Space Shuttle Views from St John's County? (Jacksonville, Miami: restaurant, club)

[OhBeeHave]

Hi all,

I've appreciated all the help you've given in the past and ask one last favor: I'll be in St Augustine tomorrow and have come to learn that there's a space shuttle launch scheduled for Thursday at 4:50 PM.

Has anyone ever seen one of these from a beach in St Johns? My father says that they can see the night launches, but 4:50 is still too light out.

Any advise on any beaches between St Augustine and north of Daytona?

The NASA site states that the registration for their tickets is closed and that I would have to go through a tour group which would charge $300 for my child and me; a little too steep.

Thank you again for all the help you've been

[Robyn55]

We've seen a launch from the beach club at Serenata Beach (a little north of St. Augustine). It's private - members only (we were there for a Christmas party). And could see things ok (although - from St. Johns County - the launch certainly didn't light up the whole sky - it seemed kind of small and far away) - until the launch went into the clouds.

There's a restaurant a little to the south (still north of St. Augustine) - The Reef - on the beach. You might go there for a drink - appetizers - whatever - and give it a try. I suspect your father is right about the visibility at 4:50 pm - but The Reef is a pleasant place - and not too far away. So no harm done if you can't see anything. Robyn

[spaceguy]

Titusville exit on I-95 , one exit before NASA is a good place to see the launch. Jetty park has parking space, beach and other activities to enjoy. One dis advantage at Jetty park is you can not see the shuttle until it lifts up to a certain height as it blocked by hill. You can also park along the river near NASA and can watch.

[spaceguy]

Originally Posted by spaceguy

Titusville exit on I-95 , one exit before NASA is a good place to see the launch. Jetty park has parking space, beach and other activities to enjoy. One dis advantage at Jetty park is you can not see the shuttle until it lifts up to a certain height as it blocked by hill. You can also park along the river near NASA and can watch.

Other Viewing Recommendations (frederick.mckenzie-1@pp.ksc.nasa.gov and
============================= others)
If you can't get a launch pass I suggest you come to Titusville. Go east on
State Road 50 from I-95, to US-1. Go north on US-1 to the "Miracle City Mall"
at Harrison. Park somewhere north of this spot. Anywhere north along highway
1, or east (as far as you can) along highway 406 (402) is good (specifically
Sand Point Park), just as long as you can see the VAB and don't have trees
blocking the view. If you can afford it, just pay the $10 to park in
someone's yard along the river. Also you can try Jetty Park at Port Canaveral
(you will be south of the launch looking north). Space View Park claims to be
the best place to view Shuttle launches from Titusville
Space View Park - Titusville Florida

[OhBeeHave]

Are any of those locations North of Daytona? I don't need up close spectacular. I don't know the area well and don't want to wind up lost a few hours from where I am staying.

[mawipafl]

I usually watch launches from St. Augustine Beach - day or night the flame and plume can be seen with the naked eye, and binoculars allows you to see a "silver dot" (the shuttle).

There's a large parking lot at the St. Johns County Pier on St. Augustine Beach, but it may fill up depending on the size of the shuttle-watching crowd. You could also try driving onto the beach at A St.

[ChrisNY]

If you are looking to stay north of Daytona then any beach would work. You will see the flame the plume and the break away if it is clear.

[WNY-2-Jax]

I've seen them from Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach. I've also seen them from US 1 between Jax & St. Augustine.

[Robyn55]

So what happened? All I can tell you is we were heading south to Miami on Thursday - and tried to get off I-95 to have lunch at Dixie Crossroads in Titusville. Traffic was so bad we got back on I-95. Too bad - I like Dixie Crossroads. Robyn

[spaceguy]

I watched from Spaceview Park at Titusville. I was there by 3PM . The park was packed. No place to stand. I heard people waiting there from 6AM.
I had very good view right from taking off the pad

I think it will be still crowded for next launch which is going to be in April.
If you want to sit and watch relaxedly, better try at Jetty Park. You can not view taking off from launch pad as there is hillock between you and lauch pad. But can watch once it is above certain level