Cape Canaveral is a city located in Brevard County, Florida, situated on a barrier island along the Atlantic coast. It forms part of the Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville Metropolitan Statistical Area and lies due south of the geographical feature known as Cape Canaveral. The city is separated from the mainland by the Banana River, Merritt Island, and the Indian River. Administratively, it operates under a council-manager government with a five-member City Council and an appointed City Manager.

The area's settlement began after a lighthouse was established in 1848, attracting families to the region as threats from Seminole attacks diminished. Early development included the Canaveral Harvard Club, founded in 1890 by Harvard alumni, which cleared wilderness for future settlers. In the 1920s, journalists invested in beach acreage to create the Journalista development. The city itself was incorporated in 1961, with its charter approved by the Florida State Legislature on May 16, 1963, largely to prevent annexation by Cocoa Beach.

The city is defined by its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and its role within the Space Coast region. The northern part of Cape Canaveral contains Port Canaveral, one of the United States' main ports for cruise ships. The city sits at the northern end of a barrier island, with the main thoroughfare following the causeway south toward Cocoa Beach. Notable sites include the Sands Space History Center and the Museum of Sunken Treasure, which houses artifacts from the 1715 Treasure Fleet.

Cape Canaveral hosts several annual traditions that draw visitors and residents alike. The Sun and Space Festival began in 1967, featuring flyovers and parades, while Patriot's Day Parade has been held since 1990 to commemorate the last naval battle of the American Revolution fought off the coast in 1783. Tourism plays a major economic role, supported by hotels and time shares, including the largest hotel in Brevard County with 284 rooms.

As of the 2020 census, the population was 9,972, with a median age of 58.9 years. The economy includes residents working in service industries, engineering firms, and at the Kennedy Space Center. The city has a humid subtropical climate with hot, wet summers and warm winters, occasionally affected by tropical cyclones. Access is provided via Melbourne Orlando International Airport to the south and Interstate 95, which intersects with Florida State Route 528 near the city.