Top 10 Things to See in Brevard
1. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
321-861-0667
Description
People come from all over to visit the Haulover Canal and the refuge's trail, scenic drives and colorful birds. Check out the visitor center on SR 402, five miles east of US 1 in Titusville. Check for closings a few days before shuttle launches.
2. The Eau Gallie Art District
321-242-0737
Description
A number of galleries surround the intersection of the Eau Gallie Causeway in Melbourne and Highland Avenue. The centerpiece of the district is, of course, the Brevard Art Museum, with its children's activity center.
Hours
10am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 7pm Thursday and 1pm to 5pm Sunday.
3. Downtown Melbourne
Description
If you haven't noticed, downtown Melbourne has more to offer than ever, whether you want to dine, enjoy the nightlife, catch a play at the Henegar Center, paint your own pottery or shop for antiques, gifts, clothes, cigars, gourmet sweets, wine or art. Parking, for the most part, is free along New Haven Avenue.
4. Brevard Zoo
321-254-9453
Description
Feed the giraffes, ride the train, watch the warty pigs wallow, paddle around, feed the birds and get a look at the zoo's recent baby boon. The zoo is tropical and fun for kids and adults alike.
5. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
321-449-4444
Description
The biggest attraction with a capital A in Brevard County, and it will easily take a full day to see all the exhibits, ride the bus to the awesome Saturn V Center with its restored rocket, check out the IMAX movies, hear astronauts talk, stroll through the rocket garden and, of course, ride the new Shuttle Launch Experience simulator. Your ticket includes the Astronaut Hall of Fame.
6. Airboat Ride
321-631-2990
Description
Here's a fast, extremely loud way to explore that old Florida thing, as knowledgeable guides take you to see gators, birds and the watery Florida outback on a roaring airboat.
7. Hit the Beach
Description
It's easy to get to the beaches here. Stumble east and you can't miss them. Unless you are near an attraction like the Cocoa Beach Pier, frequently, parking is free. Walk the quieter beaches at night in spring and summer to look for sea turtles. Take your exploration to the next level with a surfing lesson.
8. American Police Hall of Fame & Museum
321-264-0911
6350 Horizon Drive, titusville, FL - Map
Description
This museum honors police killed in the line of duty, with a special section for 9-11 heroes. Exhibits chronicle crime and punishment over the centuries. Extras include the gun range and helicopter rides.
9. The Thousand Islands
321-243-0279
Description
Kayaking is the way to go when exploring the Thousand Islands, in the Banana River on the west side of Coca Beach. Several companies offer tours if you don't have your own boats, and it is easy paddling. Wildlife ranges from herons to otters to manatees to horseshoe crabs, and the watery passageways offer shadowy mysteries. You can find tours for $25- or $30, less for kids.
And finally…Port Canaveral Nightlife
Description
Wrap up your fun day on the Space Coast at the restaurants and bars of Port Canaveral. If you're not taking a spin on a Sun Cruz or Sterling casino boat, or taking a fishing charter out of the port, visit Rusty's and Fishlips for seafood and drinks. Go to Grills and its Tiki bar to watch the boat ramp follies, or hobnob at The Redhead for martinis, all with a fabulous view of the water. If you're lucky, you might catch a cruise ship leaving port. Look for the port exit off of SR A1A and head to the western end of Glen Cheek Drive in Cape Canaveral.