I live 45 minutes south of the Cape.
I typically watch from Titusville. It is about 10 miles from the launch facility.
Arrive early and you can usually get reasonably good viewing.
Bring a lawn chair and bug spray.
This is just south of the Max Brewer Causeway that leads to the Merritt Island NAWR. Unfortunately, the refuge is closed for 3 days before a launch.
The traffic is bad after the event. The best bet is to stay south of the Cape and head south down US 1. Leave the Interstate alone.
This is from last August's launch at midnight.