Florida without parks

[beguilingeyes]

We are going to a concert in Boca Raton in June. We're not bothered about the theme parks but DH wants to go to Kennedy Space Centre so we want to spend a few days in the Orlando area.
Where is a good place to stay? Would Cocoa Beach be a good idea?

Cocoa beach is nice and the beach is stunning, but not a lot else around it. Palm beach is beautiful we stayed at the Hilton in west palm beach which was opposite the square so great location, but closer to Boca but the travel is fine. I’ve heard Melbourne is nice but we haven’t been.
we are actually heading back again this year, going from Miami up to Hilton head so a big road trip and stopping at various points all the way up and down! Can’t wait!

I'm more of a fan of the Gulf Coast but that's a fair old trek.

Don't go to Kennedy Space Center. I say that as someone who has been forced to go numerous times due to a family member working in the space science field. Its boring as hell. Cocoa Beach and Daytona are equally boring - much less to do than there used to be. Sometimes completely deserted depending on season and weather. You will really struggle for things to do. Orlando reallly is all about the parks but you could try some of the lesser known parks and also International Drive.

Presumably the person who made you go wanted to go, just as OPs husband wants to go?
Just because you didn't like it, doesn't mean someone else won't.

I've been to Kennedy twice and actually I'd concur, it's pretty dull - and that's from someone who is fascinated by space travel.

If you go to Kennedy Space centre make sure you have your own supplies particularly if it is a launch day. Went once on launch date, it was packed, hot and they ran out of bottled water. It was a nightmare place and I would never go back.

If you are looking for a day trip there's a fantastic Tiffany glass museum in Winter Park

Personally, we all loved Kennedy Space Center but it was too hot in August! I am extremely grateful that I had this opportunity to experience a little bit of space history. We were also lucky enough to see a shuttle launch whilst visiting the California Grill at the Contemporary Hotel in Orlando - totally unplanned and unexpected! (The staff called diners over to viewing areas in the restaurant- it was wonderful!)

I recommend Winter Garden, Mount Dora and Blue Springs State Park - all do-able as day trips from Orlando.

We also stayed in Vero Beach and St Pete’s Beach - both lovely imo.

I absolutely loved Kennedy! No recommendations for where to stay as we did a day trip from Disney. Actually went back the next day to hang out in a trailer park to watch a launch across the water which was absolutely amazing!

I loved Kennedy Space Center so much that i've been twice, the shuttle launch experience was great fun! So much to see and the whole place just feels really special given the history of the place.

The Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach was pretty good when we were there, large rooms with lovely beach views and a great breakfast.

However, my favouite hotel on that coast was at Vero Beach at the Caribbean Court Boutique Hotel. Could be a good stopping off point for you between Boca Raton and Kennedy. Absolutely gorgeous and I had the best meal of my life there. We also went down to the beach late at night and saw a huge Loggerhead Turtle nesting. Really can't recommend it enough ❤️

You say your DH wants to see KSC “so” you’re going to spend a few days in Orlando area. KSC is about an hours drive from Orlando - it’s on the coast. By the way, I think it’s brilliant and inspiring. You can book a lunch with an astronaut as well.

I've stayed at a beautiful resort called the Caribe Royale. It's close to Disney, but is not affiliated with them in any way. It had a spa if you are into that sort of thing.