Port Canaveral: 6 Activities to Do Before Your Cruise Departs

When you book a cruise that is leaving from Port Canaveral, you will get the opportunity to spend a day in one of the most underrated tourist destinations out there. It is generally recommended that you arrive in town a day before your cruise leaves anyway, so take advantage of everything the city has to offer while you are there. From pristine beaches, to vibrant entertainment districts, there is plenty to do for cruisers waiting to embark. If you are planning on spending a day or two here before your next cruise, then we’ve got a few tips for you. Here are our picks for the best activities to do before you cruise from Port Canaveral.

Relax on Cocoa Beach

If you are taking a cruise from Port Canaveral, then chances are that you are the type of person who would enjoy an afternoon at the beach. Lucky for you, Cocoa Beach is just a few minutes away from the port, and is home to a bustling pier with shops, restaurants, bars, and live entertainment. Whether you want to lay out on the sand, wade into the sparkling waters, or take part in water sports like surfing and paddleboarding, a day at the beach is the perfect way to get you primed for your cruise vacation.

Visit Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

If you’ve got any science fans or history buffs in your party, then it might be worth it to check out the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex during your time at Port Canaveral. Take a guided tour of the famous launch sites to learn about the past, present, and future of America’s space program. See educational exhibits and displays containing historic spacecraft, interactive simulators, and the iconic Space Shuttle Atlantis. If you are traveling with your kids, then this can also be a good chance to get them excited about science and technology!

Go Deep-Sea Fishing

The waters of Port Canaveral are rich with sea life that make for the perfect deep-sea fishing conditions. Embark on a fishing excursion on a guided fishing charter to see if you can snag prized game fish like mahi-mahi, snapper, grouper, or sailfish. This can be another great family activity, especially for fathers and sons to bond over a challenging yet rewarding goal. If you or your family are interested in experiencing the thrill of sportfishing, then this is the perfect opportunity.

Dine at Local Restaurants

Eating at a multitude of different restaurants is one of the best parts of taking a cruise, so it makes for a fitting activity for the day before you cruise from Port Canaveral. Indulge in the fresh-caught seafood that Florida is known for, like shrimp and oysters, as well as other Sunshine State staples like key lime pie. Take advantage of beachfront restaurants for spectacular ocean views to elevate your dining experience. Port Canaveral’s culinary scene leaves little to be desired, so it is well worth your time to spend a day exploring all that they have to offer.

Explore Disney World

If we’re going to talk about activities near Port Canaveral, then of course we can’t forget about Walt Disney World Resort. This is possibly the most well-known attraction in the area, and would make for a great start to any cruise from Port Canaveral. If you are flying in, then you will most likely be arriving at Orlando International Airport, which is right by Disney World anyway. Whether you are with your whole family or not, there is plenty of magic and fun to be had here for both kids and adults, from the world-class attractions at Epcot to the adventures you can have at the Magic Kingdom!

Shop and Stroll at The Cove

The Cove is a bustling waterfront entertainment district, which is tailor made for people waiting to embark on a cruise from Port Canaveral. Here you will find shops, restaurants, bars, and galleries for you to enjoy while you pass the time before your cruise. The unique boutiques and gift shops provide a place to get souvenirs for yourself and others, while the restaurants and bars offer a place to hang out and do a little people watching. Even if you are just window shopping, there’s plenty to see here to justify spending an afternoon just hanging out.

To book your own cruise from Port Canaveral, visit Cruises.com for the largest selection of cruise line deals — we can help you book the smart way! We give you our exclusive bonus offers and all qualifying cruise line offers, plus all of the cruise line loyalty program benefits. Book online at Cruises.com or call 800-288-6006 today.

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