It's hard to miss a space shuttle launch if you are anywhere in Central Florida at the time. But there are only a handful of places that provide the best opportunity to see (and hear) a launch.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex handles the 'official' launch viewing tickets. They sell passes to a remote viewing location, then bus visitors out to the site. Be warned, though: If the launch is delayed, the tickets are not refundable.

There are a number of other unofficial spots that provide a range of viewing opportunities.  Study the map below to get a sense of the layout, and visit photographer Ben Cooper's page for examples of the view from each one: www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html

A warning about traffic:

There are very few roads out of the KSC area.  So after a launch, expect traffic to be awful.  Delays of several hours are normal, and will probably get worse as more people try to witness these last few missions.

Your best bet is to wait it out.  Take some food, games, and other entertainment and stay where you are in order to avoid sitting in the parking lots that 528 and 407 become. 

If you really want to hit the road right away, you might want to try heading north or south on I-95 to get away from the KSC area, then head west. A SunPass will also help you avoid some of the backups at toll plazas.