15 Best Things to Do in Titusville (FL)

Part of Florida’s Space Coast, Titusville packs a one-two punch of space heritage and natural splendor.

The city is minutes from the Kennedy Space Center, NASA’s primary launch center of human spaceflight. This is still one of the launchpads for expendable launch vehicles, which you may see lifting off.

I don’t need to tell you that NASA’s visitor complex is a life-changing experience. The Space Shuttle Atlantis, NASA’s second most-flown orbiter, is just one of an abundance of awe-inspiring sights.

Across the Indian River is the Canaveral National Seashore, with miles of unpopulated coastline. This is a nesting habitat for three sea turtle species, and a haven for manatees, dolphins, bald eagles, wood storks, and many more.

1. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The visitor complex for the epicenter of America’s space program is just across the Indian River from Titusville.

You don’t need to be a space nerd to feel a shiver down your spine when this iconic site comes into view.

You’ll get to walk in the shadows of colossal rockets from yesteryear, take bus tours of the spaceport, watch mind-blowing IMAX presentations, check out decades worth of artifacts, experience a simulated shuttle launch, and much more.

My main piece of advice is to plan well in advance to ensure you’ll be here on the day of a SpaceX rocket launch. Personally, it’s an experience that will stay with me forever.

I’ve run out of space, but I’ve barely scratched the surface here. So, I’ll talk about a few more of the complex’s experiences later in this article.

2. NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis

The year 2013 was momentous for the Kennedy Space Center, as the Space Shuttle Atlantis went on public display for the first time.

This orbiter made more than 30 flights between 1985 and 2011, and took part in the very last mission in the Space Shuttle Program.

You can now see it as an astronaut would have done, suspended in the air and tilted at an angle with its payload doors open and canadarm extended. I defy anyone to look at this awesome piece of space exploration heritage and not be moved.

I also needed time to wrap my head around some of the facts. For example, this shuttle has orbited the earth almost 5,000 times and has traveled more than 125,000,000 miles.

There are some 60 interactive exhibits, telling you all you need to know about the Space Shuttle Program.

For a moment of reflection you’ll also find a memorial paying tribute to the astronauts of the fateful STS-51L Challenger and STS-107 Columbia missions.

3. Canaveral National Seashore (CANA)

This may be known as the Space Coast, Titusville and Cape Canaveral aren’t just about high-tech space machines and epic launch facilities.

Much of the barrier island surrounding the Kennedy Space Center is in the care of the National Park Service. This comprises the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the state.

CANA is a tapestry of environments, including ocean, beach, lagoon, hammock, pine flatland, and salt marsh.

Among the hundreds of animal species harbored by the park are manatees, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, wood storks, and three different sea turtles.

March through October, you can learn all about the nesting sea turtles on ranger-led tours at Apollo Beach and Playalinda Beach. The latter is also the best place to go if you’re here on the day of a rocket launch.

4. American Space Museum

American Space Museum & Space Walk Of Fame

Before heading to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex you can get into the space theme in downtown Titusville.

There are two components to this attraction, so I’ll talk about the indoor museum now and come to the Space Walk of Fame below.

At 308 Pine Street, the museum gives you a wonderful overview of the history of American space exploration. I spent a couple of hours poring over mission patches, flight suits, and all kinds of other artifacts.

Two highlights for me were the charred remnants of the Mercury-Atlas 1 hatch (1960), and the handprints of Sally Ride.

These items have all been collected by space workers over the years, and are now accompanied by family-friendly interactive exhibits.

5. Space View Park

Right on the Indian River and exactly 15 miles from the launch pads, Space View Park is steeped in the wonder of space exploration.

You can get a perfect view of launches here, which now tend to be SpaceX rockets, sending satellites into orbit. I love how these come with a live audio feed from the NASA control room.

Since the 1990s the park has also been the anchor for the US Space Walk of Fame. This is dedicated to everyone who has made the space missions possible, from the astronauts to contractors.

There are stirring monuments to Project Mercury (1958-1963), Project Gemini (1961-1966), the Apollo program (1961-1972), and the Space Shuttle program (1972-2011).

You can also see a complete timeline of space exploration, from ancient Chinese Space Rockets to the Space Station Freedom project of the 1980s.

6. Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum

On ten acres of the Space Coast Executive Regional Airport in Titusville, Valiant Air Command War Museum is the area’s most complete repository for military aviation.

Greeting you here are two hangars packed with more than 50 aircraft, from before WWI up to modern times.

My tip is to get talking with the docents, who are all veterans. Naturally they’re super-knowledgeable, and one was happy to show me around cockpits of a B-52 and a Huey.

There’s a trove of memorabilia to browse, and you may even get to see the restorers at work. I managed to sneak a peek of a Mig-21U Mongol in the restoration hangar.

7. Enchanted Forest Sanctuary

If you want a convenient nature hike, you don’t even need to leave the city. There’s almost 500 acres of native habitats at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary in the very south of Titusville.

Combining wet prairie, mesic and hydric hammock, oak scrub, and pine flatwood, the sanctuary is a piece of Old Florida.

On your walk you’ll come across a stretch of the historic Addison/Ellis Canal, built in the 1910s to enable agriculture in the region.

You might also be interested to know that the highest point in Brevard County is within the sanctuary (at 82 feet), on the Atlantic Coastal Ridge.

The nature center here was the best bit for me, beautifully presented, and full of detailed info about each ecosystem and its inhabitants.

8. American Police Hall of Fame

Established in 1960, this museum was established as a memorial to all law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

The founder was one Gerald Arenberg, a police officer who had been injured by a drunk driver a few years before.

Among the many exhibits are firearms, uniforms, firsthand accounts of heroism, and an important fleet of antique law enforcement vehicles. What I’ll remember most of all though are the authentic gas chamber and electric chair.

Elsewhere, there’s an interactive forensics lab that encourages visitors to test their deduction and crime-solving skills, and you can even use a gun range with professional instructors.

Active and retired law enforcement professionals have free admission, and there are discounts for children and senior citizens.

9. Chain of Lakes

Covering nearly 100 acres of wetlands, open water and parkland, Chain of Lakes is the perfect place to stretch your legs and do some wildlife watching.

Taking center stage is the series of interconnected lakes that give the park its name. These are bordered by three miles of paved trails, and can be crossed on cute footbridges.

There’s a 50-foot observation tower if you’d like a bird’s eye view of the area, while you’re sure to see plenty of gators and wading birds on the water’s edge.

Chain of Lakes is the anchor for Red, White and Boom, Titusville’s 4th of July celebration. This is also an active recreation with a slew of softball and soccer fields, and three playgrounds.

10. Manatee Observation Deck

One of the main reasons to visit the Canaveral National Seashore is for unforgettable wildlife experiences. In about 15 minutes you can reach the point where the Indian River connects with Mosquito Lagoon.

The Haulover Canal here is so popular with West Indian manatees that there’s a dedicated observation deck, just off the Courtenay Parkway.

I got to see these lovable animals hanging out, and came away with a smile on my face. A kiosk here also tells you the best time and weather conditions for sightings.

11. Sand Point Park

Another scenic waterfront space, Sand Point Park is just north of the A. Max Brewer Bridge downtown. This is a lovely place to spend some time by the Indian River, spotting dolphins, and maybe a group of manatees.

On the south side, look out for the Astronaut Memorial Plaza, commemorating Apollo, Challenger and Columbia Space Shuttle crews.

Sand Point Park is a decent place to watch SpaceX launches, but I’d go for Space View Park as the best vantage point. Still, the scenery at sunrise is stunning, and you can watch Titusville’s 4th of July fireworks from here.

If you’re here for some fishing, you can drop a line from the shore, while the amenities include a splash pad, playground, exercise trail and picnic shelters.

12. Titusville Playhouse

When I compiled this list, the Titusville Playhouse, a mainstay of the city’s cultural scene, was about to celebrate its 60th season.

This group was formed in 1965, and over the next few years relocated from an old garage to a former church building. Finally, in the 1980s they made the permanent move to a converted movie theater downtown, and are still here today.

That building has a compelling history of its own, having first gone up in 1905 as a saloon and hotel. There are around 16 shows a season, with an emphasis on crowd-pleasing musicals.

We’re talking shows like Cabaret, Kinky Boots, The Rocky Horror Picture Show (annual), Menopause the Musical, and Tommy. In my experience, the productions are first-class, from the cast to the crew.

The venue is intimate but comfortable, with fun touches like themed cocktails, tailored for each show.

In a separate series, there are musicals especially for young audiences, rated according to their suggested audience (G, K-6, 1-8, 7-12).

13. Fly with an Astronaut

Lunch with an Astronaut — Lunch With An Astronaut

If you’re willing to pay for a truly memorable day out at the Kennedy Space Center, I’d consider the Fly with an Astronaut package.

You’ll go behind the scenes of this facility in the company of a veteran NASA astronaut, seeing all of the main sights in a motor coach.

After the private bus tour, you’ll return to the visitor complex for a catered lunch with your astronaut guide.

You’ll hear riveting first-hand recollections from someone who has been to outer space. Then you’ll get the chance to ask some questions, before moving onto Space Shuttle Atlantis.

The day reaches a crescendo when you all board the Shuttle Launch Experience simulator. Here you’ll feel what it’s like to lift off at 17,500 mph, with an old hand just a few feet away.

14. Playalinda Brewing Company – Brix Project

With a wide variety of craft beers, from IPAs to Belgian ales, Playalinda Brewing Company dominates the local craft beer scene.

Their Brix Project location is a community gathering place, with a laid-back atmosphere, and tasty, elevated pub food. The setting is also cool, at a regenerated lumber yard with views from the taproom to the brewhouse.

There are 20 beers on tap, and the list is constantly changing. Regardless of your preference, you’ll find a beer for you. As a fan of malty beers, the one for me was the marshmallowy Fluff Porter, which had hints of vanilla.

Food-wise you can’t go wrong with the shareable platters, like the Irish Nachos and Buffalo Cauliflower Bites.

15. Pritchard House

Standing in sharp relief against the other buildings on S Washington Ave is a grand Queen Anne residence from 1891.

The Pritchard House was built for a prominent local businessman, serving as the president of the Indian River State bank downtown.

The property was eventually sold to Brevard County in the early 2000s to become a historic house museum. Over the next seven years, every detail was restored, from the wallpaper to the flooring.

Even the color scheme you see now is based on historical records. Tours of the Pritchard House are given by appointment, and there’s a variety of special events throughout the year.