BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – Launches are always exciting, especially nighttime launches. But Wednesday’s will be one for the history books.
The first all-civilian launch from the Space Coast will take place within a five-hour launch window that is set to begin at 8:02 p.m. EDT. Unlike the billionaires before them, these four private citizens will orbit the Earth for three days before splashing down somewhere in the waters off Florida.
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News 6 partner Florida Today reported that millions of people are likely to be watching the launch of the aptly named Inspiration4 on televisions and devices but space enthusiasts in Florida can watch in person. An experience not to be missed.
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SpaceX hasn’t released any details on the launch trajectory, and launches are always subject to last-minute delays and cancellations, but if all goes well you should be able see the momentous launch from Brevard, Volusia, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties.
Here are the best places to view the momentous launch:
In Brevard County (the Space Coast)
• Jetty Park Beach and Pier, 400 Jetty Park Road, Port Canaveral. Note, there’s a charge to park: $15 for cars, $20 for RVs, $25 for buses.
• Playalinda Beach, 1000 Playalinda Beach Road, Canaveral National Seashore. Note, there’s a charge to park, $10 per vehicle, and access to Canaveral National Seashore will be granted until capacity is reached or until 5:30 p.m., whichever comes first.
• Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park, 1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, Titusville. Note, parking is available on both sides of Max Brewer Bridge, with paved space for 46 vehicles and unpaved parking for an additional 100 vehicles.
• Space View Park, 8 Broad St., Titusville
• Sand Point Park, 10 E. Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville
• Rotary Riverfront Park, 4141 S. Washington Ave., Titusville
• Alan Shepard Park, 299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach. Note, it costs $15 per vehicle to park and no buses allowed.
• Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave. Parking fee varies.
• Lori Wilson Park, 1400 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach
• Sidney Fischer Park, 2200 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Note, it costs $15 per vehicle to park and no buses allowed.
In Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties (The Treasure Coast)
The best views here are along the beaches. Look north.
• House of Refuge and beach, 301 S.E. MacArthur Blvd., Stuart
• The Jensen Beach Causeway, N.E. Causeway Boulevard
• Wabasso Beach Park, 1808 Wabasso Beach Road, Wabasso (Free parking)
• The Stuart Causeway in Stuart (State Road A1A causeway)
• Fort Pierce Inlet, 905 Shorewinds Drive
• Sebastian Inlet Park, 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach ($8 per vehicle; limit eight people per vehicle)
• Ambersands Beach Park, 12566 N. SR A1A, Vero Beach (Free parking)
• South Beach Park, 1700 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach (Free parking)
• Alma Lee Loy Bridge in Vero Beach
• Merrill Barber Bridge in Vero Beach
In Volusia County
The best views here are along the beach. Look due south. Readers have mentioned seeing a rocket launch from Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach. Here are some recommended spots:
• South side of New Smyrna Beach (Canaveral National Seashore), parking costs $10
• Bethune Beach, 6656 S. Atlantic Ave.
• Apollo Beach at New Smyrna Beach
Visibility will depend on weather conditions, and people should make sure not to block traffic or rights of way on bridges and to follow posted rules at beaches.