Brevard County, located along Florida’s scenic Space Coast, offers a vibrant mix of beaches, nature preserves, space history, and family attractions. Whether you’re looking to relax by the ocean, explore wildlife refuges, or experience rocket launches, Brevard County has something for everyone.
Top Beaches and Outdoor Recreation
- 🏖️ Pelican Beach Park (Satellite Beach): A family favorite featuring shaded pavilions, picnic areas, volleyball courts, and playgrounds. It’s ideal for a relaxed day by the ocean with easy beach access and free parking. Visit early on weekends to secure a pavilion. The park also provides public restrooms, showers, and nearby snack vendors, making it a convenient and family-friendly stop. Locals love to visit during sunrise for morning yoga or coffee by the shore, while evenings bring gentle sea breezes perfect for picnics.
- 🌴 Lori Wilson Park (Cocoa Beach): An 82-acre oceanfront park offering lifeguarded beaches, boardwalk nature trails, picnic spots, and playgrounds. It’s one of Cocoa Beach’s best-maintained public areas, perfect for families and group outings. Visitors can stroll the shaded trails lined with sea grapes and coastal hammocks, enjoy beach volleyball, or simply relax under one of the six covered pavilions. The free parking and full-time lifeguards make it a top choice for families, and its dog-friendly zone ensures everyone can join in the fun.
- 🏄 Sebastian Inlet State Park: Known for its world-class surfing and fishing, this 1,600-acre park is open 24/7 and features campgrounds, reefs for snorkeling, and the McLarty Treasure Museum. Entry costs around $8 per vehicle. Surfers gather at the North Jetty to ride some of Florida’s most consistent waves, while anglers cast for snook, redfish, and flounder from the jetties. Nature enthusiasts can explore hiking trails and birdwatching platforms, and campers can stay overnight at oceanfront sites. With boat ramps and picnic shelters, it’s a perfect destination for multi-day adventures.
- 🦩 Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge: Encompassing 140,000 acres near Kennedy Space Center, this refuge is home to more than 330 bird species, alligators, and manatees. Don’t miss Black Point Wildlife Drive and Haulover Canal’s manatee observation deck. Visitors can also hike the Palm Hammock and Scrub Ridge trails to spot bobcats, otters, and rare Florida scrub jays. The refuge is a photographer’s paradise, especially at sunrise or sunset when the wetlands glow with color. Interpretive programs and guided tours are offered seasonally, enhancing the educational experience.
- 🌳 Enchanted Forest Sanctuary (Titusville): A hidden gem with lush oak hammocks, trails, and a nature center filled with interactive exhibits. Free to visit and great for hiking or a peaceful nature escape. The sanctuary’s trails wind through five distinct ecosystems, offering scenic overlooks and opportunities to spot gopher tortoises, owls, and butterflies. The visitor center features a small museum and gift shop, and volunteers often host guided nature walks or wildlife workshops. It’s a serene retreat for birdwatchers, hikers, and anyone seeking a quiet connection with nature.
Popular Attractions
- 🚀 Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (Merritt Island): The highlight of any Brevard trip, KSC lets you explore real spacecraft, meet astronauts, and experience rocket launches firsthand. Beyond its main attractions—the Space Shuttle Atlantis, Apollo/Saturn V Center, and SpaceX launch viewing—visitors can explore immersive simulators, astronaut training programs, and live mission updates. The complex includes an IMAX theater showing 3D space documentaries, interactive children’s areas, and guided bus tours through NASA’s restricted zones where real rockets are built and launched. Tickets are about $77 for adults, and it’s worth spending a full day to take it all in.
- 🦒 Brevard Zoo (Melbourne): One of the most interactive zoos in Florida, featuring kayaking past giraffes, zip-lining adventures, and the family-friendly Paws On splash area. The zoo emphasizes conservation and hands-on learning, offering behind-the-scenes tours, animal feedings, and wildlife encounters. The lush, shaded pathways connect themed habitats like Expedition Africa and Wild Florida, where visitors can see native species up close. Tickets average $34.95 for adults and $24.95 for children, with discounts available online. Families often spend several hours exploring the exhibits and enjoying the playgrounds.
- 🌌 American Space Museum & Space Walk of Fame (Titusville): Showcasing the Space Coast’s rich history through astronaut memorabilia, Apollo-era artifacts, and a riverside walk honoring NASA pioneers. Exhibits feature rare mission hardware, spacesuits, and personal items from engineers and astronauts who helped launch the U.S. space program. Visitors can take guided tours that bring to life the local community’s contributions to space exploration, while the outdoor Space Walk of Fame honors each NASA program with engraved monuments and plaques.
- ✈️ Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum: An impressive collection of over 45 restored aircraft from WWII to the Vietnam War, displayed in massive hangars filled with history. Aviation enthusiasts will love the guided tours by veteran pilots who share firsthand stories about flight missions and aircraft restoration. The museum regularly hosts airshows, fly-ins, and special events where guests can see vintage planes take to the skies. A small gift shop and research library add to the experience, making it a must-visit for military history fans.
- 🐢 Barrier Island Center (Melbourne Beach): A free environmental center focused on marine life and coastal preservation, with interactive exhibits and scenic boardwalks. The center offers educational programs about sea turtle nesting, dune ecosystems, and conservation efforts. Visitors can join guided nature walks, attend eco-workshops, or simply enjoy the tranquil trails leading to the beach. It’s also part of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, providing opportunities to see nesting turtles during the summer months.
Family-Friendly Activities
- 🧒 Brevard Zoo’s Paws On Area: Petting zoo, playground, and splash pad for young children. The area is designed for kids to interact directly with animals and nature while learning about conservation. Hands-on activities, water play zones, and shaded seating areas make it a perfect stop for families with toddlers and elementary-aged children. Educational programs often run during weekends, and animal encounters provide fun learning opportunities.
- 🦖 Dinosaur Store & Museum (Cocoa Beach): Life-sized dinosaurs, fossils, and hands-on exhibits take visitors on a prehistoric adventure. The museum also includes an interactive science center, a fossil dig pit, and educational programs for young explorers. Families can enjoy guided tours that combine paleontology with fun storytelling, making it both entertaining and informative.
- 🏴☠️ Antilles Trading Company Pirate Museum: A fun, interactive experience for kids with real pirate artifacts and treasure displays. Children can dress up as pirates, follow treasure maps, and learn about maritime history through games and live demonstrations. The museum’s immersive design—with themed lighting and sound effects—transports visitors back to the golden age of piracy.
- 🏙️ Exploration Tower (Port Canaveral): Seven stories of maritime and space exhibits with panoramic views of the port. Interactive displays explain the history of space exploration and the evolution of Port Canaveral. Families can enjoy observation decks with telescopes for cruise-ship spotting, and the tower’s architecture makes it one of the most photographed structures on the Space Coast. Special night events often feature stargazing sessions and live music.
- 💰 McLarty Treasure Museum: Discover the story of the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet shipwreck through fascinating artifacts, coins, and recovered relics. The museum sits near the actual shipwreck site, allowing visitors to connect directly with Florida’s maritime history. Exhibits include short films and hands-on replica displays for kids. The scenic ocean views from the museum grounds make it an educational and relaxing stop for the entire family.
Historical and Cultural Landmarks
- 🛍️ Downtown Cocoa Village: A charming riverside district filled with boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. Beyond shopping, it serves as a cultural hub with frequent art festivals, live music performances, and seasonal street fairs. Visitors can stroll along brick-paved streets lined with historic buildings, dine at waterfront restaurants overlooking the Indian River, and catch outdoor concerts in the scenic Riverfront Park. Evening lights and local vendors create a lively ambiance that captures the essence of old Florida charm.
- 🏡 Historic Pritchard House: A beautifully preserved 1905 Queen Anne home in Titusville that showcases the elegance of the early 20th century. Visitors can explore guided tours detailing the life of the Pritchard family and see authentic period furnishings, intricate woodwork, and original architecture. The museum also hosts seasonal tea parties, heritage workshops, and community events, offering a glimpse into Brevard County’s turn-of-the-century lifestyle.
- 🌺 Rossetter House Museum (Melbourne): Offers a glimpse into early 1900s Florida life and family heritage, complete with restored furniture, antique photographs, and lush gardens overlooking the Indian River. The on-site family cemetery and carriage house add depth to the historical experience. Guided tours bring the Rossetter sisters’ story to life, illustrating how early settlers shaped Melbourne’s social and economic growth.
- ✊ Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Memorial Park (Mims): Honors two of Florida’s early civil rights pioneers whose activism laid the groundwork for future movements. The museum includes multimedia exhibits, artifacts, and historical documents recounting their legacy. The park’s peaceful setting features walking paths, a reflection pond, and sculptures that commemorate their courage and impact on racial equality. Educational programs and annual remembrance events ensure their story continues to inspire visitors of all ages.
- 🎭 Cocoa Village Playhouse: A historic 1924 theater showcasing local and Broadway-style performances, known as the “Broadway on Brevard.” Its lovingly restored interior retains vintage architectural details while providing modern sound and lighting. Audiences can enjoy musicals, comedies, and children’s productions year-round, with community acting workshops and special events adding to its cultural value. The playhouse stands as both an entertainment venue and a living piece of Brevard’s artistic heritage.
Dining and Nightlife
- 🍤 The Cove at Port Canaveral: Enjoy fresh seafood, tiki bars, and live music overlooking the harbor at spots like Fishlips or Grills Seafood Deck. By day, watch cruise ships depart under the setting sun; by night, this area comes alive with dancing, live bands, and waterfront dining under the stars. The atmosphere here blends island vibes with coastal elegance, making it one of the Space Coast’s most iconic evening hangouts. Families often visit for lunch, while couples enjoy romantic sunset dinners accompanied by ocean breezes.
- 🍷 Downtown Cocoa Village & Eau Gallie Arts District: Lively dining scenes with breweries, wine bars, and farm-to-table restaurants. Visitors can stroll along brick-lined streets to discover art galleries, boutique shops, and outdoor patios serving gourmet fare. The Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD) adds a creative flair with colorful murals and a mix of trendy cafés, craft beer pubs, and rooftop lounges. On weekends, the streets buzz with street musicians and community events, creating a lively, walkable nightlife experience.
- 🍹 Cocoa Beach Pier: Home to beach bars, surf shops, and the iconic Rikki Tiki Tavern. This pier stretches 800 feet over the Atlantic, offering panoramic ocean views and a lively social scene. During the day, it’s perfect for a tropical cocktail after surfing; at night, it becomes a hub for live music, dancing, and oceanfront dining. Visitors can enjoy a mojito while watching surfers catch waves or take in a moonlit stroll surrounded by neon lights and the rhythmic sound of the sea.
- 🍺 Local Breweries: Try Intracoastal Brewing Co. (Melbourne) or Playalinda Brewing Co. (Cocoa Beach) for locally crafted beers. These breweries reflect the spirit of the Space Coast with creative flavors inspired by local ingredients and beachside culture. Taprooms often host trivia nights, live acoustic sessions, and food truck events. Beer enthusiasts can sample everything from tropical IPAs to dark stouts, enjoying laid-back atmospheres that blend community spirit with Florida’s surf-town charm.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
- 🐦 Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival (January): One of the largest birding events in the U.S., featuring guided field trips, photography workshops, and eco-tours across Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Nature lovers can enjoy spotting rare migratory species, attend expert-led lectures, and join conservation-themed activities. The festival attracts visitors from around the world seeking to experience Florida’s natural wonders during the cooler winter months.
- 🍻 Rocky Water Brew Fest (November): Held in Melbourne’s Eau Gallie Arts District, this craft beer celebration gathers dozens of Florida breweries for a day of tastings, live music, and gourmet food trucks. The event promotes local brewers and the growing craft beer culture of the Space Coast. Attendees can sample seasonal ales, chat with brewmasters, and enjoy community vibes in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.
- 🎅 Surfing Santas (December 24, Cocoa Beach): A beloved holiday tradition where hundreds of surfers dressed as Santa Claus, elves, and reindeer ride the waves on Christmas Eve. Spectators gather along the shore to celebrate with live music, costume contests, and charitable fundraisers supporting local causes. The sight of colorful surfboards and festive costumes against the Atlantic backdrop creates a uniquely Floridian holiday spectacle.
- 🦈 Shark Drop New Year’s Eve Celebration: Cocoa Beach’s coastal take on the famous ball drop, featuring a giant illuminated shark lowered at midnight. Live bands, food vendors, fireworks, and dancing keep the energy high as locals and tourists welcome the new year. This quirky event perfectly captures the playful spirit of the Space Coast, blending beach culture with festive celebration.
- 🚤 Thunder on Cocoa Beach Powerboat Race (May): A high-speed adrenaline event that transforms Cocoa Beach into a motorsport hotspot. Spectators line the beaches to watch powerful offshore boats race at breathtaking speeds. The festival includes meet-and-greet sessions with race teams, boat parades, and family-friendly activities along the waterfront. It’s one of Florida’s most anticipated powerboat competitions.
- 🎃 Boo at the Zoo (October): Every weekend in October, Brevard Zoo transforms into a Halloween wonderland filled with themed decorations, trick-or-treat trails, and costume parades. Families can explore haunted habitats, enjoy spooky yet kid-safe entertainment, and interact with animals in a festive atmosphere. The event emphasizes fun and conservation, with proceeds supporting the zoo’s wildlife programs.
These annual events highlight Brevard’s vibrant personality—celebrating wildlife, creativity, and community connection year-round. Whether you’re watching surfers in Santa suits, spotting rare birds, or cheering on powerboats, every season offers a reason to visit the Space Coast.
Water Sports and Adventure
Brevard County’s waterways and coastline provide endless adventure for all ages and experience levels. From calm lagoon paddles to thrilling offshore dives, the region offers countless ways to explore the water and enjoy the natural beauty of Florida’s Space Coast.
- 🛶 Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Explore the Indian River Lagoon’s mangroves with Calypso Kayaking or Central Florida Kayaking. Glide through calm waters where dolphins, manatees, and rays are often spotted. Evening bioluminescent tours in summer months reveal glowing plankton lighting up each paddle stroke—an unforgettable experience. Most tour operators offer both guided excursions and hourly rentals, so even beginners can join safely with proper instruction.
- 🎣 Boat Charters & Fishing: Depart from Port Canaveral for deep-sea fishing or dolphin tours. Anglers can target snapper, kingfish, or cobia offshore, while the calmer inshore waters of Banana River are ideal for redfish and trout. Charter captains provide all gear, bait, and licensing, making trips easy for families or first-timers. Dolphin-spotting cruises at sunset are also popular, offering a relaxed way to see the coastline from the water.
- 🏄♂️ Surfing: Cocoa Beach is Florida’s surf capital, with lessons available year-round. The gentle, consistent waves make it ideal for learners, while seasoned surfers head to Sebastian Inlet for bigger swells. Local surf schools, like Ron Jon Surf Camp, provide private and group lessons, rental boards, and wetsuits. Many visitors also enjoy early-morning surf sessions to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic.
- 🤿 Snorkeling & Diving: The reefs near Sebastian Inlet are great for spotting tropical fish and sea turtles. In addition, artificial reefs and shipwrecks off the coast attract barracudas and colorful reef species. Dive charters in the area cater to all levels, from shallow snorkel tours to deep technical dives. For those preferring a closer look at wildlife without diving, guided eco-snorkel tours in the lagoon offer calm conditions and diverse marine life.
Final Thoughts
From rocket launches to relaxing beaches, Brevard County offers an unforgettable mix of adventure, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring the Kennedy Space Center, paddling through bioluminescent lagoons, or enjoying a sunset dinner by the port, the Space Coast promises memories that last a lifetime.