I used to live on the 'space coast', as they say, for many years. The launches, day or night, are easily visible from many miles away. However, you can get a pretty good seat without being in any "special" area if you even get within a couple miles of the outskirts of the cape.

There were many times where I would be home watching tv or doing something mundane, only to notice that my windows were ever so slightly rattling rattling from a very deep vibration/rumble...step outside and there would be the shuttle blasting away.

Night launches from up close are definitely the best. Amazing to see the night sky so brightly lit up.