Though the Space Coast went through some tough times after the local economy was dealt a heavy blow following the shutdown of NASA’s space shuttle program in 2011, things are looking up now. Much has been made of real-life comic book character Elon Musk’s space cannons or whatever he’s doing out there, but the area also boasts a booming craft beer scene and more than a few delicious bites to go along with its laid-back beach-town vibe – though there’s plenty of other stuff to do if you’re not interested in being a beach bum.

Florida Bioluminescence Kayaking Night Tour Haulover Canal, Courtenay Pkwy N or Kelly Park, 400 E Kelly Park Rd, 407-519-8711 https://www.bkadventure.com/package/bioluminescence-kayaking-night-tour/ Every night, a bioluminescent kayaking tours departs from either Haulover Canal or Kelly Park. See the water light up as bioluminescent sea life surrounds your kayak and using the natural light provided to explore Florida’s wildlife after hours. Photo via Florida Bioluminescence Kayaking Night Tour Credit: Photo via BKAdventure.com
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex West Nasa Parkway, Merritt Island, 855-433-4210, kennedyspacecenter.com Get an up-close look at the history and future of the U.S. space program with plenty of exhibits, tours and IMAX movies. Photo via Kennedy Space Center/Facebook
Coconuts on the Beach 2 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, 321-784-1422 https://www.coconutsonthebeach.com/ Beach bars are few and far in between, even in Florida, Coconuts on the Beach is right off the Atlantic Ocean, the view is about as cool as the drinks. The outdoor tiki bar is always a crowd favorite. Photo via Coconuts on the Beach/Facebook
Cosmic Vinyl 1329 S. Washington Ave., Titusville, 321-514-1032, cosmicvinylrecords.com Devoted to music, Cosmic Vinyl is both a record shop and intimate music venue. Plus, they can use their record lathe to cut a custom piece of vinyl just for you. Photo via Cosmic Vinyl/Facebook
Meg O’Malley’s 812 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne, 321-952-5510, megomalleys.com This Melbourne Irish pub is the spot to have a few pints and enjoy live Celtic music nearly every weekend. Photo via Meg O’Malley/Facebook
JB’s Fish Camp 859 Pompano Ave, New Smyrna Beach, 386-427-5747 jbsfishcamp.com Melbourne’s performing arts center draws some of the best musicians, comedians, Broadway productions and more to the Space Coast. Photo via JB’s Fish Camp/Facebook
Charlie and Jake’s Barbecue 490 E. Eau Gallie Blvd., Indian Harbour Beach, 321-777-7675, charlieandjakes.com This Alabama-style barbecue joint on the beach is the result of a NASA employee being transferred from Huntsville to Cape Canaveral more than 20 years ago. Photo via Charlie and Jack’s BBQ
Treetop Trek 8225 N Wickham Road, Melbourne, 321-254-9453 treetoptrek.com From easy-going to expert, everyone could have a ball amongst the trees at this highflying amusement park. Photo via Treetop Trek
Playalinda Brewing Co. 305 S. Washington Ave., Titusville, 321-225-8978, playalindabrewingcompany.com Former Cask & Larder cicerone Ron Raike runs this celebrated brewery on the Space Coast. Photo via Playalinda Brewing Co./Facebook
Brix Project 5220 S. Washington Ave., Titusville, 321-567-5974, playalindabrewingcompany.com An offshoot of Playalinda Brewing, the Brix Project houses a production brewery in a renovated lumberyard and serves a variety of burgers, entrees and flatbreads. Photo via Playalinda Brewing Company-Brix/Facebook
Victory Casino Cruises 180 Christopher Columbus Drive, B2, Cape Canaveral, 855-468-4286, victorycasinocruises.com If you’ve got the cash to burn, Victory will help you lose it with a variety of slot, card and table games. And with free drinks while you’re on the gambling deck, you’ll still feel like a winner. Photo via victorycruises/instagram
Heidi’s Jazz Club 7 N. Orlando Ave., Cocoa Beach, 321-783-4559, heidisjazzclub.com A date-night favorite, Heidi’s offers patrons food and drink in an upscale setting along with live jazz performances from local and touring musicians. Photo via Heidelberg Restaurant/Facebook
Smashgolf 7032 Stadium Parkway, Viera, 321-504-7776 durangolf.com/smash_golf/ The hottest new sport off the Space Coast is a combination golf and tennis. Take the kiddies out to Duran Golf Club to destroy them in this hybrid sport called Smash Golf so they can see that you still have it. Just make sure you get a little practice in first. Photo via Duran Golf Club
Not Quite Right, Comedy Improv Troupe 587 W Eau Gallie Blvd Melbourne, 321-626-2300 nqrcomedy.com Based out of Melbourne, Florida, the NQR troupe specializes in improv and sketch comedy. Every show is made up on the spot, never seen before, and is definitely funnier than the Kennedy Space Center. Photo via Not Quite Right Comedy
Dixie Crossroads 1475 Garden St., Titusville, 321-268-5000, dixiecrossroads.com Lines frequently wrap around the building at this Space Coast mainstay serving lobster, steak and locally caught shrimp along with their famous corn fritters. Photo via Dixie Crossroads/Facebook
Da Kine Diego’s Insane Burritos 1360 A1A, Satellite Beach, 321-779-8226, facebook.com/dakinediegos This popular surfer hangout has been serving up massive two-hands-necessary burritos for more than two decades. Photo via relaxandrelate/instagram
Lou’s Blues 3191 A1A, Indialantic, 321-779-2299, lousbluesupstairs.com A beachside blues bar with live music every night of the week. Photo via Lou’s Blue/Facebook
Debauchery 807 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne, 321-821-4914, downtowndebauchery.com Stop in early for the decent happy hour specials, but stay late for the eclectic entertainment offerings. Photo via Downtown Debuachery/Facebook
King Center for the Performing Arts 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, 321-242-2219, kingcenter.com Melbourne’s performing arts center draws some of the best musicians, comedians, Broadway productions and more to the Space Coast. Photo via King Center/Facebook
The Original Bizzarro Famous NY Pizza 4 Wavecrest Ave., Indialantic, 321-724-4799, theoriginalbizzarro.com A New York-style pizza mainstay that’s so beloved by locals, they once changed the name of the street it’s on to Bizzarro Way. Photo via The Original Bizzarro Famous NY Pizza/Facebook