Sometimes the best holiday trips are the ones that happen on impulse. If you suddenly find yourself craving sunshine instead of snow, a last-minute Christmas getaway to Florida’s Space Coast might be exactly what you need. Stretching along the Atlantic from Titusville to Melbourne, this part of Florida offers something for everyone, from rocket launches and beach walks to waterfront dining and Space Coast Christmas events that feel both festive and relaxed.
A Different Kind of Holiday Magic
If you’re used to bundling up for Christmas, there’s something delightfully freeing about trading scarves for swimsuits. The Space Coast offers a laid-back coastal vibe that makes even last-minute visitors feel at ease. Cocoa Beach becomes a hub of activity during the holidays, where locals surf in Santa hats and families gather along the pier to enjoy seafood feasts and holiday drinks. You can stroll through Historic Cocoa Village to shop for handmade gifts, explore art galleries, or take in the twinkling lights along the palm-lined streets.
For a festive experience that’s truly Florida-style, don’t miss the annual Surfing Santas event in Cocoa Beach, where hundreds of surfers dressed as Santa take to the waves on Christmas Eve. It’s fun, quirky, and captures the cheerful spirit that defines the Space Coast this time of year.
Soak Up the Sun and Scenery
Even if you’re planning at the last minute, there’s no shortage of things to do. The beaches are a natural starting point. Canova Beach Park and Cocoa Beach are ideal for relaxing walks and sunrise views over the Atlantic. If you’re traveling with family, head to Sebastian Inlet State Park for a mix of soft sand, fishing spots, and quiet coastal trails that make for a peaceful day outdoors.
Nature lovers will find plenty to explore beyond the beach. The Brevard Zoo offers hands-on animal encounters and scenic kayaking routes that wind through restored wetlands. For a dose of color and calm, the Vero Beach Botanical Gardens make for a beautiful stroll among flowers and fountains. Even a simple drive along the coast can turn into an adventure, with endless photo-worthy views of palm trees, piers, and shimmering water.
Of course, no trip to the Space Coast is complete without visiting the Kennedy Space Center. Watching rockets launch into the sky is an unforgettable experience, and during the holidays, the complex is filled with lights and themed displays that add a festive twist to the science and history. It’s the kind of outing that leaves both kids and adults in awe.
Easy Holiday Travel To Enjoy a Space Coast Christmas
Planning a last-minute trip doesn’t have to be chaotic when your destination is this convenient. The Space Coast is just an hour from Orlando International Airport, which makes getting here simple even during the busy holiday season. Once you arrive, everything feels close by. Whether you want to explore beaches, visit parks, or head to nearby Orlando for a day at Walt Disney World, it’s easy to fill your days without feeling rushed.
Holiday dining is just as effortless. Many waterfront restaurants stay open through Christmas week, offering fresh seafood and tropical cocktails with views of the ocean or river. Whether you’re having brunch on a sunny patio or dinner at a local favorite in Cocoa Village, the food here matches the mood: relaxed, flavorful, and meant to be savored.
Stay Near the Coast with Happy Palm Stays
Even a last-minute trip deserves a great place to stay, and that’s where Happy Palm Stays makes all the difference. Our curated collection of condos and vacation homes across the Space Coast offers the perfect mix of comfort, style, and location. Whether you’re looking for a cozy condo steps from the beach or a spacious house big enough for the whole family, we have properties designed to make your Christmas getaway special.
Each home is fully furnished and thoughtfully equipped, giving you the space to relax and enjoy your time away. You can sip your morning coffee on a private balcony, cook breakfast in a modern kitchen, or unwind after a day of exploring in a living room that feels like your own. Many of our rentals are close to the area’s best attractions, from the Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach Pier to Port Canaveral and Fort Pierce Inlet State Park.
End the Year by the Water
When you’re ready to trade snow for sunshine, book your last-minute Christmas getaway with Happy Palm Stays! Our condos and homes put you close to everything that makes the Space Coast shine, from rocket launches to beach sunsets.
