Sands Space History Center - Cape Canaveral, Florida

Introduction

The Sands Space History Center, situated at 100 Spaceport Way, Building 90328, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, United States, is a captivating museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of space exploration. This fascinating attraction is a must-visit for anyone interested in the past, present, and future of space travel. The center is operated by the U.S. Air Force Space & Missile Museum and offers a unique perspective on the early days of America's space program.

Main Services

• Exhibits: The Sands Space History Center houses a wide array of exhibits that tell the story of space exploration. Visitors can expect to see artifacts like spacecraft components, space suits, and various other objects that have been integral to the history of space travel.
• Educational Programs: The center offers educational programs and workshops designed to engage and inform visitors of all ages. These programs provide a deeper understanding of the science and technology behind space exploration.
• Guided Tours: The Sands Space History Center offers guided tours led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff members. These tours provide an in-depth look at the museum's exhibits and the history of space exploration.
• Events: The center hosts various events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and special exhibitions. These events provide an opportunity for visitors to engage with space history in a new and exciting way.

Location and Access

The Sands Space History Center is conveniently located within the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, just off State Road 528 (Beachline Expressway). The address is 100 Spaceport Way, Building 90328, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920.

For those using public transportation, the center is accessible by the Space Coast Area Transit bus service. The nearest bus stop is the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station stop, which is approximately a 10-minute walk from the center. There is also ample on-site parking available for visitors, including a wheelchair-accessible car park.

Featured Characteristics

• Wheelchair Accessibility: The Sands Space History Center is committed to ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the museum. The center is fully wheelchair accessible, with wheelchair-accessible toilets and entrances.
• Gift Shop: The center features a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs, books, and other items related to space history and exploration.
• Restaurant: There is a restaurant on-site where visitors can enjoy a meal or a snack before or after exploring the museum.
• Family-Friendly: The Sands Space History Center is a great destination for families. The museum offers interactive exhibits and educational programs designed to engage and inform children of all ages.

Practical Information

• Opening Hours: The center is typically open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, it is recommended to check the museum's website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and any potential closures.
• Admission: Admission to the Sands Space History Center is free, although donations are welcome. The center also offers membership options for those who wish to support the museum and gain access to exclusive benefits.
• Contact Information: The center can be contacted by phone at 321-853-1919 or via email at [email protected]. The website for the center is ccspacemuseum.org.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Visitors to the Sands Space History Center have consistently praised the museum for its engaging and informative exhibits. Many reviewers have highlighted the knowledgeable and friendly staff, as well as the excellent guided tours. The family-friendly nature of the museum has also been praised, with many reviewers noting that the exhibits and educational programs are both engaging and informative for children.

One reviewer, who gave the center a 5-star rating, commented, "The Sands Space History Center is a hidden gem! The exhibits are fascinating, and the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. I highly recommend visiting this museum if you're interested in space history." Another reviewer, who also gave the center a 5-star rating, noted, "This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in space exploration. The exhibits are excellent, and the guided tour was incredibly informative and engaging."

With an average rating of 4.7/5 on Google My Business from over 600 reviews, it is clear that the Sands Space History Center is a highly regarded and beloved attraction. The center's commitment to preserving and sharing the history of space exploration, as well as its dedication to providing an engaging and informative experience for all visitors, has earned it a place as one of the must-visit museums in the Cape Canaveral area.

👍 Reviews of Sands Space History Center

Luis V.

5/5

Who would've thought that beyond the cruise terminals, you will find a nice little spot full of history? That's exactly what we found here at the Sands Space History Center. Our family went here not really knowing what to expect, but we encountered volunteers at the center that really have a passion for the history of the space program.

There are pictures and exhibits of all the landing centers between the space base and Kennedy Space Center. There's a little scavenger hunt for the kids where they can earn a pin and stickers as a prize. The gift shop has unique space pins and patches from the space missions that aren't too common to find, at prices that are reasonable.

If you're lucky, you'll find Rupert the Space Armadillo as we found one just outside.

If in the area, it's worthwhile to stop by and visit.

Lea C.

5/5

We did plan to visit the Sands Space History museum but found it driving near Canaveral and decided to check it out. We were struck by all the organized information about the construction and use for each Launch Complex from 1 to 47. It was well worth the time.

Royale K.

5/5

No wait to get in. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, it was like talking to historians that have done all their research on cape Canaveral. The exhibits are cool and set up in a way that everything flows perfectly. The gift shop has some cool niche items for those that are into mission patches, cool magnets, stickers, etc. Highly recommend if you're in the area and looking to kill some time learning about the history of CCSFS.

Michael M.

5/5

Not too large but really nice displays. So much here to tell the story of space before NASA and current happenings at the spaceports. The veteran volunteer was super friendly and very informative. And it’s totally FREE!!! (Except for neat gift shop they have 😀). Highly recommended if you’re anywhere near Cape Canaveral.

Kat

4/5

Just visited this free museum and was very impressed by the collection inside. It consisted of mostly static displays comprised of photos and text along with equipment and some dioramas. There aren't any interactive displays, and I would not recommend this museum for very young children. There is a nice gift shop with a good variety of items for sale from post cards and patches to hats, shirts, puzzles, and stuffed armadillos (the Space Force Museum mascot- thank you for the correction). There are picnic tables outside, and plenty of chairs inside. Right now, there is a paper model display that is very interesting.

Sarah B.

5/5

This was such a great day! What a hidden gem! I am actually from Palm Bay so this was one heck of a drive for me but once you find this place and walk in you won't regret it. Especially if you love space and just want to know the history here on the space coast. As soon as we walked in the guide at the front desk was so enthusiastic to see us it was really nice! He got us started by giving us some information about the area. You can tell he really loves his job! It is a giant room.. museum style, With a gift shop in the back left corner. I have attached some photos so you can see the types of artifacts they have. There is so much information you are going to learn so much!! Outside their is picnic tables underneath shade trees so you can pack a lunch for the kids and make a whole field trip out of it. Best of all? It's FREE!

Amusicman8

5/5

Amazing museum especially considering that it’s free. Employees are incredibly nice, knowledgeable, and helpful. Gift shop is well priced too! I highly recommend this to supplement the Kennedy center.

Lauren

5/5

The Sands Space History Center is free to enter! The inside is small, but there is so much information on each launch complex. They have a small gift shop and restrooms are available. I visited here while doing the Canaveral Lighthouse and Spaceflight Tour. They had a space collectibles show and sale going on when I was there as well, so it was neat to be able to see some different collectibles and have the opportunity to purchase them. This sale happens every year in August. This was also a great spot to see a launch.