At 90 seconds, you can barely see the solid rocket boosters burn off before the space shuttle arcs out of sight. You cannot reserve a pass for a specific launch, but you can get on a waiting list for a vehicle pass to the first available shuttle launch. Don't bother inflating your hot-air balloon or chartering a helicopter. Air traffic anywhere near the launch pad is strictly prohibited, and violators are discouraged by US Air Force fighter planes. The stretch faces the Indian River, about 10 miles west of the launch pad.
People park on the sides of the road.
There is not much space to walk around, but it is a good close spot and it is free. If 10 miles sounds far away, remember that on a clear day the shuttle can be seen from as far away as 40-50 miles. The park is about 15 miles from the launch pad. Because there is more room to move around than on the shoulder of a highway, it is considered a prime viewing spot south of the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. There is a small parking charge.