16 Best Things To Do In And Around Satellite Beach, Florida - Updated 2024

1. Andretti Thrill Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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A thrilling entertainment attraction near Satellite Beach, Andretti Thrill Park promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. This park is a perfect outing option that offers an array of adrenaline-pumping activities. From go-kart racing to laser tag, arcade games, and mini golf, Andretti Thrill Park has something for everyone.

What makes it even more enticing are the special offers and perks available, such as group packages, birthday party deals, and seasonal promotions. The park’s amenities include a well-maintained facility, dining options, and event spaces for hosting celebrations or team-building activities.

Andretti Thrill Park

Address: 3960 S Babcock St, Melbourne, FL 32901

Website: Andretti Thrill Park

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm to 10pm; Fri: 12pm to 11pm; Sat: 11am to 11pm; Sun: 11am to 9pm

2. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is an awe-inspiring destination that offers an unparalleled journey into the world of space exploration. This center is a fantastic spot that provides visitors a unique opportunity to learn about NASA’s historic missions, space shuttles, and the future of space travel.

The complex offers a plethora of activities, including the chance to see spacecraft, watch rocket launches, and meet astronauts. There are engaging exhibits, IMAX theaters, and informative presentations. To enhance the experience, the free visitor complex app is available to help plan your trip efficiently as there are real-time updates on events and attractions. Additionally, the complex features dining options, gift shops, and even bus tours to the launch sites.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Address: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953

Website: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

3. Canova Beach Park

So, I mentioned that over 30 percent of Satellite Beach’s land is water, so it is in the villages around it. So it’s not a big surprise that most of the main attractions in the area will be Beach Parks. And here is the first one on our list: Canova Beach Park is located in a village called Indialantic, and it lies 4 miles (7 km) south from Satellite Beach. There’s many interesting activities that everybody is welcome to try in the park. There are three dune crossovers that give you access to the sand and one of them is accessible by wheelchairs and strollers. In the Canova Beach Park, we can find the only dog-friendly beach in the country and there’s no fee for using it with your puppy. The park has also many important amenities, like restrooms, picnic tables, benches, drinking fountains and showers located outside of the park.

Canova Beach Park

Address: 3299 N Hwy A1A, Indialantic, FL 32903, USA

Website: Canova Beach Park

4. Gleason Park and the Dragon Point

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Here’s a closer park this time. Gleason Park is located just 3 miles (5 km) south from Satellite Beach but is located on the other side of the “island” giving access to the Indian River. This beautiful green park has an amazing natural fountain and a cute wooden deck when you can get some nice family portraits. You’ll find there also the Indian Harbor Beach Rec Centre with a swimming pool. A minute walk away from the park, you’ll get to the place with a beautiful view of the place called the “Dragon Point”. That’s a point where the Indian River Lagoon splits creating a Banana Lagoon. In that point, not more than 10 years ago, was standing an amazing sculpture of a green dragon, unfortunately, the monster collapsed and was demolished, but there are plans for a new dragon called “Rojak” to stand back up at the Dragon Point.

Gleason Park

Address: 1233 Yacht Club Blvd, Indian Harbour Beach, FL 32937, USA

Website: Rec Centre

5. Samsons Island Nature Preserve

If you’re looking for things to do around Satellite Beach, check out Samsons Island Nature Preserve. The park is located on the island on Banana River. Interesting fact: the Banana River is not actually a river but part of the Indian River Lagoon, and since it’s mostly moved by the wind it flows opposite, from the mouth to headwaters. Samsons Island offers its visitors many interesting activities like hiking, biking, fishing or bird watching; there are over 30 different species living on the Island.

If you’d like to spend a night among nature, camping is allowed in designated areas. But remember to be on the Island after dusk you need to hold a permit. There are also special regulations for boating in the area, so if you’re planning to bring a boat, check out their website for more information.

Samsons Island Nature Preserve

Address: 699 Jackson Ct, Satellite Beach, FL 32937, USA

Website: Samsons Island Nature Preserve

6. Pelican Beach Park

Here’s an option for you if you don’t know what to do in Satellite Beach and you’re looking for a nice place to spend a day. Pelican Beach Park is fairly new, it was fully renovated in 2007. They have a perfect option for people who are looking for a place to host a small or bigger party because the park offers pavilion rental. They have 6 of them, all equipped with grills and some also have tables, all different sizes; they can host from 12 up to 70 people, so it’s a big variety depending on what you need! They have cute names, like for example Turtle or Sea Grape. There’s a playground for children to have fun, as well as two volleyball courts, and you don’t need a reservation to use them. Other than that, the park has a parking lot, restrooms and outside showers. The park is open from 9 am till sunset.

Pelican Beach Park

Address: 1525 Highway A1A, Satellite Beach, FL 32937, USA

Website: Pelican Beach Park

7. St Johns River Kayak Experience (from 129 USD)

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

And for the end, I left something that is not a park but for sure will be an unforgettable adventure. From the beginning, some information: St Johns River is the longest Florida river and it goes through numerous beautiful lakes. During the experience you’ll get a chance to explore the river, small hidden creeks and cuts, you may also be able to spot a great variety of birds, including the American Bald Eagle, hawks and herons. There will be a stopover to straighten your legs and get some nice hiking in. The whole trip will take 4 hours, and it will start at the public boat ramp. The price includes a guide, kayaks and some snacks for the trip. You’ll get a chance to choose if you’d prefer a trip in the morning or in the afternoon. Visit the website below for more information.

St Johns River Kayak Experience

Price: from 129 USD

Website:

Book Now

The following content is contributed by Trip101 writer, Anne

8. Joy & Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Joy & Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden is located at Florida Tech in Melbourne, Florida, an 8.9-mi (14-km) drive along the coast from Satellite Beach. The garden offers a shady hammock of palm trees and a walking trail through the campus. The trail was named Dent Smith Trail after the founder of the Palm Society. The botanical gardens were created to protect the flora and fauna of this area of Florida. Visitors are warned not to cut or tamper with the plant life in the gardens. Pets, bicycles and skateboards are prohibited from entering. Families should note there are a number of water features throughout the botanical garden, as well as specimens of plants that could be poisonous. Keep to the trails and don’t let children near the plants.

Joy & Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden

Address: 2900 South Babcock St., Melbourne, FL

Website: Joy & Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden

Opening hours: 6:30am - 8pm (daily)

9. Turkey Creek Sanctuary

Turkey Creek Sanctuary is located in Palm Bay, Florida, 12.1 mi (20 km) from Satellite Beach. The small nature reserve consists of a sand pine ridge and salty hammock. It is managed by Florida Audubon Society, the EEL Program (Environmentally Endangered Lands), and the city of Palm Bay. Visitors can stroll on the boardwalk, go through the hammock and into the sand pine scrub habitat. Much of the boardwalk overlooks Turkey Creek, and the park can be accessed by kayak or canoe. Besides exploring in the fresh air, visitors can head to Margaret Hames Nature Center to check out the interpretive exhibits and the gift shop. Main activities in the park include wildlife viewing, jogging, and paddling. Visitors should note that no bikes are allowed in the park, and only service animals can accompany visitors.

Turkey Creek Sanctuary

Address: 1518 Port Malabar Blvd NE, Palm Bay, Florida, USA

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

10. Liberty Bell Memorial Museum

Liberty Bell Memorial Museum is located a 9.4-mi (15-km) drive along the coast from Satellite Beach. Nestled in Wells Park, the museum is next door to Melbourne Military Memorial Park. There are two sections to visit, and entry is free. Rotunda of American History exhibits historic documents and other memorabilia. In one area of the museum, a replica of the real Liberty Bell stands. Other exhibits include pre-revolutionary period artifacts, articles found in the old forts throughout Florida, and details of the naval air station and space exploration. Freedom Hall is an annex where military awards and decorations are displayed for each of the major wars.

Liberty Bell Memorial Museum

Address: 1601 Oak St, Melbourne, Florida, USA

Website: Liberty Bell Memorial Museum

Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed from Sun - Tue)

11. Manatee Sanctuary Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Manatee Sanctuary Park is located in Cape Canaveral, a 15.9-mi (25.5-km) drive from Satellite Beach on the FL A1A North route. The park is located on Banana River and offers 10 ac (4 ha) of riverfront for relaxation and fun. Visitors are not guaranteed to see the beautiful manatees as they are usually in the protected breeding area in Banana River. However, they have been known to feed on the seagrass located along the boardwalk. The surrounding park has a paved fitness trail, 10 exercise stations, picnic tables, grills, and a covered pavilion. Dogs are allowed if kept on a leash. There is a Zagster bike share station in the park, as well as a playground for the children.

Manatee Sanctuary Park

Address: 701 Thurm Blvd, Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA

12. Hightower Beach

Eager to do a little Satellite Beach sightseeing? Check out the observation pavilion on the boardwalk of Hightower Beach Park, a beautiful natural park with well-kept sand backed by dunes. The city wants visitors to learn about the uniqueness of this dune and beach system in order to prompt them to make a difference. Visitors are encouraged to walk or use a bicycle to access the beach park. They are discouraged from littering during their visit. Amenities here include restrooms, outdoor showers, and plenty of parking. Hightower Beach is also popular with surfers. Families should note that there is no lifeguard service here.

Hightower Beach

Address: 815 Highway A1A, Satellite Beach, FL 32937

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

13. Brevard Zoo

Brevard Zoo first opened in 1994, and it is nestled in a forested area. Boardwalks run through the small zoo to take visitors to the various sections where they can see jaguars, tapirs, monkeys, and many species of birds. African animals such as giraffe and impalas can also be seen here. One enjoyable trail is the Treetop Trek, where animals can be seen from a different angle. The zoo concentrates on wildlife preservation, and they go so far as to also preserve the Indian River Lagoon, with its native oysters and mangroves. The zoo also runs the Sea Turtle Healing Center where sea turtles are rehabilitated. The zoo offers a variety of field trips and summer camps for visitors to learn more about nature and the animals living here.

Brevard Zoo

Address: 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, Florida, USA

Website: Brevard Zoo

Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)

Price: from 14.70 USD

14. Florida Surf Museum

Florida Surf Museum was set up to preserve the history of surfing in Florida. Formerly known as Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, it was founded in 1999 and is located in Ron Jon Surf Shop on Cocoa Beach. The museum is close to the ocean and Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier. Visitors can enjoy a variety of surf-related exhibits here, including a wide range of surfboards and accessories. Some exhibitions worth exploring include Sidewalk Surfing, Florida Women of the Waves, Sebastian Inlet - The Accidental Wave, Hobgood - the Virtual Exhibit, Shortboard Evolution Revolution, and Paipo: Prone to Ride.

Florida Surf Museum

Address: 4275 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, Florida, USA

Website: Florida Surf Museum

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

15. Da Kine Diego's Insane Burrito

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Da Kine Diego’s Insane Burrito serves a full range of delicious burritos. The restaurant boasts that their burritos are so good, you should take a photo to make them last longer! Everything on the menu is in full Tex-Mex style and prepared fresh from locally sourced ingredients. Dine-in and take out is available to patrons. Set in a surf shack, Da Kine Diego’s Insane Burritos are said to be the best burritos available on the Space Coast. For those who want a lighter meal, the restaurant also serves a delicious range of tacos and fresh salads. Service is quick, meaning visitors can get back to the beach quickly after their meal.

Da Kine Diego's Insane Burrito

Address: 1360 Florida A1A, Satellite Beach, Florida, USA

Website: Da Kine Diego’s Insane Burrito

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm

16. S.P.R.A. Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

S.P.R.A. Park in Satellite Beach, Florida, is the ideal place to enjoy the beaches of the Space Coast. This is a small, neighborhood park that features dunes, an outdoor shower, and a small parking area. The 0.93-ac (0.37-ha) park is perfect for families and is a great place to enjoy a picnic in the fresh sea air. The clean, sandy beach is beloved by beachgoers and those who enjoy surf fishing. Perkins Beach is also one of the best surf breaks in Florida for those who want to get out on the waves.

S.P.R.A. Park

Address: 499 Florida A1A, Satellite Beach, Florida, USA

Little Satellite Beach

As you can see, there are plenty of activities near Satellite Beach to enjoy, particularly in the water before you retire to your room in one of the beachfront hotels in the area. This is a great place to have fun with friends and family. On your next trip to this side of Florida, be sure to check out these fun things to do in and around Satellite Beach.