

Vesna Maric

6 December 2021

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Known as Cape Kennedy between 1963 and 1973, Cape Canaveral in Florida sits on the Atlantic Coast and the banks of Banana River. Part of the larger Space Coast, it is next to the Kennedy Space Centre Complex and is the perfect place to stay if you want to explore all things space-related. If you’ve always wanted to see rockets take off, here’s your chance! Farther out, the pretty town of Cocoa Beach is excellent for food. Cape Canaveral’s best places to stay range from small, intimate hotels to plush suites, villas and condos for longer stays, and classic, comfortable chains.

Cape Crossing, for self-caterers in Cape Crossing

A balcony with view of the marina at Cape Crossing Resort and Marina

Courtesy of Cape Crossing Resort and Marina / Booking.com

A five-minute drive from Cape Canaveral, and catering to those who want to really immerse themselves in water activities on offer in Cape Canaveral, Cape Crossing is right on the water so you can rent out kayaks, paddle boards, CraigCat or pontoons to explore the wonderful environment – rivers, vegetation and wildlife – right on your doorstep. You can also book catamaran sailing boat trips and explore the Space Coast, spotting dolphins and oohing over gorgeous sunsets. Accommodations comprise fully-equipped pastel-colored townhouses, the interiors decorated with nautical scenes, ideal for self-catering families or groups.

Radisson Resort at the Port, for proximity to the Manatee Sanctuary Park

Palm trees and sunbeds near the entrance of the Radisson Resort at the Port

Courtesy of Radisson Resort at the Port / Expedia

The 284 rooms at this Radisson Resort are defined by their dark-wood furnishings and cheery lemon-yellow walls, while outdoor perks include a tennis court, several swimming pools, hot tub, fishponds and mini waterfalls. Flamingo’s Restaurant offers classic American dishes, so choose from burgers and grilled fish wraps to barbecue ribs. Nearby, Flamingo’s Lounge Bar serves classic cocktails to the tune of live jazz and salsa. The Tiki bar is right next to the pool, ideal for drinks in the sun. Manatee Sanctuary Park is a five-minute stroll from the hotel – a boon for wildlife-loving families.

Hyatt Place Titusville, for space shuttle launch views

A twin room with a separate seating area and television at Hyatt Place Titusville

Courtesy of Hyatt Place Titusville / Expedia

If you can’t make it right to the launchpad, you can view a Space Shuttle launch from your bedroom here – this Hyatt Place is only 7mi (11km) – and an easy 10-minute drive – from the Kennedy Space Centre. If that’s not a unique drawing point, we don’t know what is! Well, that and the fact that the 110 rooms here are seriously luxurious, decked out in classic grays and creams, with dividing screens separating the generous lounge areas from the bedrooms. There is no on-site restaurant here but there is a bar and a market for quick bites, plus there’s a locally popular seafood place – New York New York – a five-minute drive away, overlooking the Indian River.

Coco Sands Villas, for access to varied attractions

A villa with bright-blue exterior walls at Coco Sands Villas

Courtesy of Coco Sands Villas / Expedia

These fully-equipped villas at this central Cape Canaveral location burst forth with tropical color, from sea-blue or crimson walls to sea-foam teal, coupled with eye-catching chequered tilework – the latter villa comes with bunkbeds for kids. Perch on a deckchair on the shaded veranda out back, take a four-block stroll to the popular JC beach, or hop in the car to attend a rocket launch (a 15-minute drive), spot gators and waterfowl from the boardwalks of the Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary (a 20-minute drive), or just dine out at Ellie Mae’s Tiki Bar, two blocks away.

SpringHill Suites Cape Canaveral, for classic decor in Cocoa Beach

A twin room with two beds, a desk and a separate seating area at SpringHill Suites Cape Canaveral,

Courtesy of SpringHill Suites Cape Canaveral / Booking.com

This is an all-suite hotel with stylish, spacious rooms, with subtly lit desks separating the bedroom from the lounge, and plush beds with high thread-count linens. The Splashdown Pool Bar & Lounge offers a variety of beers and classic cocktails, so that you can lounge by the pool, drink in hand. While complimentary buffet breakfast is included, there is no on-site restaurant, but you’re just a few minutes’ walk from popular eateries, such as Thai Thai Restaurant and Zarella’s Italian, as well as the Manatee Sanctuary Park, in case you want to meet the loveable aquatic creatures face to face.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach, for proximity to the Kennedy Space Center

A lit firepit and seating on the patio at Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach

Courtesy Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach / Expedia

Spacious rooms with a cream-and-brown color scheme are on offer at this branch of the Hilton – perfect for those who are after a reliable, comfortable functionality while exploring the nearby area. The Nasa Center and the Kennedy Space Center are a 15-minute drive away, while the rocket launch pad is less than 10-minutes away. Some of the suites have fully equipped kitchens for longer stays; you can also fire up the barbecue by the pool, or trade adventure stories with fellow guests around the fire pit.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Cape Canaveral Beach Resort, for family vacations

Outdoor swimming pool in front of the hotel at the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Cape Canaveral Beach Resort

Courtesy of Holiday Inn Club Vacations Cape Canaveral Beach Resort / Expedia

Handily located both for the rocket launch viewpoint and the Manatee Sanctuary Park, and a great place to stay with your little ones, this Holiday Inn is a ton of water fun: there’s a lazy river, a four-story waterslide, a big pool, plus the white sands and surf of the beach nearby. In addition, there is a minigolf course, an arcade, a cinema, and different sports courts. The hotel’s private boardwalk takes you to the beach at Jetty Park, where you can swimming and watch rocket launches. The condo-style studios and villas are decorated in creams and blues and come equipped with kitchenettes and full kitchens, respectively.

Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites, for wallet-friendly stays

A room with a double bed and large glass doors leading out to a balcony at Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites

Courtesy Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites / Expedia | Courtesy Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites / Expedia

A 20-minute drive from the Kennedy Space Center, you will find welcome relief from Florida’s heat at this hotel, with its two pools, and a shaded garden courtyard terrace. The rooms are comfortable, if not terribly Instagram-worthy, with a colour palette of browns and sands and caramels. Each comes with a balcony overlooking either the irregularly shaped pool or the ocean. There is a Family Suites building with family-friendly suites with extra-large private balconies, a kitchenette, large refrigerators and microwaves; children under 17 stay free with one paying adult. The Blue Flip Flop Bar serving poolside beers is an extra boon.

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