MaxxtheDog Loc: Milwaukee, WI

Hi Gang,
Coincidentally I will be in Cocoa Beach this Monday when a SpaceX rocket is launching at 8:30 AM.
For those of you that live down here or have done this, where should I go to see the launch? I only have my Z6 and a 70-200 and 24-70 with me.
I think I can just walk out onto the beach but I wonder if I'm better trying to go to Jetty Park. If so, how early do I need to get in line to get into the park.
(Maybe spacex are not as popular).
Thanks, I have never had this opportunity before and at the bare minimum I want to enjoy it nd maybe get a few shots also.

Archboo3 Loc: Central Florida

You will be able to see it just fine from any place on the beach. The best place would be from the jetties, but you will need to be their at least two hours before the shot goes up. It will also coast you to get it to the park.

MaxxtheDog Loc: Milwaukee, WI

Thank you.
I do not have a tripod with me either, so we will see what I can do.
Thanks again.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

On 528 (A1A) just west of the last bridge before you reach the cruise ship terminals on the north side you can park along the water and mangroves. Get there about an hour early and set up as close to the bridge as possible. If you in Cocoa and driving north on A1A, cross the bridge and parking will be on your right. That time in the morning shouldn't be a problem and the good thing, depending on which launch pad they use, you can readily see the rocket....been there many times and its a great spot.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

The viewing area is indicated by the green marker....enjoy

(Download)

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

I am one of the credentialed photographers for KSC launches.....From the south side of the KSC, Jetty Park is good as the pier is long, parking ample...YES plan on being there early as they have a camp grounds there and a lot of folks will be up early to see the launch. (Access & parking is about $15-$20 for non residents of Brevard County) Just due south of the pier is a public park in Cape Canaveral called Cherie Downs Park...Very popular with a lot of the pro shooters wanting to shoot offsite. (Parking is free). If you want to go north to Titusville, a lot of people park along US 1 where the VAB is viewable as is the launch A lot of folks go to the Max Brewer bridge. If you want to be close (as allowed by law) drive east from Max Brewer bridge to Playalinda Beach (opens @ 6AM) it is a National Park & cost is about $10 to get in....Head for parking lot 2 or 3..You can walk south on the beach to the closet allowable spot (chains signs warn you not to go any further.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

North end of Merritt Island Near Black Point has free parking along the beach, You will just be a few miles from the launch site. The buildings of Cape Canaveral are visible to the East and the launch site is just North of the buildings. Look for the North Titusville exit on I95 and go East across the Max Brewer bridge.

vpeek1947 Loc: Louisville, Ky

Go to Walmart and purchase a cheap monopod.

MaxxtheDog Loc: Milwaukee, WI

Thanks for all the replies. I bought a ticket to Jetty park and talked to the women at the booth over there.
I decided that was my best and easiest place.
Unfortunately they moved the launch and I had a flight to catch.
I was contemplating staying one more day to catch it, but my daughter was with me and she was starting a new school semester.
Today I found out they moved it again to Wednesday, so glad I did not stay.
I'll get back down there one of these years. Thanks for all of your help.

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

For you Android or I~Phone; download an app called SuperCluster....it was put together by a bunch of NASA, SpaceX, photographers that cover the launches....is very up to date with launch info, payload, where it launches from, if SpaceX where Stage 1 core lands, viewing locations. Helps with trip planning