Florida’s Space Coast, a region stretching from Titusville/Canaveral south to Palm Bay, is so named for the NASA-launched manned space flights that depart from the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The area has become a desirable destination for its pristine beaches, cruise ports, proximity to Orlando, and tech businesses. Our guide to running on the Space Coast covers Canaveral/Cocoa Beach, Titusville, Melbourne, Palm Bay, and some inland area. Thanks to the team at Running Zone, Inc. in Melbourne for their help with this guide!
The Space Coast beaches are probably our favorite running option, but there are also some great coastal road routes on the Tropical Trail and Rockledge Drive. For some hill work and great views, the pedestrian lane along the Melbourne Causeway is a good choice. There are also some generally easy-to-moderate path and trail running options in at Wickham Park, Turkey Creek Sanctuary, Sebastian Inlet State Park, Fox Lake Sanctuary, and the Viera Wetlands.
The Orlando-Melbourne International Airport and the cruise ship port at Port Canaveral are the main point of entry for most visitors to the Space Coast. Once here, driving is the easiest way to get around, but the Space Coast Area Transit offers several bus lines throughout the region. Note also that the weather in this area can be hot and humid from May-October. Plan accordingly!
For more nearby running in this area of Florida, see our guides to Orlando and Daytona Beach.
