City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Melbourne, Florida
Part of the Space Coast (Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Center are just up the road), the sunny shore of Melbourne is located between Cocoa Beach and Stuart Beach on Florida’s East Coast. From the Atlantic Ocean on the east to the Indian River Lagoon on the west, you’re never far from water-based activities.
Along with several dock and dine restaurants and beaches like Coconut Point Park, Melbourne Beach and Canova Beach Park, the Brevard County area offers a variety of coastal attractions, parks and family-friendly venues for boaters of all ages. Let’s check out a few things to do when you want to dry off and get away from the private boat dock rental for a bit.
Eau Gallie Arts District
Photo: Eau Gallie Arts District (Facebook)
Arts and culture fans in your crew will want to visit the Eau Gallie Arts District and its historic district just across the street (head there for historic buildings and local history). It’s just across the Eau Gallie Causeway, on the west side of the bridge, near where the Eau Gallie River spills out in the Indian River. You’ll find art galleries, restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, street art and murals.
Andretti Thrill Park
Photo: Andretti Thrill Park (Facebook)
Open since 1999, Andretti Thrill Park is the place to go for go-karts (there are speed tracks and a rookie row), laser tag and mini golf. Then, there’s a ropes course, a train, batting cages, a drop-n-twist tower, bumper boats – the list could probably go on. It may not be Daytona, but you can pretend that it is. We're also going to pretend it's named for Mario (Andretti, not Kart), but we don't know for sure.
The Brevard Zoo
Photo: Brevard Zoo (Facebook)
Need a break from the sun and surf? Is that even a thing? Yes, we sometimes need a day out of the sun and away from a boat lift rental to keep those land-legs in shape. The Brevard Zoo is just the place for that. It features 72 acres and more than 900 animals, including bears, macaws, flamingos, armadillos, cheetahs, lemurs and more. Habitats include Expedition Africa, Caribbean Trail, the Rainforest and Wild Florida. You can feed giraffes, soar across a zip-line, take a train ride or learn about animal wellness and conservation.
Erna Nixon Park
Photo: Erna Nixon Park (Facebook)
At 53.93 acres, Erna Nixon Park offers nature trails along a 3,000-foot elevated boardwalk that leads you through a Florida hammock habitat filled with ferns, live oaks, evergreen shrubs and Spanish moss. Bring your binoculars to search for birds, gopher tortoises and other native creatures. The park holds events such as moonlight strolls and live music. Visit the nature center for animal mount exhibits and live (small) animals.
Wickham Park
Photo: Florida's Space Coast (Facebook)
The 391-acre Wickham Park has recreational facilities, an archery range, campsites, equestrian trails and picnic pavilions. If that’s not enough, there’s an off-leash dog park, a playground, an amphitheater, a disc golf course, volleyball courts and a lake for swimming. The park also holds festivals and events such as an annual Renaisance Fair, holiday light events, food festivals, cultural performances and movie nights. This sounds like our kind of place!
Hopefully you’ve found some new adventures to check out in Melbourne. Whether you’re visiting for a few days, passing through along the ICW or hanging out at a private boat slip for rent, give them a visit!
