Attractions and Places To See around Merritt Island - Top 17

Merritt Island is a haven for nature lovers, most notably the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This vast refuge is home to over 1,500 species of plants and animals, including manatees, alligators, and numerous bird species. You can explore it via the Black Point Wildlife Drive, a scenic seven-mile route, or hike trails like the Palm Hammock Trail and Oak Hammock Trail. Other natural spots include the Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary for kayaking and birdwatching, and Pine Island Conservation Area with diverse habitats and trails.

Yes, Merritt Island offers several historical and cultural sites. You can visit Sams House at Pine Island Conservation Area, the oldest standing home in Brevard County, offering a glimpse into early settler life. Another notable site is Field Manor, a living history museum featuring an 1880s farmhouse and a working citrus grove. The Brevard Veterans Memorial Museum & Military Museum also preserves artifacts and stories from various military eras.

Families visiting Merritt Island have several options. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers interactive exhibits and a multi-story play area called Planet Play. For outdoor fun, Rotary Park Merritt Island features walking trails, a playground, and picnic areas. Manatee Cove Park also has a playground and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Many of the hiking trails within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge are suitable for families, and the Cocoa Beach Pier offers a lively atmosphere with shops and restaurants.

Merritt Island provides several excellent spots for hiking and biking. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge has multiple hiking trails, including the Palm Hammock Trail and Cruickshank Trail. For cycling, the South Tropical Trail is a unique cycle way running along the southernmost point of Merritt Island, offering scenic views of the Intracoastal and Banana Rivers. You can find more detailed routes for various difficulty levels in the Easy hikes around Merritt Island and Cycling around Merritt Island guides.

The cooler months, typically from October through April, are generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing on Merritt Island. During this period, migratory birds are abundant, and manatees are more active in the warmer waters of the Haulover Canal and other sheltered areas. The weather is also more comfortable for outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching.

Absolutely! Merritt Island is surrounded by water and offers fantastic kayaking opportunities. You can explore the serene waters and mangrove tunnels of Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary or paddle through Manatee Cove Park, where you might spot manatees. Unique nighttime bioluminescent kayaking tours are also available, where plankton illuminate the water in bright blue. The Haulover Canal is another known spot for manatee sightings from the water.

For scenic views, the South Tropical Trail offers picturesque vistas along the Banana and Intracoastal Rivers. The Black Point Wildlife Drive within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a popular seven-mile scenic route for observing wildlife from your vehicle. Additionally, Riverfront Park in Cocoa provides stunning waterfront views of the Indian River.

Yes, Merritt Island is an excellent location for viewing rocket launches due to its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex itself offers prime viewing opportunities. The Cocoa Beach Pier is also a very popular spot for watching launches, offering a lively atmosphere with restaurants and bars.

While the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge has restrictions on pets to protect wildlife, other areas offer dog-friendly options. Rotary Park Merritt Island is generally dog-friendly with walking trails. It's always best to check specific park regulations before visiting, but many local parks allow leashed dogs.

The Malcolm E. McLouth Fishing Pier, located at Jetty Park, is a 1,200-foot public pier. It's paved, well-lit, and equipped with fish-cleaning tables. Anglers can try their luck for various fish species like snook and Spanish mackerel. It's open 24 hours and is also wheelchair accessible.

While Merritt Island itself doesn't have beaches, it is conveniently located near Canaveral National Seashore. This protected area includes Playalinda Beach, known for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. It's a great option for those looking for a beach experience close to Merritt Island's other attractions.

Beyond kayaking, Merritt Island offers unique water-related experiences. You can take a nighttime bioluminescent kayaking tour, where plankton in the water glow when disturbed, creating a stunning blue light show. The Haulover Canal is a well-known spot for observing manatees in their natural habitat. Additionally, the Merritt Island itself is surrounded by waters where dolphins and manatees are often spotted.