One of Florida’s most populated counties, Brevard County is known for famous attractions like Kennedy Space Center, home to a NASA shuttle launch stimulation and lots of astronaut memorabilia, Cocoa Beach, a surfers’ paradise, and the city of Palm Bay, where parks, beaches, and fishing opportunities are always plentiful. A trip to Brevard County is nothing but memorable, whether you’re into surfing, or looking to relax in the sun along the 72 miles (116 kilometers) of coastline along the Canaveral National Seashore, or are a nature and wildlife lover, eager to explore the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands or the Enchanted Forest. Read on as we check out some of the best things to do in Brevard County, Florida, to make your trip truly unforgettable.
1. Kayak around Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at night (from USD 70.0)
Join a two-hour kayaking tour around Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and get ready for a unique experience, as you discover a spectacular natural phenomenon – bioluminescence. What you’ll do is go kayaking in the dark near Cocoa Beach together with a professional guide, and paddle across the lagoon as you’ll learn about bioluminescence and see tiny water creatures glow into the dark waters. You might even get to see fish and dolphins.
Bioluminescence Kayak Tour
Duration: 2 hours
2. Marvel at the impressive Dinosaur Store collection
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Dinosaur Store and Museum in Cocoa Beach spreads over two floors and hosts a vast collection of exhibits related to dinosaurs and ancient human history and cultures. Kids will love entering this universe of fossils, where they will find Dinosaur eggs, dinosaur teeth, and claws, as well as shark teeth. The fossils on display include fish, bird fossils, Trilobite and sabercat fossils, and many more. There’s also an interactive Adventure Zone inside the store, where they host family reunions, birthday parties, and different types of events, offering a fun and educational experience for the entire family.
Dinosaur Store
Address: 250 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Website: Dinosaur Store
Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Tue)
3. Enjoy beach access at Cherie Down Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Cherie Down Park offers a combined experience of both park and beach recreation. It is a community beach park that includes amenities like restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic benches and shelters, barbecue grills, and drinking fountains. Visitors can take a walk along the dunes, on the boardwalk and enjoy the direct access to the beach, where they can jump into the water and enjoy surfing and swimming.
Cherie Down Park
Address: 8330 Ridgewood Ave, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Website: Cherie Down Park
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
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4. Check out the iconic warplanes at Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum
With a history of over 4 decades, the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum in Titusville, Florida, is home to a stunning collection of 45 historic warplanes. Some of these warbirds are from the present day, but many go back to the beginnings of aviation. Some of the most iconic pieces of the collection include a replica of the 1907 Epps Monoplane from the Pre World War I period, and the Boeing Model 75 Stearman and the General Motors FM-1 Wildcat – both from World War II. There are also lots of planes from the Cold War, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and some more modern ones like the General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon. Aviation and history buff or not, this is something to see and explore in-depth while in Brevard County.
Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum
Address: 6600 Tico Rd, Titusville, FL 32780
Website: Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 20 USD
5. Head to Manatee Sanctuary Park for a picnic
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The superb riverfront Manatee Sanctuary Park spreads over 10 acres (4 hectares) of land along the Banana River and offers its visitors spectacular scenery, lush greenery, and sights of a protected Manatee habitat. People can come here for relaxation, to exercise along a paved fitness trail, or to enjoy a barbecue and a picnic in front of the water. The park features several barbecue grill stations, picnic tables, and covered pavilions.
Manatee Sanctuary Park
Address: 701 Thurm Blvd, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Website: Manatee Sanctuary Park
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
6. Play a basketball game at Blanton Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located on Main Street in Titusville, Florida, Blanton Park is an excellent choice for those into outdoor fun and games. The park is packed with amenities and facilities, including an outstanding basketball court, picnic shelters, a pavilion for up to 30 people, a playground to keep kids happy and entertained, and free parking for easier access. Overall, it’s a great spot to hang out with the whole family, or visit with friends, and enjoy a basketball game.
Blanton Park
Address: 1300 Main St, Titusville, FL 32796
7. Marvel at the abundant wildlife in Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands
Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands is one of Florida’s hidden gems and the go-to place for outdoor and nature lovers. Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands spreads between the Brevard Zoo and Moccasin Island Tract, and together with Storage Ponds, it is part of the Viera Wetlands. The area is sprinkled with hiking trails, but when weather permits it, the wetlands can also be accessed by car, making birds and wildlife viewing much easier. Visitors should check the availability and access possibilities before visiting, so they can make the most of their time there, and enjoy the stunning vistas and abundant wildlife to the maximum.
Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands
Address: 3658 Charlie Corbeil Way, Viera, FL 32940
Website: Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands
8. Have a NASA-like experience at Kennedy Space Center (from USD 69.0)
Enjoy a full day of space stories and activities at the Kennedy Space Center. The NASA world-class facility features rocket exhibits, including Saturn V, a simulated Shuttle Launch Experience, a variety of IMAX movies, and other great experiences. Visitors will get to explore the Rocket Garden, see the Saturn V Center, and two IMAX films, as well as participate in an Astronaut Encounter show, where they’ll interact with veteran astronauts. Upgrades are available, and they include lunch with an astronaut and even visiting the Vehicle Assembly Building.
Kennedy Space Center Day Trip with Transport from Orlando
Duration: 10 hours
9. Catch a live show at Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts
Located in Melbourne, Florida, the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts is a performance venue that features a main theater with over 2,000 seats, and a smaller, 250-seat space – the Studio Theater. When in Florida, check out the list of events and make sure you attend one. There’s always something going on, whether it’s evergreen bands like ZZ Top or Alice Cooper performing, a live edition of Family Feud, or a comedian’s stand-up performance. Culture, entertainment, recreation – whatever you’re looking for, you’re going to find it at Brevard County’s Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts.
Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts
Address: 3865 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32935
10. Go on a hike in the Enchanted Forest
Hiking on its own is a great activity for outdoor and sports enthusiasts, but when you do it in a stunning setting, it gets even better. While in Brevard County, one of these places can be the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary – even the name has something magical to it, and the actual place won’t disappoint either. Get ready to explore a variety of natural habitats specific to Brevard and surround yourself with a plethora of both temperate and subtropical plant species, including oak, pine flatwood, and mesic. The wildlife is abundant, with gopher tortoise, white-tailed deer, bobcats, and many other species calling the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary home.
Brevard County Enchanted Forest Sanctuary
Address: 444 Columbia Blvd, Titusville, FL 32780
Website: Brevard County Enchanted Forest Sanctuary
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
11. Learn a piece of military history at Veterans Memorial Center
The Veterans Memorial Center is a non-profit organization that has been created with the sole purpose of serving and honoring military veterans. It also serves as a great place to come to for a history lesson, as it boasts a variety of military artifacts from the Revolutionary War to more current Middle East conflicts. People can come here and enjoy a free visit to the museum, library, and park, or also volunteer to support veterans. This is a perfect way to spend an eventful day learning about the past.
Veterans Memorial Center
Address: 400 S Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
Website: Veterans Memorial Center
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8:30am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm
Price: Free
12. Go shopping in Historic Downtown Melbourne
With a history dating back to the 1800s, Downtown Melbourne is not only one of the alluring and liveliest parts of the city, but also a fabulous place for shopping, dining, and entertainment. This historic part of town has its charm, but it is also the hotspot for cultural, artistic, and social events, as well as a top destination for shopping. Head over to Melbourne Main Street for a bite to eat, to peek in the shop windows, or enjoy some souvenir shopping.
Downtown Melbourne
Address: 1908 Municipal Lane,, Melbourne, FL 32901
Website: Downtown Melbourne
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Feed the giraffes at Brevard Zoo
Spread over 75 acres (30 hectares) of land in Melbourne, Florida, the Brevard Zoo is home to hundreds of colorful birds, giraffes, rhinos, and bog cats. The internationally accredited nonprofit facility hosts over 900 animals, counting species from all over the world, including Australia, Africa, Asia, South America, but also local species. What makes this place so popular among travelers and locals, and different from other zoos out there are the interactive experiences that include a children’s water play area, giraffe and bird feedings, as well as kayaking around some of the animal habitats.
Brevard Zoo
Address: 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940
Website: Brevard Zoo
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 20 USD
14. Relax in the beautiful scenery of Turkey Creek Sanctuary
Although small, the Turkey Creek Sanctuary is one of Florida’s most spectacular natural preserves. Located in Palm Bay and part of the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands program, the sanctuary is home to breathtaking landscape, including sand pine ridge habitats. Take a walk along the sanctuary’s wooden boardwalk, and enjoy the lush vegetation, the wetland shoreline plants, and keep your eyes peeled for alligators, blue crabs, and turtles.
Turkey Creek Sanctuary
Address: 1518 Port Malabar Blvd NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905
Website: Turkey Creek Sanctuary
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
15. Take a stroll through Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park is a beautiful state park in Cocoa Beach, yet not many people know about it, so it’s an excellent choice if you want to find a parking spot quickly and enjoy a more secluded location. The ocean-front park spreads over 2 acres (0.8 hectare) and boasts picnic tables and shelters, parking, restrooms, and showers. It’s a perfect choice for beach access, fishing, and just spending a relaxing day in the sun.
Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park
Address: 198-100 S 16th St, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Website: Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park
16. Dine and shop at Historic Cocoa Village
5/2/2020 The preliminary plantings are in.
Posted by Historic Cocoa Village on Thursday, August 27, 2020
Such a lively and buzzing place, Historic Cocoa Village is home to shopping, dining, entertainment, and local events galore. Its picturesque streets are filled with centuries of history, but also host a premier shopping district. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, walk along the historic streets, savor a gourmet meal, or take a history lesson at the Florida Historical Society. Come evening visitors get to enjoy live music and casual dining.
Historic Cocoa Village
Address: 600 Florida Ave #104, Cocoa, FL 32922
Website: Historic Cocoa Village
Opening hours: 10am - 11:30pm (daily)
17. Explore the collection at American Police Hall of Fame & Museum
Founded in 1960, The American Police Hall of Fame & Museum is the first national law enforcement museum, and one of Brevard County’s not to be missed gems. Here, visitors can find a memorial honoring the officers that lost their lives in the line of duty, a museum with around 11,000 law enforcement related artifacts and exhibits, many of which are interactive, and a large collection of law enforcement vehicles. Kids will have a blast dressing up as their favorite officer or improving their detective skills in the interactive lab.
American Police Hall of Fame & Museum
Address: 6350 Horizon Dr, Titusville, FL 32780
Website: American Police Hall of Fame & Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 13 USD
18. Take a tour of the historic Cape Canaveral Lighthouse
The Cape Canaveral Light in Port Canaveral dates back to 1848 and boasts a rich history. Built to warn ships of dangerous shoals, the lighthouse is today one of the iconic landmarks in the region. Together with the historic Spaceflight Launch Complexes, the tower can be visited in small groups every week. The lighthouse has a really interesting structure and construction, as each of the stairs is numbered with Roman numerals, and the entire tower has two layers of brick and iron plating.
Cape Canaveral Lighthouse
Address: 670 Dave Nisbet Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Website: Cape Canaveral Lighthouse
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
19. Go biking in the alleys of Cuyler Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Cuyler Park in Mims, Florida, is a great spot for sports and outdoors enthusiasts, as it features soccer, football, baseball, and softball courts, as well as a playground for kids, and several picnic pavilions. If you’re not into any of these sports, enjoy biking on the alleys of the park, as you’ll find it undoubtedly relaxing to enjoy its nature. If it’s warm outside, pack some food and drinks and take a break to have a picnic while in Cuyler Park.
Cuyler Park
Address: 2329 Harry T Moore Ave, Mims, FL 32754
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 8pm; Sat: 11am - 2pm (closed on Sun)
20. Enjoy a day of shopping at The Avenue Viera
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Avenue Viera goes beyond shopping and dining – it’s more of an experience in itself. The outdoor lifestyle center spreads over 62 acres (25 hectares) and hosts a mix of local merchants and national retailers, as well as a wide selection of restaurants. Plan a visit on nice weather, as the outdoor area is truly spectacular, with lots of green space, a huge water fountain, lush palm trees, sidewalks, patio dining, and a pop jet fountain for kids.
The Avenue Viera
Address: 2261 Town Center Avenue Suite 113, Viera, FL 32940
Website: The Avenue Viera
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
21. Enjoy a picnic in Fay Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
One of the best things about Florida is that it abounds in green spaces, and Fay Park is one of them. Spreading over 11 acres (4.5 hectares), Fay Park is a lesser-known retreat, but an excellent choice for family-friendly fun. The park features tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, biking trails, playgrounds for kids, and lots of picnic areas and pavilions. Pack a few drinks and food, and take the kids out for a day of fun, games, and a picnic outdoors.
Fay Park
Address: 6315 Depot Ave, Port St John, FL 32927
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
22. Enhance your volleyball skills at Bernice G. Jackson Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Spreading over 21 acres (8.5 hectares) in Sharpes, Florida, Bernice G. Jackson Park is a community park. It is a great place to take your kids, hang out with friends, or just enjoy some you time. There are lots of multi-use fields, volleyball courts, and free parking. The park is home to the Walter Butler Community Center, which features meeting and game rooms and a gymnasium.
Bernice G. Jackson Park
Address: 4201 N highway 1, Cocoa, FL 32927
23. Spend a night camping in Wickham Park
Surrounded by such natural abundance, it would be a pity not to spend a few nights glamping or camping in the heart of Florida’s exuberant nature. One excellent option for camping can be Wickham Park, located in Melbourne, Florida. The park features a tent camping area, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a pet area, a kids’ playground, and lots of recreational trails. It is a fabulous place for fishers, families with children and pets, and anyone into outdoor activities. The campground features a total of 133 campsites with water, electricity, and sewer. There are two swimming lakes, a disc golf course, and four volleyball courts.
Wickham Park
Address: 2500 Parkway Dr, Melbourne, FL 32935
Website: Wickham Park
24. Enjoy miles of pristine beaches along Canaveral National Seashore
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Canaveral National Seashore is a historical, natural, and ecological gem aimed at protecting Florida’s national seashore and offering visitors a spectacular setting for outdoor recreation. Canaveral National Seashore boasts a barrier island ecosystem, including an open lagoon, areas of pine flatwoods, coastal hammock, and wide waters. The 24 miles (38 kilometers) of pristine seashore host some of the most beautiful beaches, and are home to thousands of protected marine turtles.
Canaveral National Seashore
Address: S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL 32796
Website: Canaveral National Seashore
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
25. Take a stroll along the boardwalk at Lori Wilson Park
Lori Wilson Park is located in beautiful Cocoa Beach, Florida. The seaside park features dunes, coastal hammocks, a children’s playground, picnic spots, and barbecue grills. It is the ideal place to spend half a day or a full day at the beach but mixing relaxation with fun and games. Take a walk on the boardwalk with the kids or your four-legged buddy, while taking in the superb beach and water views. There are also biking trails and volleyball courts available if you want to burn some calories too.
Lori Wilson Park
Address: 1500 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Website: Lori Wilson Park
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
26. Get your adrenaline pumping at Andretti Thrill Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
With a history of over 20 years, Andretti Thrill Park has been a family-friendly attraction for decades. The park offers entertainment options galore to people of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers, and even adults. The park features mini golf, bowling, laser tag, a ropes course, and go-kart tracks. Boost your adrenaline on Andretti 360, a ride that will turn you upside down and spin you in all directions, or check out the Spinning Coaster, the Drop N Twist Tower, and the Wave Ride. The park also hosts an Arcade facility with tons of cool games.
Andretti Thrill Park
Address: 3960 S Babcock St, Melbourne, FL 32901
Website: Andretti Thrill Park
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 9pm
27. Climb atop Exploration Tower for panoramic vistas of Cape Canaveral
As you’ll walk around the port of Cape Canaveral, Exploration Tower is bound to catch your eye. Its unique architecture is impossible to be missed. The building has seven floors, each offering guests something to check out, whether it’s the cafe and gift shop on the first floor, the interactive exhibits on the second floor, the Navigating Port Canaveral on the fifth floor, or the Air and Space Port on the sixth floor. The tower hosts two observation decks, where travelers can enjoy stunning panoramic vistas of the port, the beach, cruise ships, and the Kennedy Space Center.
Exploration Tower
Address: 670 Dave Nisbet Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Website: Exploration Tower
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 7 USD
28. Check out the vast collection at Air Force Space and Missile Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
#LaunchDay again here at CCSFS for another attempt at the #SpaceX #Falcon9 from Complex 40. Learn more about Complex 40 here: https://afspacemuseum.org/facilities/launch-complex-40/ : SpaceX
Posted by Air Force Space and Missile Museum Foundation on Sunday, December 13, 2020
Whether you’re into space, traveling with children, or are just looking for an interesting thing to add to your things-to-do list while in Brevard County, the Air Force Space and Missile Museum promises to not only meet but exceed your expectations. Open since 1966, the museum is home to the Launch Complex 26 – the place where the first successful launch of Explorer I, an American satellite, took place, as well as Launch Complex 5/6 – the launch site for the early Project Mercury missions. The museum also hosts an impressive collection of missiles and missile components, rockets, artifacts, and historical markers and displays.
Air Force Space and Missile Museum
Address: 191 Museum Cir, Cape Canaveral, FL
Website: Air Force Space and Missile Museum
Opening hours: Mon: 24 hours; Tue - Thu & Sat: 12pm - 2am (closed on Fri & Sun)
29. Spend a night camping at Jetty Park Campground
JETTY PARK AT PHASE 3: Jetty Park Beach and Campground are now in Phase 3 of re-opening. Click the links below for more...
Posted by Port Canaveral on Thursday, October 8, 2020
With an excellent location, right by the ocean, the Jetty Park Campground is the ideal setting for those looking for a relaxing, out of the ordinary experience surrounded by pristine nature. You’ll get to be right near the port in Cape Canaveral and see cruise ships and submarines coming and going, as well as spectacular marine life and wildlife. Jetty Park Campground offers several camping options: eight cabins with a mini-fridge, a picnic table, a charcoal grill, and a half bath, rustic tents with water but no electricity or sewer, and other Semi and IMP options with electricity and water.
Jetty Park Campground
Address: 9035 Campground Cir, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Website: Jetty Park Campground
Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 27 USD onwards
Explore the many faces of Brevard County, Florida
Brevard County is one of Florida’s gems as it boasts jaw-dropping scenery, abundant wildlife and plant habitats, but also historical and cultural attractions. Whether you’re here with the family or with friends, make the most of the indoor and outdoor attractions and adventures this place has to offer. To make sure you don’t miss out on anything, we’ve got you covered with a full list of things to do in Brevard County, Florida.
Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of the attractions may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.
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