Where Can You Find Both Bioluminescence and Rockets in Florida?

Mysterious glowing seas? Yes, actually! Through October, Florida’s Space Coast waters within Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River and Indian River Lagoon glow with blue-green bioluminescence — a phenomenon resulting from the presence of comb jellies and dinoflagellates (tiny, single-celled marine plankton that exist in some freshwater locations).

You can experience this amazing sight for yourself while on a guided moonlight kayak expedition offered by a number of area outfitters, including Sobe Surf, Calypso Kayaking, A Day Away Kayak Adventures and BK Adventures. Oh, and that mention of Mosquito Lagoon? It wasn’t named that by accident. Bring insect repellent and a change of clothes, because meeting flying critters and getting wet is a real possibility. (Note: for most tours, the minimum age for children is 5 years old.)

Located about 45 minutes east of Orlando, Florida’s Space Coast is perhaps most famous for its connection to rockets. Plan to follow the Space Coast astronaut itinerary, with a stop at the American Space Museum & Walk of Fame, Exploration Tower and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. From the tower, you can see rocket launch pads, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of rocket pieces en route to or from Kennedy Space Station.

The American Space Museum & Walk of Fame, located in Downtown Titusville, brims with space-related artifacts and memorabilia contributed by actual astronauts and their families, plus launch suits, models and actual launch controls from the Space Shuttle and Atlas-Centaur missions. And, for close-up views of real-life rockets, head over to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where you’ll find a launch simulator and Space Shuttle Atlantis. Hop on a bus tour to bring you close to working launch pads.