Exploration Tower
Exploration Tower
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksObservation Decks & Towers
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This property is temporarily closed. A 7 story attraction full of exhibits and interactive displays.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles526 reviews
Excellent
266
Very good
167
Average
70
Poor
15
Terrible
8

Greenmemonica
Cincinnati, OH631 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020
I am certain this place will be more busy and have more things to do once all the floors re-open. We were greeted on the main floor by a very friendly employee in the gift shop, which is very pretty. We took the elevator to the seventh floor to see the view, which is quite pretty. You will only need 15 minutes or so for this attraction, but it is worth a quick stop. The architecture of the building is beautiful, and on a sunny day you can see for a long way.
Written December 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Angelle R
Gainesville, FL159 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020
We visited knowing that only the gift shop and rooftop were open. Due to the other floors being closed, we did not have to pay admission to go to the 7th floor. We enjoyed the view. The gift shop was small but nice to look at.
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit! We hope you are able to come back another time and enjoy the rest of the building!
Written July 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rene V
Ocala, FL20 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
Only the 7th (top) floor and bottom floor were open when we went. It was free though! A quick elevator ride to the top floor offered a spectacular view of Cape Canaveral. There were 4 cruise ships docked there at the time. Such a beautiful view of the port and the surrounding area. The first floor was a gift shop with restrooms. It would have been nice though if all the floors had been open, although it was worth the trip to see the top floor view.
Written July 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

l h
Lebanon, PA29 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
Went to the tower precruise. It was a Great way to spend the afternoon. $10.00 for adults but seniors were $6.00. Alot of interesting things to see inside. We took the elevator up and walked down to the next floor. afterwards we walk to a nearby restaurant(Junkanoo Island Kitchen).
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit! Come see us again.....
Written January 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

ktarheel
Winston Salem, NC119 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020
Due to covid, only the top floor open but it was a good view. and admission was free. We got to see through the binoculars the SpaceX Falcon 9 across the river after it's return. Bought a tshirt there in the gift shop. It's worth the stop to visit.
Written November 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jim W
Everett, WA8 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
The facility was very nice and the staff friendly. We were able to go to the top and stand at the rail to watch a launch, but a little disappointed to be more than a mile away. I KNOW - it's for safety reasons, I get it. But you kind of lose the effect when the rocket seems so small on the horizon - and the boom of liftoff doesn't reach you for a few seconds after it happens. It was cool - glad we did it, but not really a Big Wow. Manage your expectations accordingly and you'll love it.
Written May 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So glad you were able to join us for a launch viewing. Thank you for sharing your feedback!
Written June 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Stephen T
Orlando, FL31 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2015 • Couples
My wife and I attended the Beach Boys concert at this venue on Saturday January 10, 2015.
We paid a lot of money for Gold section tickets and also for preferred parking.
The parking was on a very uneven field adjacent to the venue. On walking to the entrance, we could hear Beach Boys music being played over the sound system....didn't make any sense as we were going to see them live!
The entry to the venue was chaotic to say the least. There were at least 4 separate lines depending upon the ticket you had purchased but which line was which was not clear at all and people were wandering perplexed from one line to another. It took over 30 minutes to get in.
We found our seats in the Gold section. The seating comprised narrow folding chairs tied together. There was just enough room for a slim person to sit with a modicum of comfort.
Our biggest grievance was that the bank of speakers on the stage totally obscured our view of the screen which meant that during the concert us and at least half of the Gold Section had no idea what was being projected. We totally missed the video of Carl Wilson being accompanied by the remaining Beach Boys singing "God Only Knows".
People sitting in the cheaper silver section has a much better view than we did. It totally spoilt our enjoyment of the great music. As stated by other reviewers, the supporting "act" was atrocious!!! There is nothing good that can be said about them.
I did write direct to the venue to complain about the lack of view for the money paid but it is a sign of their attitude that they have not replied.
As stated elsewhere, they spent a lot of time on stage congratulating themselves for putting on this production - a sentiment we certainly cannot endorse.
All in all this was a very miserable experience and we shall not visit this venue ever again. The Beach Boys were playing elsewhere in Florida in January at venues we have visited previously and it is such excellent and professional venues as the Ruth Eckerd Hall which will get our hard earned money in the future.
Our advice to anyone hinking of visiting this concert venue is ---- DON'T!!
Written January 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Glenn R
Tampa, FL1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2014 • Family
There really is not much to say when comes to the Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral. It is 7 stories tall and it does have a nice view from the top, but that is about it. The exhibits inside the building are not very interesting and the place just feels like it is lacking anything really enjoyable. I would not recommend going to the Exploration Tower tour, it is a waste of time and money (6 50 for adults, $4.00 for Brevard County Residents, approx. $4.50 for children and approx.$4.00 for seniors). The little café that only contains pre-made snacks (very few by the way), is very lacking and falls flat. Take you and your loved one(s) out to a nice meal elsewhere instead. The place just does not deliver and many of the people we saw while visiting the tower also said that they were very disappointed and felt that they didn't get even their money's worth, which says a lot since it doesn't cost that much for admittance. This could have been good, but it was obviously poor planning that went into the entertainment/exhibits. Skip it....there's better stuff out there. For example, one of the floor's main attractions is a bunch of the same exact Ron Jon Surf Shop surf boards and is just in place to advertise for their company in Cocoa Beach. Why people are rating this so high (5/5) is beyond me, I guess people are just happy to do something different and new. I myself like to see new and different things as well, but there is nothing special about the place.
Written January 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

glomarrone
Cocoa Beach, FL2,920 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2015


There is a fairly new unusual looking building at Port Canaveral. To me, it looks like a huge sail. Don’t just drive by wondering what is inside. I recommend that you take a couple of hours to visit this unusual attraction. There is plenty of free parking.

On our most recent visit, we visited the Exploration Tower for Senior Expo therefore the attraction was quite crowded. Seniors received free admission that day. Each of the seven floors of the tower has different activities and exhibits. The various exhibits are related to the industries and activities around the port - fishing, cargo, technology, surfing, marine life, space exploration, cruise industry/casino gambling, the ecosystem, and wildlife among others.

The lobby level houses a Guest Relations/Admissions desk, a small gift shop and a tourist information booth with brochures, maps and discount coupons for area attractions/restaurants. Pick up a copy of Space Coast Fun Guide for a $1 coupon good for up to four people for this attraction. In the gift shop, I purchased post cards of the stunning night view of the tower to send to family. My sister purchased several jewelry gifts. We have been to this attraction several times since it opened and keep returning for the sweeping views of Kennedy Space Center, and the cruise ships in Port.

Instead of waiting for the elevators which on this particular day lines were long, we walked up to the second level. Normally there is no long wait for elevators. From the second floor you can look down on the interesting marine mobile suspended from the ceiling. There are exhibits related to the origins of the port, early native people, settlers and the fragile environment.

On the third floor be sure to view the educational and entertaining film in the state-of-the-arts auditorium. Check out the beautiful views out the large windows before the room darkening shade is lowered. The theater seats between 70-80 visitors. The film, on a two story screen, runs all day long. It is also a good place to rest.

The fourth floor is for private events. Host a wedding here, hold a business event or a holiday party. The fifth floor has exhibits on navigation. There is a very popular interactive exhibit on this floor. Try your hand at navigating a harbor pilot boat to a huge cruise ship. On the sixth floor are exciting exhibits on space and an indoor observation area. Kids will enjoy the animal sculptures on the floor

Although the Exploration Tower is an excellent activity for a rainy day, I suggest that you visit on a clear day for the panoramic views on the Observation Deck - the seventh floor. There were several ships in port on our visit. We spent about 15 minutes just gazing out to the space center, the beaches and the river. After taking a few photos, we took the elevators down to the other floors. Should you get hungry or thirsty, there is a small café on the first floor. On a normal visiting day, I suggest you ride the elevator to the seventh floor and then either take the elevator down each floor or use the stairs. Hours are Sunday - Thursday, 10am-5pm, Friday, Saturday, 10am-7pm. Adults price is $6.50, Child’ $3.75, Senior/Military/Brevard resident, $4/$2.50.
Written November 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

crzygrl86
Central Florida, FL16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2015 • Family
The website for Exploration Tower doesn't really give you any idea what to expect, but we decided to give it a try anyway. It is really quite an informative museum with lots of interesting information about the area's history and current attractions. By going here we had a better idea of the geographical layout and of places we wanted to be sure to see. At the top is an observation deck with amazing views of the coast. Excellent place to view a launch if you happen to be up there at the right time. The architecture is modern but that makes it intriguing for kids and adults. There are many hands on activities to keep young hands busy. Admission was $8 for an adult. Quite reasonable. We probably spent about 2 hours inside.
Written May 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Exploration Tower - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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