Things to Do In Merritt Island, Florida, United States

Merrit Island is an island located in Brevard County, Florida, United States. Its location is on the eastern coast of Florida, along the Atlantic Ocean. The island is a place where many people travel to due to a few main attractions there. This includes the NASA Kennedy Space Center and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which are some of the things to do in Merritt Island, Florida, United States.

What are the Things to Do in Merritt Island?

NASA Kennedy Space Center

NASA Kennedy Space Center is one of the most visited attractions in Merritt Island. In fact, it is one of the main reasons for the popularity of the region. Speaking of this region reminds anyone of this out-of-the world experience that you can get exclusively from the Kennedy Space Center. Get up close and personal with space travel. Get to know more about space missions in the past and observe space shuttles that took flight to outer space, all at the NASA Kennedy Space Center.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a major tourist attraction in Merritt Island. The primary reason for this is that it is the wildlife conservation park which is home to the most number of endangered species in America. This 140,000 acre area has more than 1000 species of plants, 330 birds, 117 species of fish, 68 amphibians and reptiles, and 31 species of mammals. The refuge provides hiking and driving trails for the public. However, since it is located close to the Kennedy Space Center, these trails are subjected to access restrictions from NASA.

Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary

Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary is a 436.53-acre bird and wildlife sanctuary. The area consists of abundant flora and fauna and is an international attraction for bird-watchers. A bird-watching tower exists offering picturesque views of the lagoon. You can sport a wide variety of birds here including belted kingfisher, wood stork, white or brown pelican, and more. Moreover, other animals include alligators and dolphins.

Brevard Veterans Memorial Museum & Military Museum

Brevard Veterans Memorial Museum & Military Museum is a center that preserves and displays collections and artifacts of the US military history. Also, the museum is free for anyone and helps educate the community about the US military. Moreover, it helps inspire the younger generation with the US military’s service and sacrifice to the nation.

Space Shuttle Atlantis

Space Shuttle Atlantis is a full-scale space shuttle that was part of an actual mission in the International Space Station (ISS). Visitors can experience what it’s like being an astronaut inside the space shuttle. They get to see the inside of the space shuttle as only an astronaut would see. Moreover, Space Shuttle Atlantis is displayed with its Canadarm extended just as if it has undocked from the ISS.

Rocket Launch Viewing Area

Rocket Launch Viewing Area is where you can view from where rockets are launched for space missions. The area is home to Launch Complex 39 that consists of launch pads 39A, 39B, and 39C. Also, it is the launching area of the historic Apollo missions to the moon and various other space shuttle missions.

Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

Bioluminescence Kayak Tour in Cocoa Beach is the best location to discover the fun of clear-bottom kayaking. Paddling around the Thousand Islands of Cocoa Beach will lead you to discover an amazing natural phenomenon. This occurrence called bioluminescence appear to be glowing jellyfish. Furthermore, this natural phenomenon occurs only during the season from July to mid-October.

Manatee Cove Park

Manatee Cove Park is a 29.49-acre community river park. It is a fisherman’s retreat as the natural trail around the small lagoon here provides access for shoreline fishing. The entrance to this lagoon is where there is refuge for manatees. Also, it is a launch site for canoes.

Black Point Wildlife Drive

Black Point Wildlife Drive is a 7-mile, one-way drive which is part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Moreover, this area is abundant in wildlife like wading birds, waterfowl, river otters, alligators, bobcats, and more. The best season for wildlife-watching at this location is from October to March.

Brevard Zoo

Brevard Zoo consists of open-air habitats that are home to more than 800 animals from all over the globe. Moreover, this zoo has special features like animal feeding sessions, train rides, and kayak tours that make it an interesting experience for visitors.

The Wizard of Oz Museum

The Wizard of Oz Museum is located in Cape Canaveral in Florida, 14 km from Merritt Island. This 4500square foot museum consists of more than 3000 artifacts. Moreover, the facility has a room with a projector featuring a Wizard of Oz immersive experience and Van Gogh experience. Also, there is a gift shop at the facility where you can buy souvenirs of your visit to the Wizard of Oz museum.

United States Astronaut Hall of Fame

United States Astronaut Hall of Fame is located inside the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island. Its exact location is inside the space center’s Visitor Complex Heroes & Legends building. Furthermore, the purpose of building this is to honor American astronauts and those who contributed much towards the advancement of space exploration.

Cocoa Riverfront Park

Cocoa Riverfront Park is a waterfront recreation space that features a playground, an amphitheater, a boardwalk, and covered pavilions. It is one of the best places to relax and enjoy with family and friends, especially with kids. Moreover, the park is located on a 10 acres of prime riverfront right in the middle of downtown Cocoa.

Pine Island Conservation Area

Pine Island Conservation Area is 7 miles of trails located in Merritt Island, Florida. It offers people the chance for biking, hiking, viewing wildlife, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, and more. Moreover, there are five different habitats through which people could get this experience at Pine Island Conservation Area.

Conclusion

Although Merritt Island maybe popular due to the Kennedy Space Center, there is so many things to do in this beautiful island. More experiences to have here include visiting the Meritt Square Mall, Osteen Park, Savannahs Golf Course, Intracoastal Waterway Park, Meritt Island Public Library, Lori Wilson Park, and more. Make a visit to each and every attraction on your next trip to Merritt Island, Florida.