While bigger cities in Florida like Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Miami get all the attention, small places and towns such as Titusville have plenty to offer day trippers and weekenders alike.
I’ve rounded up the best things to do, eat, and places to stay while in town.
Best Places To Eat, Do, and Stay in Titusville
Things to do
BK Adventures Bioluminescence Kayaking Tours
If you’re going to do one thing while in Titusville, it ought to be to see the bioluminescence. This stunning phenomenon is one of the most beautiful, if not the most breathtaking, things I’ve ever seen.
Bioluminescence is caused by microscopic single-celled algae called dinoflagellates. The warm, shallow Atlantic waters along the Space Coast are a perfect breeding ground for this type of algae.
Florida is the only place in the US where Bioluminescence occurs year-round, although peak season is from May to October/
In May of 2026, I initially made the trek from South Florida to Titusville to see the glowing blue waters without going on a tour; however, while I did see it, it wasn’t very bright. So, after watching the glow report, I decided to go in August of 2026 with a tour group, as they were touting the chance to see the best glow of the season.
I was not disappointed one bit on the tour; even getting into the kayak on shore, the water was glowing bright cobalt blue.
As we made our way further out into the lagoon off of Halover Canal Launch, the water illuminated bright blue with every paddle stroke, and fish were spooked by our activity. I cannot describe to you in words how beautiful it was to witness the water illuminate or the sparkles drip off my hand as I touched the water; you simply just have to see it for yourself.
And if you find yourself near the Space Coast in Florida, I’d absolutely make it a point to see this phenomenon. It’s absolutely worth the time and the money.
Pro tip: Take the late tour with BK Adventure Tours, as the algae’s glow peaks between 10 p.m. and midnight. And make sure to wear long pants and a shirt, as this part of Florida is ground zero for mosquitoes. I’d also recommend taking bug spray. This natural one surprisingly worked.
See the Bioluminescence On Your Own
When I first started researching bioluminescence in Florida, I scoured every Facebook and Reddit thread to find out where to go.
If you have your own kayak or paddle board, there are several public places you can launch from to see the bioluminescence on your own.
- Beacon 42 (Merritt Island): This is perhaps the easiest place to launch because the launch is not far from the parking lot. Also, you don’t have to paddle far to see the bioluminescence. Just put your boat in the water and wait for it to get dark!
- Haulover Canal (Merritt Island): From what I’ve researched, this is one of the best launch spots as there isn’t much light pollution. There are a ton of mosquitoes, so wear long pants and sleeves. When you launch, head into Mosquito Lagoon; it has the brightest bioluminescence I have seen to date! Visitors will need to park at Bairs Cove and purchase a refuge pass to park. Note: This spot is not to be confused with Haulover Inlet that is near Miami.
- Parish Park (Titusville): Visitors note this public park is a great place to launch a boat, observe wildlife, and see the bioluminescence. Facebook threads noted launching their own kayaks and paddle boards here and paddling out to Horseshoe Crab Island directly North of it to see the bioluminescence from the middle of the Indian River.
- Bioluminescence Viewing Point (Merritt Island): I haven’t actually been to this viewing location, but I stumbled upon it while researching launch places. It’s near the cruise port terminal and has great Google reviews.
Don’t forget your paddling essentials! Check out my blog, The Ultimate Paddleboarding Beginner’s Guide: Gear, Tips & How to Find Places to Paddle
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
This national park sits on a barrier island just over the bridge from Titusville. Its 140,000 acres offer boating, hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, and access to the beach and Indian River.
See a SpaceX Launch
Elon Musk’s SpaceX utilizes infrastructure and launch pads from both Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center to launch its own rockets into outer space. I was lucky enough to get to see one launch when I went back in August. I’d never seen such a thing in person, and it was quite extraordinary to say the least.
If you’re in Titusville, you just might be able to see a launch of your own! Check out the full SpaceX calendar to see launch dates and times.
Pro tip: I was able to watch it for free from Space View Park. This seemed like the gathering spot for locals and visitors alike!
Kennedy Space Center (Merritt Island)
The Kennedy Space Center, located on Merritt Island, is 1 of 10 NASA space centers. Visitors can get a tour of NASA grounds, including access to restricted areas and working facilities. Plus, they can see a real rocket, interactive exhibits, multiple IMAX movies, and much more!
It’s the perfect way to spend a day learning about the cosmos and the final frontier.
Eat & drink
Pier 13 Coffee
After an eventful night of seeing a SpaceX rocket launch and kayaking in the bioluminescence until after midnight, I was starving! Thankfully, Pier 13 Coffee was open!
I enjoyed a delicious cold brew and spinach and cheese egg bites while taking in the funky little surf shack-decorated place. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, service, and offerings of this coffee shop and will definitely stop by again the next time I’m in town.
The Space Bar (Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Center)
I didn’t find too many places to eat in Titusville, especially those that had menu options other than seafood. Surprisingly, I stumbled upon The Space Bar on Google. With a 4.3 rating and rooftop views of the Indian River, Kennedy Space Center, and Launch areas, I stopped in for a late lunch.
Usually hotel bars and restaurants are a hit or miss for me. I’m happy to report that this hotel restaurant was a total hit. Not only was the atmosphere a total vibe with gorgeous waterfront views and live music, but the food and service were fantastic as well! I got the brisket nachos and woofed them down while listening to “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac live by a cover band. They must have been really good, because the only photo I have from there is of the water when we first arrived.
It was a great way to ease into the first afternoon in Titusville. If you’re nearby, definitely put this space-themed eatery and bar on your list of places to dine.
P.S. – Although I didn’t stay at the Courtyard by Marriott, where The Space Bar is located, I’d definitely consider staying here next time. The hotel was clean and on the upscale side, even for a 3-star hotel.
More Things To Do in Titusville
Cocoa Beach is a neighboring town to Titusville that offers more things to do. Check out these amazing tours on Viator.
Where to Stay in Titusville
The first time I went to Titusville to see the bioluminescence and launch on our own, I stayed at the Comfort Suites. This hotel is brand new, clean, and close to a 4-star hotel, although it’s rated as a 3.
The rooms were super modern, clean, and perfect for an overnight paddleboarding adventure, as this hotel is only 22 miles (31 min) away from Beacon 42, where we self-launched.
When I stayed in August, I think a double-queen room was around $160, so if you’re looking for a clean, affordable place to stay in Titusville, put this place on your list.
Tell Me Everything!
What’s your favorite thing to do in Titusville?
