WELCOME TO BLIMP BEACH • PLAN YOUR VISIT

VISITOR RESOURCES

Everything You Need to Know

Comprehensive information to help you make the most of your heritage experience

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ESSENTIAL VISITOR INFORMATION

Everything you need for a memorable visit to America's unique heritage site

🕒 HOURS & ADMISSION

VISITOR CENTER

Summer (March-November):
Daily 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Winter (December-February):
Daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Closed: Christmas Day & New Year's Day

INDIVIDUAL ATTRACTIONS

  • Memorial Plaza: 24/7 Access (Free)
  • Museums: 9 AM - 6 PM ($8-$15)
  • Lighthouse: 10 AM - 5 PM ($8)
  • Bunker Tours: Guided Only ($15)
MANY ATTRACTIONS FREE • COMBO TICKETS SAVE $$

🚗 GETTING HERE

📍 ADDRESS

Heritage Visitor Center
1943 Victory Boulevard
Historic Waterfront District
Cape Coronado, FL 32958

  • From Orlando: 1 hour 15 minutes via I-95 South
  • From Tampa: 2 hours via I-4 East to I-95 South
  • From Jacksonville: 2.5 hours via I-95 South
  • From Miami: 2 hours via I-95 North
  • From Fort Lauderdale: 1 hour 45 minutes via I-95 North
  • Public Transit: Space Coast Area Transit Route 9
  • Airport: 35 minutes from Melbourne Orlando International

🅿️ FREE PARKING • 🚌 GROUP BUS WELCOME • ♿ FULLY ACCESSIBLE

🏨 ACCOMMODATION

NEARBY HOTELS

  • Heritage Harbor Inn - Walking distance, historic charm ($110-160/night)
  • Coastal Defense Hotel - Modern amenities, ocean views ($140-200/night)
  • Victory Lodge - Budget-friendly, family rooms ($75-110/night)
  • Lighthouse Point Resort - Luxury spa, fine dining ($220-380/night)

CAMPING & RV

  • Cape Coronado State Park - Beachfront sites, nature trails ($30/night)
  • Defender's RV Park - Full hookups, pool, laundry ($45/night)
  • Atlantic Coast Campground - Ocean access, fishing pier ($35/night)
BOOK EARLY FOR FESTIVAL WEEKENDS

🍽️ DINING OPTIONS

HERITAGE DISTRICT

  • Victory Café - Period recipes, Southern comfort food
  • The Lighthouse Tavern - Fresh seafood, Florida craft beer
  • Defender's Deli - Quick meals, famous "K-Ration" sandwiches
  • Memorial Gardens Tea Room - Elegant Southern afternoon tea
  • Cape Coronado Fish House - Local catch, waterfront dining

SPECIAL: Heritage Foundation Café serves authentic "Victory Rations" - meals based on 1940s wartime recipes with Florida citrus!

FOOD TRUCKS & VENDORS

Available at major attractions and events, featuring everything from gourmet burgers to Cuban sandwiches and fresh Key lime pie.

♿ ACCESSIBILITY

All Heritage Foundation sites are fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. We're committed to ensuring everyone can experience our extraordinary history.

ACCOMMODATIONS AVAILABLE:

  • Wheelchair Access: All buildings, trails, and viewing areas
  • Audio Tours: Available in 4 languages with hearing assists
  • Large Print Materials: Maps, brochures, educational content
  • Service Animals: Welcome at all locations
  • Accessible Parking: Reserved spots at every attraction
  • Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs available for loan

📞 Call ahead for special accommodations: (555) HERO-WAR

🌤️ WEATHER & PACKING

SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE

  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Mild, comfortable weather (55-75°F)
  • Spring (Mar-May): Perfect visiting weather (65-85°F)
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Hot, humid with afternoon showers (75-90°F)
  • Fall (Sep-Nov): Warm, less humid (65-85°F)

RECOMMENDED PACKING

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Light, breathable clothing
  • Light rain jacket or umbrella
  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+)
  • Camera for memories
  • Water bottle (free refills available)
  • Insect repellent for outdoor activities
UNDERGROUND BUNKERS STAY 72°F YEAR-ROUND

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Make the most of your time with our recommended visit plans

HALF-DAY VISIT

3-4 HOURS

Perfect for: First-time visitors or those with limited time

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

  1. Start at Heritage Visitor Center (30 min)
  2. Great Defenders Memorial (45 min)
  3. Choose: Lighthouse OR Blimp Museum (60 min)
  4. Memorial Gardens for reflection (30 min)
  5. Gift shop and departure

💰 BUDGET: $15-25 per person

FULL-DAY EXPERIENCE

6-8 HOURS

Perfect for: History enthusiasts wanting the complete experience

COMPREHENSIVE TOUR:

  1. Morning guided Battlefield Tour (2.5 hours)
  2. Lunch at Victory Café (1 hour)
  3. Captured Blimp Museum (1.5 hours)
  4. Underground Bunkers Tour (1.5 hours)
  5. Artillery Park exploration (1 hour)
  6. Sunset Memorial ceremony (30 min)

💰 BUDGET: $60-85 per person

FAMILY ADVENTURE

4-5 HOURS

Perfect for: Families with children ages 6-16

KID-FRIENDLY ROUTE:

  1. Family Adventure Tour (1 hour)
  2. Interactive exhibits at Visitor Center (45 min)
  3. Lighthouse climb (great views!) (45 min)
  4. Picnic lunch at Memorial Gardens (1 hour)
  5. Artillery Park - hands-on exhibits (1 hour)
  6. Junior Historian badge ceremony (30 min)

💰 BUDGET: $40-60 for family of 4

GROUP VISITS & SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Customized experiences for schools, organizations, and special interest groups

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

📚 CURRICULUM-ALIGNED FIELD TRIPS

  • Elementary (K-5): Interactive storytelling and hands-on activities
  • Middle School (6-8): Science and technology focus
  • High School (9-12): Advanced history and critical thinking
FREE FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS • INCLUDES MATERIALS

🎓 PROGRAM INCLUDES:

  • Expert educational guide
  • Age-appropriate activities
  • Take-home educational materials
  • Classroom follow-up resources
  • Junior Historian certificates

Advance booking required. Programs align with state history and science standards.

SPECIALIZED TOURS

👥 GROUP OPTIONS

  • Veterans' Groups: Special recognition and behind-the-scenes access
  • Military History Societies: Technical deep-dive tours
  • Scout Troops: Badge-earning activities and camping programs
  • Senior Centers: Comfortable-paced tours with seating
  • Corporate Retreats: Team-building with historical themes

💼 GROUP BENEFITS

  • Discounted admission (15+ people)
  • Private guide assignments
  • Customized itineraries
  • Group dining arrangements
  • Motor coach parking
  • Souvenir packages

📞 CALL (555) HERO-WAR FOR GROUP BOOKINGS

DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

Helpful materials to enhance your visit and continue learning at home

🗺️

VISITOR MAP

Detailed map of all attractions, facilities, and walking trails with QR codes for audio content.

DOWNLOAD PDF
📱

MOBILE APP

Interactive guide with GPS navigation, audio tours, and augmented reality features.

DOWNLOAD APP
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

FAMILY GUIDE

Activity sheets, scavenger hunts, and educational games for children ages 5-15.

DOWNLOAD PDF
📚

EDUCATOR PACKET

Lesson plans, historical documents, and classroom activities for teachers.

DOWNLOAD ZIP
♿

ACCESSIBILITY GUIDE

Detailed accessibility information and accommodations available at each site.

DOWNLOAD PDF
📄

HISTORICAL TIMELINE

Comprehensive chronology of the Blimp Wars with key dates and events.

DOWNLOAD PDF