10 Days in Florida

Highlights

• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex — Space Shuttle Atlantis (walk around the actual shuttle), Saturn V rocket hall, Rocket Garden, IMAX films, simulated launch experience ($80/adult, $68/child 3-11). Plan a full day
• Astronaut encounter — meet a real NASA astronaut, hear their space stories, get photos ($30/person add-on, book ahead). The highlight for space-obsessed kids
• Launch viewing (if timing aligns) — SpaceX and NASA launch from KSC regularly. Check launch schedule at nasaspaceflight.com. Viewing from the Visitor Complex or nearby beaches is free and unforgettable
• Cocoa Beach — the beach NASA astronauts trained near. Wide sandy beach, gentle waves, surfing lessons ($60/person for 1h group lesson). Ron Jon Surf Shop is the world''s largest
• Canaveral National Seashore — undeveloped barrier island beach, sea turtle nesting (Jun-Oct), birdwatching, manatee sightings. Free entry, pristine
• Cocoa Beach Pier — 800-foot fishing pier, restaurants, live music, sunset views ($2 entry for pedestrians)

Local tips

• Kennedy Space Center needs a FULL day (open 10am-5pm) — don''t try to squeeze it into a half day. The bus tour to Launch Complex 39 and the Saturn V Centre takes 2-3 hours alone. Arrive at opening.
• Check the launch schedule before booking dates — if a SpaceX or NASA launch falls during your trip, it''s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Launches are visible from Cocoa Beach (8 miles away) even without KSC tickets.
• Cocoa Beach is a genuine rest stop between Orlando theme parks and the Keys drive. The beach is calm, the town is laid-back, and the kids need the decompression after 4 days of theme parks.

Highlights

• Overseas Highway road trip — the 113-mile drive from Key Largo to Key West across 42 bridges over turquoise water. Seven Mile Bridge is the centrepiece. Stop at every roadside attraction that catches your eye
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo) — glass-bottom boat tour ($38/adult, $27/child) or snorkelling trip to the Christ of the Abyss underwater statue ($40/adult, $35/child). The only living coral reef in the continental US
• Dolphin Research Center (Marathon) — swim or wade with dolphins in a natural lagoon ($215-230/person for swim, or $15 general admission to watch). Educational, ethical, unforgettable for kids
• Key West Mallory Square sunset celebration — nightly street performer festival at sunset. Fire eaters, tightrope walkers, musicians, food vendors. Free. The best free family show in Florida
• Bahia Honda State Park — consistently rated Florida''s #1 beach. White sand, turquoise water, snorkelling off the old bridge pilings ($8/car entry). Camp or day-trip from Marathon
• Key West — Hemingway House + polydactyl cats ($18/adult, $7/child), Southernmost Point buoy photo, Fort Zachary Taylor beach, Duval Street ice cream crawl. Small enough to walk or rent bikes ($15/day)

Local tips

• Split the Keys drive over 2 days — Key Largo to Marathon (Day 1, 1.5h with stops), Marathon to Key West (Day 2, 1.5h). Rushing the Overseas Highway defeats the purpose. Stop at every bridge, fish shack, and kayak rental that looks good.
• Key West is expensive but Key Largo and Marathon are reasonable. Stay 2 nights in Marathon (central, Bahia Honda access, Dolphin Research Center) + 2 nights in Key West for the town and sunset celebrations.
• Snorkelling gear rental is cheaper in Key Largo ($15/set/day) than on organised tours. Rent a set for the whole Keys leg and use it at Bahia Honda, John Pennekamp, and Key West''s Fort Zachary Taylor beach.