Best waterfront restaurants in Volusia County perfect for a SpaceX or NASA rocket launch

Jennifer Sangalang and John Gallas, Daytona Beach News-Journal
Updated ·7 min read

Hands down, watching a rocket launch while at the beach is so Florida. Sometimes, while waiting for that launch window, breakfast, lunch or dinner comes to mind. Lunch and a launch is definitely a thing to do.

In Volusia County, immediately north of Brevard County — home to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station — you can get a great view of a SpaceX, NASA or United Launch Alliance rocket launch.

Opportunities to watch a rocket launch from a Florida beach seem to be increasing, too.

In 2023, for example, FLORIDA TODAY, a USA TODAY Network-Florida newspaper, reported a record-breaking 72 orbital launches took flight. And after seven rockets lifted off in January, officials expect the 2024 total to reach an unprecedented 111 launches, led by SpaceX. The company's Starlink internet-satellite constellation missions will comprise the bulk of that total.

But where are some places to go for lunch and a launch or dinner and a launch? Here are some of our suggestions.

Where can I see a rocket launch in Volusia County, Florida?

The best views to watch a rocket launch from neighboring Brevard County, aka the Space Coast, is here along the beach. Look due south. Readers have also mentioned seeing a rocket launch from New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach. Here are some recommended spots:

• South New Smyrna Beach (Canaveral National Seashore). New Smyrna Beach features 17 miles of white sandy beaches. An eclectic and quaint beach town, despite its reputation as the "Shark Bite Capital of the World," New Smyrna Beach has always been a haven for surfers who come for the waves. There may be parking costs.

• Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park, 6656 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach. Bethune Beach, which is 3.5 miles south of New Smyrna Beach and one mile north of the Apollo Beach entrance to Canaveral National Seashore Park, has restrooms, picnic pavilions, showers and nearly 800 feet of beachfront sidewalk, according to Volusia County's site. The nearby riverside park area is across South Atlantic Avenue with tennis courts, pickle ball courts, basketball and volleyball courts, a playground, a fishing pier and restrooms. The river by the park can be a great viewing spot for manatees, dolphins and pelicans.

• Apollo Beach at Canaveral National Seashore (south of New Smyrna Beach). Canaveral National Seashore runs along Florida's East Coast in Volusia County and Brevard County. To access Apollo Beach, take Interstate 95 to exit 249, then travel east until it turns into State Road A1A. Follow SR A1A south to the park entrance.

• Oak Hill riverfront is the southernmost city in South Volusia County.

• Sunrise Park, 275 River Road, Oak Hill

• Goodrich's Seafood and Oyster House back deck, 253 River Road, Oak Hill

• Seminole Rest national historic site, 211 River Road, Oak Hill

• Riverbreeze Park, 250 H.H. Burch Road, Oak Hill

• Mary Dewees Park, 178 N. Gaines St., Oak Hill. Facilities include a rental building, playground, baseball field, basketball courts, tennis courts, outdoor restrooms, pavilions, picnic areas and grills.

• Nancy Cummings Park, 232 Cummings St., Oak Hill. Facilities include a playground, baseball field, basketball courts, outdoor pavilion and restrooms.

• Jimmie Vann Sunrise Park, 275 River Road, Oak Hill. This location has about 350 feet of beautifully restored shoreline, according to the city of Oak Hill. Facilities include a pavilion, picnic tables and kayak launching facilities.

• A.C. Delbert Dewees Municipal Pier, 243 River Road, Oak Hill. Facilities include a 520-foot observation pier with two covered decks and seating, the city of Oak Hill site states.

• Bird Observation Pier on River Road across from A.C. Delbert Municipal Pier (see above). Facilities include a 100-foot observation pier.

Best waterfront restaurants to see a rocket launch in Volusia County, Florida

The following is a list of the best waterfront restaurants to see a rocket launch from neighboring Brevard County in South Volusia County. The results are listed closest to the Cape Canaveral/Kennedy Space Center area, where the rockets are launched, to the farthest:

Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse takes time out from a shoot at Goodrich’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster House in Oak Hill, Florida, to pose with Goodrich’s owner Karyn McNamara. The Food Network star was filming for his show, "Emeril's Florida."
Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse takes time out from a shoot at Goodrich’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster House in Oak Hill, Florida, to pose with Goodrich’s owner Karyn McNamara. The Food Network star was filming for his show, "Emeril's Florida."

• Goodrich's Seafood and Oyster House back deck, 253 River Road, Oak Hill. In November 2013, Food Network star and celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse filmed a segment there for his show, "Emeril's Florida."

A couple enjoys the sunset as they wait to be seated at JB’s Fish Camp located along the Indian River Lagoon, where dolphins and manatees are often spotted.
A couple enjoys the sunset as they wait to be seated at JB’s Fish Camp located along the Indian River Lagoon, where dolphins and manatees are often spotted.

• JB’s Fish Camp, 859 Pompano Ave., New Smyrna Beach. Located on the Mosquito Lagoon, this casual seafood restaurant prides itself on dolphin and manatee sightings and seafood offerings such as steamed shellfish and fried fish platters.

Chase's on the Beach in New Smyrna Beach reopened in June 2023 after nearly eight months of renovations due to damage sustained from 2022's Tropical Storms Ian and Nicole, Monday, July 10, 2023.
Chase's on the Beach in New Smyrna Beach reopened in June 2023 after nearly eight months of renovations due to damage sustained from 2022's Tropical Storms Ian and Nicole, Monday, July 10, 2023.

• Chases on the Beach, 3401 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach, features seafood, sandwiches and other dishes, sometimes a fresh catch of the day. The restaurant closed, then reopened in June 2023 after nearly eight months of renovations due to damage sustained from Tropical Storm Ian and Tropical Storm Nicole during the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season.

River Deck Restaurant and Tiki Bar in New Smyrna Beach.
River Deck Restaurant and Tiki Bar in New Smyrna Beach.

• River Deck Tiki Bar & Restaurant, 107 N. Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach, features seafood, sandwiches and salads. The restaurant, sometimes called the River Deck NSB, offers great views of the Intracoastal Waterway. It has covered outdoor deck seating as well as a few tables inside and a bar that serves customers both inside and outside.

Outriggers Tiki Bar and Grille in New Smyrna Beach.
Outriggers Tiki Bar and Grille in New Smyrna Beach.

• Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille, 200 Boatyard St., New Smyrna Beach. Outriggers is known for its waterfront views and seafood selections.

• The Breakers Restaurant, 518 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach, is an oceanfront restaurant and lounge, a signature pink building. It's on the end of Flagler Avenue and on the beach. The Breakers has seafood, cheeseburgers, sandwiches, salads and other entrees.

• The Grille at Riverview, 101 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach, is an upscale waterfront restaurant which specializes in seafood and entertainment.

Racing North's Turn in Ponce Inlet.
Racing North's Turn in Ponce Inlet.

• Racing’s North Turn, 4511 S. Atlantic Ave., Ponce Inlet, is a NASCAR-themed bar and grill with a beachfront deck, happy hour and entertainment.

• Down the Hatch Seafood, 4894 Front St., Ponce Inlet, is a fish camp with beautiful views of the inlet and entertainment.

• Hidden Treasure Rum Bar and Grill, 4940 S. Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, is described as a laidback tavern with TVs and close proximity to the lighthouse. The waterfront restaurant serves seafood, sandwiches, salads and other entrees and typically offers entertainment and happy hour.

• Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor, 133 Inlet Harbor Road, Ponce Inlet, offers seafood, sandwiches, salads and other entrees. The restaurant and bar offers entertainment and is described as a great place to watch a sunset ... or a rocket launch!

• Boondocks Restaurant and Tiki Bar, 3948 S. Peninsula Drive, Wilbur-by-the-Sea, serves seafood, sandwiches, salads and other entrees. It's a well-known destination for picture-perfect sunsets.

• Hidden Treasure Rose Bay, 5993 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange, is the sister restaurant to Hidden Treasure Rum Bar and Grill in Ponce Inlet (see above). It's described as a laidback tavern with TVs close to Rose Bay. The waterfront restaurant serves seafood, sandwiches, salads and other entrees and typically offers entertainment and happy hour.

• Our Deck Down Under, 78 Dunlawton Ave., Port Orange, is a casual waterfront restaurant that serves seafood, sandwiches, salads and other entrees. It's located under the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange.

The view from Aunt Catfish's on the River in Port Orange.
The view from Aunt Catfish's on the River in Port Orange.

• Aunt Catfish’s on the River, 4009 Halifax Drive, Port Orange, is just what the name suggests: a casual seafood restaurant on the river. The restaurant is famous for its endless cinnamon rolls (45 years and counting, according to its website) and it offers Sunday brunch, too.

Fysh Bar and Grill.
Fysh Bar and Grill.

• Fysh Bar & Grill, 3633 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange, is a seafood fusion restaurant with live music, entertainment and special events. The menu includes sushi and vegetarian options.

• Though still closed from Tropical Storm Ian damage, one option to try when it opens is Crabby Joe’s Seafood & Sunglow Pier, 3701 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores, a family-friendly casual dining seafood restaurant.

• Top of Daytona, 2625 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores, is really unique. It's a longtime spot on top of a soaring condo which has an upscale, European-inspired menu and 360-degree views.

Contributing: Rick Neale, FLORIDA TODAY, and Clayton Park and Helena Perray, The Daytona Beach News-Journal

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Best views, waterfront restaurants in New Smyrna, Oak Hill, Port Orange