I can't say Orlando without envisioning the space coast since it is less than an hour drive away. Cocoa Beach is the home of Ron Jon Surf Shop, Kennedy Space Center and clean, empty beaches with ocean water the temperature of bathwater, and each part of the beach has a different personality.  South Cocoa Beach is quiet and unbelievably empty even on the weekends. Patrick Air Force Base is there , complete with shirtless, beach-jogging soldiers, and there's no feeling in the world like watching tiny sea turtles make their way to the ocean in the moonlight.   If you want noise, excitement, lifeguards and night life the pier end is for you. If you stay at the south end you must visit the pier where you can fish, eat at good restaurants and shop for souvenirs.

We have visited Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex and found it educational and also interesting. I am yet to see a launch from the beach but it gives me something to look forward to. My husband, who lived there for many years, tells me that it is a spectacular, unforgettable sight and feeling. I am told that launches can be seen best from the beach. Shepard's Park (named after astronaut Allen Shepard)has a minimal parking fee and is a sandy place to watch. You can find the launch schedule at www.space-coast.com.

Port Canaveral is Florida's largest cruise port. There are day cruises for gambling that sail two times a day and are free to board, and there are also three, five and seven day cruises to exotic places.

Of course the beach will forever remain my reason for vacationing in Florida. With any luck at all you will see me there strolling along in the early morning searching for the perfect shell that has washed up overnight. I figure I could leave the snow and cold weather behind and get a job as one of the seven dwarfs at Disney--provided they give me days off for surfing!

This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by Susan Ecklund.

Visit Orlando, the Space Coast, the Outlets, the Floating Casinos, and then return to your comfy vacation villa-away-from-home.  Find your  perfect holiday rental home at Zonder.com

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