Journey Along Florida's Space Coast - New Smyrna Beach

Stretching for 72 miles along Florida's Atlantic coast is a region known as the "Space Coast". The colorful nickname arose from the Kennedy Space Center, located here at Cape Canaveral. In the midst of the Space Coast lies the Canaveral National Seashore, 24 miles of undeveloped beach. At the north end of this pristine stretch of natural beauty you'll find New Smyrna Beach. Come enjoy a delightful combination of sightseeing activities and natural beauty when you plan a vacation in New Smyrna Beach accommodations.

Your stay in New Smyrna Beach lodging will not be complete without a stop at the Kennedy Space Center. Covering 140,000 acres, the complex will provide a day of educational fun. You can view a replica of the space shuttle and watch an IMAX movie that feels like you've been launched into space. You can even ask questions of a NASA astronaut during the "Astronaut Encounter" in the visitor complex.

A large portion of the Space Center is set aside for the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Here you can trek through numerous Florida ecosystems, including marshes, dunes and forests. You'll have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of wildlife, including some on the endangered list. This refuge provides a home to more than 300 species of birds, 65 types of reptiles or amphibians and more than 100 species of fish. North of Merritt Island you'll find Canaveral National Seashore, one of only ten seashores in the country protected by the National Park Service.

New Smyrna Beach, along with its sister community of Bethune Beach, boasts an additional swath of wide sandy beach that stretches for more than 13 miles. Here in front of New Smyrna Beach oceanfront hotels you can find a variety of beach experiences. At the north end, you can drive right out onto the sand to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean, as long as you stay away from the dunes. The southern half of these beaches allows no motor vehicles, as it's a nature preserve. Here you'll find a lovely picnic spot.

In addition to the natural attractions, you'll find sightseeing opportunities. You can tour the remains of a sugar mill plantation at the Sugar Mill Ruins State Historic Site. At the Atlantic Center for the Arts you will find a gallery that features exhibits by local artists.

One advantage of many New Smyrna Beach accommodations is the proximity to so many attractions while still being surrounded by untouched natural beauty. Orlando is just over an hour away, so you can take a daytrip to Walt Disney World or Sea World. Even closer, you can enjoy horseback riding in the town of Cocoa or the faster excitement of go-karts and bumper boats at Andretti Thrill Park in nearby Melbourne.

Whether you opt to stay in one of the oceanfront rental so that you can head to the shore every day, or venture farther afield for more sightseeing and excitement, your trip will go most smoothly if you choose a cozy private vacation home.