Summer Nights On Florida's Space Coast Teeming With After-Dark Adventures

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May 12, 2014, 12:50 ET

SPACE COAST, Fla., May 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Warm sunshine and glittering waves are the hallmarks of a summer beach vacation. But there's a whole different world to explore after the sun goes down and the stars come out on Florida's Space Coast.

Check out these May-August after-dark adventures:

Bioluminescent kayaking tours kick off this month on Florida's Indian River Lagoon near Cocoa Beach. The other-worldly phenomenon is only visible in the warm summer months and is caused by tiny bioluminescent plankton that produce streaks of neon-green light when they are gently moved by the kayak paddles. The tours are being touted as one of the "after-dark" adventures on Florida's Space Coast; other activities include turtle nesting tours and nighttime airboat rides. More info at visitspacecoast.com. (PRNewsFoto/Florida's Space Coast) (PRNewsFoto/Florida's Space Coast)

Bioluminescent Night Kayaking -- an otherworldly experience in which the waters literally light up as kayaks glide through the prettiest parts of the Indian River Lagoon. The phenomenon is caused by tiny bioluminescent plankton that produce streaks of neon-green light when gently moved by the paddles.

"Get Happy" Hour -- hoteliers roll out the welcome mat for families every Friday night in June, July and August from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with poolside games, groovy music and signature kiddie-cocktails sure to kick off the weekend/week right.

Sea Turtle Spotting -- catch one of nature's sweetest sights as loggerhead, leatherback and green sea turtles swim out of the ocean to lay their eggs in the soft, moonlit sand. Watchers can't help but be touched by these gentle creatures and their amazing journey.

Nighttime Rocket Launches -- pitch a tent and spread a picnic blanket at Jetty Park's quaint beachside campground to watch massive rockets launch from Kennedy Space Center less than (10) miles away. Get a launch schedule at visitspacecoast.com/launch-schedule.

Gator Gazing -- no night-vision goggles required for this exhilarating airboat swamp-romp to spot gators, snakes and other wildlife among the lush Florida landscape.

To discover more about these adventures, where to stay, dine and explore on Florida's Space Coast, visit www.visitspacecoast.com.

Located 35 miles (56 km) east of Orlando, Florida's Space Coast is home to Orlando's closest beaches. Encompassing Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Beach, Palm Bay and Titusville, this family-friendly destination offers more than 10,000 guest rooms, and is an ideal, value getaway. Guests will discover 72 miles (110 km) of beaches, the longest stretch in the state and more than 250 square miles of wildlife refuge. It is home to one of the nation's busiest cruise ports; is the nation's East Coast surfing capital and the location of NASA's Kennedy Space Center, where all 135 shuttle missions launched and unmanned rockets continue to launch. The Space Coast is home to the retired Atlantis shuttle and is one of only four destinations nationwide where visitors can view an orbiter. For more information, contact the Space Coast Office of Tourism at (877) 572-3224 or visit www.visitspacecoast.com. Visit www.spacecoastlaunches.com to learn about upcoming rocket launches. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Florida-Space-Coast. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/flaspacecoast