Passport/Visa Requirements: All U.S. citizens must have a passport when traveling by air to or from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico. Citizens of Canada, Mexico and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda also must have a passport or other designated secure document to enter the U.S.
Beginning 1 June 2009, passports are required for land crossings at the Canadian and Mexican borders with the U.S. and for cruise passengers returning to the U.S. from Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada or Bermuda. Reconfirm travel-document requirements with your carrier prior to departure
Population: 10,523.
Languages: English.
Predominant Religions: Christian (Roman Catholic, Protestant), Jewish.
Time Zone: 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-5 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the last Sunday in April until the first Sunday in November.
Voltage Requirements: 110 volts.
Telephone Codes: 321, area code;
| Currency Exchange | Top  |
There is an ATM near the Port at Wachovia Bank on 111 George J. King Blvd. It is not within easy walking distance of the terminals, so you will have to take a cab. There are also ATMs onboard most cruise ships. ATM fees are higher on the ships (up to US$5 per transaction), compared to approximately US$2 at Wachovia. However, the cab ride will cost you several dollars round-trip.
There's a bank at Port Canaveral. Most of the banks in the nearby town of Cape Canaveral offer currency exchange. Many hotels, including the Holiday Inn in Cocoa Beach, do as well.
The sales tax in Brevard County is 6%, and the resort lodging tax is an additional 5%, which goes toward promoting tourism.
Tip 15% in restaurants, unless superior service warrants more.
Winter weather in the Cape Canaveral area is generally warm and pleasant. Highs are in the low 70s F/20s C, with temperatures dipping to around 50 F/10 C in the evenings. It's hot and humid in summer, with highs in the low 90s F/30s C and lows in the 70s F/20s C. Ocean breezes tend to provide respite from the heat in Cape Canaveral, but the breezes die and the heat settles over the interior of the state. Frequent rain showers do cool things off a bit. (Keep an umbrella or a rain hat handy.) Hurricane season is June-November. The coastal area can experience several tropical storms during that time.
| What to Wear | Top  |
A mix of light casual summer clothes and slightly fancier attire for evenings will serve you well in the Cape Canaveral area. (There are still a few restaurants that require jackets for men.) A couple of chilly days can be expected in winter, so it's wise to have a jacket or coat. Pack a cover-up, and don't wear swimwear off the beach.
| Communication | Top |
| Internet Access | Top |
Internet access is available at most public libraries and at FedExKinko's in Melbourne. Larger chain hotels usually have business centers you can use as a guest, and some have in-room Wi-Fi.
| Mail & Package Services | Top |
The post office at Cape Canaveral is open Monday-Friday 9 am-4:45 pm, Saturday 9-11 am. 8700 Astronaut Ave. Phone 321-783-3163.
The Cocoa Beach post office is open Monday-Friday 9:30 am-4:30 pm. 32 Orange St. Phone 321-632-7190. 8700 N. Atlantic Ave., Cape Canaveral. Phone 321-783-3163.
| Newspapers & Magazines | Top |
Florida Today is published daily and covers news of the Space Coast. Space Coast Living is a slick monthly publication filled with restaurant reviews and information on gardens, homes, travel, society events and nightlife.
Public phones are located throughout the Cape Canaveral area.
| Transportation | Top |
Although the public-transportation system in Cape Canaveral is excellent, we recommend renting a car to travel the diverse coastal area.
Melbourne International Airport (MLB) is 22 mi/35 km south of Cape Canaveral. Phone 321-723-6227. http://www.mlbair.com.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is 45 mi/72 km west of Port Canaveral. Phone 407-825-2001. http://www.orlandoairports.net
Connecting Transportation
Shuttles provide transportation between the airports and the Space Coast. One shuttle service provider is Cocoa Beach Shuttles (phone 321-631-4144 or toll-free 888-784-4144; reservations required). Expect to pay about US$25 one way from the Orlando airport to Port Canaveral and US$20 one way from the Orlando airport to Cocoa Beach. From the Melbourne airport, it's about US$12 one way to the port and US$10 one way to Cocoa Beach. http://www.cbshuttle.com.
If you plan to spend several days in the Orlando-Cape Canaveral area, consider renting a car. Cars are available at the Orlando and Melbourne airports, at various Orlando hotels, and in the cities around Cape Canaveral. All of the major rental agencies are represented. Rental rates range US$20-$50 a day, depending on the car and time of year. Expect to pay more November-May.
| Public Transportation | Top |
Space Coast Area Transit runs local bus routes. The fare is US$1.25 adults, US$0.60 for seniors, the disabled and students. Children younger than 5 are free. Hop aboard Route 9 to get up and down oceanfront Highway A1A, or transfer to Route 4 to head east and west between the beach and Merritt Square Mall. All routes are listed on the Web site. Phone 321-633-1878. http://www.ridescat.com.
Because of its proximity to Orlando, the cape has become the main departure point for cruise ships with itineraries combining a few days at central Florida's amusement parks with some rest and relaxation at sea.
Cruise ships depart regularly from Cape Canaveral for the Bahamas and elsewhere. The art-deco-style Disney Terminal features Mickey Mouse images and a glass tower. Port Canaveral, one of the busiest ports in the U.S., is located at the southern end of Cape Canaveral in an industrial area.
Rates are approximately US$7 from Port Canaveral to Cocoa Beach Pier, US$13 from the Port to Merritt Square Mall and US$65 to Orlando International Airport. Local companies include AAA Taxi (phone 321-453-8294 or 321-636-7017) and Yellow Cab (phone 321-636-1234).
| For More Information | Top |
| Convention & Visitors Bureau | Top |
This office carries tourist brochures and maps. Open Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm. 400 Fortenberry Road, Merritt Island. Phone 321-454-2022. Toll-free 877-321-84748. http://www.visitcocoabeach.com.
A satellite office inside the Comfort Inn. Offers discounts and maps. 3655 Cheney Highway, Titusville. Phone 321-636-1111.
| Tourist Offices | Top |
Visit this office for maps, brochures and calendars of local events. 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera. Phone 321-637-5483. Toll-free 800-872-1967. http://www.space-coast.com.
