Exploration Tower
Exploration Tower
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers
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A 7 story attraction full of exhibits and interactive displays.
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  • kristin p
    Clearwater, Florida25 contributions
    Great day and great views
    Right now with covid-19 but you can only go to the rooftop level ,entry is free. But at the rooftop level you can see the port, you can see the launch pads at a distance, and if you are lucky you can see one of the rockets that have been launched back in Port to be reused. Also a great place to go to watch any type of launch. The elevator takes you to the top floor very easy to use and totally handicapped accessible.
    Thank you for visiting!
    Written August 11, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2020
    Traveled with family
    Written July 26, 2020
  • Travelicious
    United States21 contributions
    Beautiful views & gift shop!
    The exploration tower was a wonderful stop! Only 2 floors were open when we visited (first floor gift shop & 7th floor observation area). Entry was free…Friendly staff & reasonable prices in the gift shop. Beautiful views on the 7th floor. The 2 ladies at the gift shop desk were helpful in telling us things to do & best places to go. Even gained some knowledge from them about the lighthouse nearby. They also went above & beyond when I was looking for a particular size in a shirt that they didn’t have out on the rack. Tip - they have free brochures with coupons for local restaurants & activities. Near the register, there are some business card type coupons for the restaurants at the port. My daughter picked up one for “Rusty’s” that had a coupon for a free fountain drink & beer/wine for adults for up to 6 people. We had lunch there & used the coupon & all our beverages were free including a beer for my husband & glass of wine for me! Would definitely recommend stopping here if you are in town.
    Thank you for sharing your feedback! I'm so pleased our staff were able to help you find what you needed and share information about the surrounding area. Hope you can come and see us again soon!
    Written November 3, 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2021
    Traveled with family
    Written October 17, 2021
  • Joe1234665
    Weston, Connecticut354 contributions
    Great views and a education
    This 7 story observation tower with an elevator stopping at all floors is a great way to see the space center, port and surrounding area all at once. For rocket launches it is wonderful and tickets are sold ahead of time. The tower itself is a mini museum in addition to the observation aspect. Each floor is dedicated to some facet of the area and has much to offer. 
    Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. I'm so glad you enjoyed your visit!
    Written February 12, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2020
    Written February 11, 2020
  • Greenmemonica
    Cincinnati, Ohio631 contributions
    Nice Place to Pop in and Take in the View
    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.
    Visited December 2020
    Written December 28, 2020
  • Angelle R
    Gainesville, Florida159 contributions
    Limited access due to Covid
    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.
    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.
    Visited July 2020
    Written July 18, 2020
  • Rene V
    Ocala, Florida19 contributions
    Beautiful view of port and surrounding area!
    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.
    Visited July 2021
    Written July 27, 2021
  • l h
    Lebanon, Pennsylvania29 contributions
    Great Views
    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).
    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.
    Visited November 2019
    Written January 26, 2020
  • ktarheel
    Winston Salem, North Carolina118 contributions
    Good bird's eye view
    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.
    Visited October 2020
    Written November 1, 2020
  • Jim W
    Everett, Washington8 contributions
    Great perspective, but seems to be too far away
    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.
    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.
    Visited May 2022
    Written May 26, 2022
  • Stephen T
    Orlando, Florida30 contributions
    A very poor concert venue
    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!!
    Visited January 2015
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 26, 2015
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.5
526 reviews
Excellent
267
Very good
166
Average
70
Poor
15
Terrible
8

Greenmemonica
Cincinnati, OH631 contributions
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
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, FL19 contributions
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
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, NC118 contributions
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
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, FL30 contributions
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
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
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
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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