This area, known as the Space Coast because of its numerous high-tech industries, is convenient to the Atlantic beaches, Disney World, the Orlando International Airport, and the Kennedy Space Center, as well as numerous state and county parks, and wildlife refuges.
Brevard County extends 70 miles and includes cities on the mainland and barrier islands. Among the major cities are Melbourne (estimated 81,468 inhabitants), which has an international airport, Viera (23,165), Rockledge (27,305), Cocoa (18,285), Cocoa Beach (11,619), and Titusville (45,932).
Beachside communities on the barrier islands include Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach, Cocoa Beach, and Port Canaveral.
Environment
Florida’s temperate climate and environment encourage outdoor activities such as sailing, rowing, surfing, canoeing or kayaking as well as trail or road cycling, jogging, and horseback riding.
Its beaches offer popular recreation spots as well as turtle nesting grounds. Between May and August, sea turtles (such as loggerheads, green and leatherbacks) come ashore to nest. Beachside communities observe “lights out” during nesting season and incubation period (May 1 through Oct. 31).
To learn more, visit the website for the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge or the Sea Turtle Preservation Society.
The Space Coast borders the Indian River Lagoon, a unique estuary in North America that is home to imperiled species of plants and animals. This area includes numerous parks and wildlife refuges.
The region also provides habitats for bald eagles, and wading and migrating birds. Its inland waterways offer havens for manatees.
For more information, visit the following links:
- Brevard County – Parks and Recreation
- Florida State Park System
- The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
By Day and By Night
Melbourne and its Historic Downtown
Unique restaurants, cafés, bars, and clubs line the main street of Historic Downtown Melbourne, located between the Indian River Lagoon, Crane Creek, and S.R. 192. The historic downtown also offers theatre, art festivals, and the monthly Friday Fest.
To obtain more information on events, entertainment, and businesses, visit:
Cocoa Village and Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Village has numerous boutiques, antique stores and crafts shops as well as cafes and gourmet restaurants. Its proximity to the Indian River Lagoon attracts both pedestrians and cyclists, who ride along the historic waterfront on Riverside Drive.
Leaving Cocoa Village and driving east along S.R. 520, the Merritt Island Causeway, you cross both the Indian and Banana rivers, and Merritt Island, an area that is both developed yet contains inlets of water. At the east end of S.R. 520 is Cocoa Beach, on the Atlantic Ocean. This city, which dates from the 1920s, offers both a vibrant nightlife on its pier, surf competitions, as well as well as numerous waterways for kayak and canoe enthusiasts.
For more information, visit the websites:
Titusville and its Historic Downtown
The Titusville historic downtown offers cafés, restaurants, and boutiques, as well as a historic walking tour. The city, which dates from the 1870s, is built along the water and has public marinas and scenic vistas overlooking the Indian River Lagoon. More Info…
Higher Education
The area has numerous higher education establishments. Florida Tech, which offers degrees in engineering, the sciences, communication and humanities, psychology, and business, is located in Melbourne. The University of Central Florida (Orlando) and Rollins College (Winter Park) both have satellite campuses in Brevard County. Eastern Florida State College, which offers both academic and leisure courses, has four campuses.
- Florida Institute of Technology (Melbourne)
- Eastern Florida State College (Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa, and Titusville)
- University of Central Florida (Orlando)
- Rollins College – (Winter Park)
Day Trips and Other Regional Attractions
Melbourne
- Brevard Zoo
- Brevard Symphony Orchestra (with concerts at the King Center on the Brevard Community College campus in Melbourne)
- Wickham Park
- Paradise Beach and Park
- Eau Gallie Arts District
Titusville Area
- KSC Visitor Center – Titusville
- Canaveral National Seashore – Titusville and New Smyrna Beach
- Titusville Playhouse – Titusville
- Black Point Wildlife Drive – Titusville
Orlando Area
- Disney World – Orlando
- Sea World – Orlando
- Universal Studios – Orlando
- Orlando Magic – Orlando
Ocala Area
- Ocala National Forest – Ocala
- Juniper Springs (Ocala National Forest) – Ocala
- Alexander Springs – Astor
Deland Area
- Hontoon Island – Deland
- Blue Spring – Orange City
Sebastian
- Sebastian Inlet – Sebastian
Tampa
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tampa
- Tampa Bay Rays – Tampa
- Tampa Bay Lightning – Tampa
Miami
- Miami Dolphins – Miami
- Miami Heat – Miami
- Miami Marlins – Miami
- Florida Panthers – Sunrise