Port Canaveral Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Unknown (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; John Zingerella (Floridapets), Daniel Labazzo, Krish, Christine Harlacher, Jason Smith · via Google Maps
- Country:
- United States
- Region:
- Bahamas & Florida
- Coordinates:
- 28.4100° N, 80.6100° W
About Port Canaveral
Cruises from Port Canaveral run throughout the year, with the busiest sailing season from November to April when Florida's weather is at its most pleasant. This peak period offers ideal conditions for exploring the port and its surrounding attractions before or after your voyage.
Port Canaveral is a major cruise hub in Brevard County, Florida, with easy access to a range of activities. The Sands Space History Center is just 1.0 km from the port, while Manatee Sanctuary Park and Banana River Park offer natural escapes within 1.9 km and 1.6 km respectively. Jetty Park Beach, also nearby at 1.9 km, provides a relaxing seaside spot.
Nearby attractions and excursions
For those wanting to venture further, Cocoa Beach is home to the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier (4.7 km away) and The Wizard of Oz Museum & Van Gogh (5.7 km away), offering cultural and entertainment options. The port also connects conveniently to other regional destinations including Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Key West, Freeport, and Nassau, making it an excellent base for Bahamas & Florida cruises.
Port Canaveral is a cruise, cargo, and naval port in Brevard County, Florida, United States. As of 2025, the port has the busiest cruise terminals in the world with over 8.6 million revenue passenger movements during the fiscal year. Additionally, over 5.4 million tonnes of bulk cargo moves through each year.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Port Canaveral on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier
4.3 (6,112) 4.7 km from port
Restored 800-foot pier & surfing & fishing hub with restaurants, bars & boutiques, built in 1962.
Near: Cocoa Beach Pier Parking Lot (20 m) · Cocoa Beach Surf School (28 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Tuesday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Wednesday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Thursday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
- 5 · “From the Santa Monica Pier to the Cocoa Beach Pier, these are two of my favorites. Great views, great layout…” — Neal Winsomer
- 5 · “Came here today for lunch at Pier 62 restaurant. I got the fried grouper sandwich. My wife, daughter and I…” — Chris Casey
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Photo: Cherie Down Park · via Google Maps Park and Garden
Cherie Down Park
4.6 (3,785) 2.4 km from port
This 7-acre beach park features a 200-ft. boardwalk along sand dunes, plus picnic shelters.
Near: East Coast Surfboard Rentals (27 m) · Praia do Astrônomo (50 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- 5 · “What a beautiful beach! The sand was soft, the water was gorgeous, and everything was clean and well-kept. It was…” — Ruby
- 5 · “While the whole east coast is experiencing seaweed blooms covering the shoreline, this quaint little beach Park is protected from…” — Paul Parker
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Photo: The Wizard of Oz Museum & Van Gogh · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
The Wizard of Oz Museum & Van Gogh
4.8 (3,769) 5.7 km from port
Specialized museum featuring extensive film memorabilia and immersive 360° projection rooms.
Near: La Catrina Mexican Restaurant (48 m) · Starbucks Coffee Company (96 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “If you're a fan of The Wizard of Oz, classic literature, or simply enjoy discovering unique museums, this is a…” — Maureen Kennedy
- 5 · “Great experience for the folks of all ages at the new location in Cocoa Beach. The staff was very friendly…” — Galina Yurchenko
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Photo: Crochet Sweet Crochet · via Google Maps Park and Garden
Manatee Sanctuary Park
4.5 (2,584) 1.9 km from port
This waterfront resource offers exercise stations, a boardwalk, picnic facilities & horseshoe pits.
Near: Banana River Park (333 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
- 5 · “Beautiful well kept park! You can see that the city and residents take pride in keep the park clean and…” — VC González Guzga
- 5 · “You might come here hoping to spot manatees—and sometimes you will—but even if you don’t see a single one, this…” — Lynne
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Museum
Sands Space History Center
4.8 (775) 1.0 km from port
Free-admission museum with exhibits dedicated to the history of space exploration, plus a gift shop.
Near: SpaceX Launch and Landing Control Center (37 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 pm
- 5 · “Really unique museum showcasing the early history of NASA and the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. All the volunteers are…” — Zareh Hadden
- 5 · “All the workers are volunteers, multiple who retired from a career at NASA! It’s free, plenty of parking, and has…” — Clifford P
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Tourist attraction
Jetty Park Beach
4.6 (625) 1.9 km from port
Scenic coastal park featuring a sandy beach, fishing pier, and prime viewing for rocket launches and cruise ships.
Near: Jetty Park (122 m) · Launch Viewing Spot (217 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- 5 · “Love the fishing here, ive caught some mangroves, bluefish, flounder, and there's red and black drum around. We've also seen…” — Thomas Craig
- 5 · “Awesome park great fishing spot with filleting tables and water. Sick views of cruise ships coming by. They also had…” — Pa Z
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Tourist attraction
Carnival Mardi Gras
4.0 (451) 1.1 km from port
Massive cruise ship featuring diverse entertainment and a variety of onboard activities.
Near: Port Canaveral Terminal 3 Carnival (60 m) · Port Canaveral Terminal 3 Parking (236 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Loved this cruise ship! This was our first cruise and I was a little hesitant because of the overall reputation…” — Michelle Schmitt
- 5 · “Oh my gosh even though this is a cheap ship. It is amazing trust me. The places that we visit…” — Tobias Suh Music
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Park and Garden
Banana River Park
4.6 (334) 1.6 km from port
A fishing platform & a kayak launch are available at this large, public waterfront park.
Near: A1A Beach Rentals at Banana River Park (142 m) · Manatee Sanctuary Park (291 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 6:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sunday: 6:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 5 · “Small (and somewhat hidden) waterfront Park in Cape Canaveral. Not as large as Manatee Sanctuary Park just to the S…” — KeepTheCapeWeird
- 5 · “I used to come here years ago to watch the manatees. I've now kayaked from this park twice. It's a…” — Karlie Ulvila
Map of Port Canaveral and nearby attractions
Best time to visit Port Canaveral
Cruises to Bahamas & Florida mostly sail november to April.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Cruises calling at Port Canaveral
Deals update daily — see all Bahamas & Florida cruises.
