Merritt Island: Experience Nature, Water and Space Exploration

Merritt Island combines expansive nature experiences with unique insights into space exploration. Between flat walking trails, marshlands, waterways and historic facilities, you can shape your stay in very different ways. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home should therefore first consider whether the focus should be on wildlife observation, active days on the water, culture or the Kennedy Space Center.

Nature Among Marshes, Pines and Water

The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge generally offers flat walking and hiking trails. A special way to experience the landscape is the Black Point Wildlife Drive. The wildlife drive is 7 miles long, can only be driven in one direction and runs within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Its causeway road circles shallow marsh waters and passes through pine flatwoods. The one-way rule and fixed length are important details for planning your day.

The Pine Island Conservation Area also offers various perspectives on the landscape. There is access to more than 7 miles of hiking, cycling and horseback-riding trails. In addition, around 3 miles of kayak trails with access to the Indian River Lagoon are available. The trails pass through pine flatwoods, groves characterized by cabbage palms, mangrove swamps, freshwater wetlands and salt marshes. Depending on your preferred pace of travel, you can plan an active day on land or on the water. Ulumay Sanctuary offers further opportunities for hiking.

Water, History and Space Exploration

Kelly Park East is an internationally recognized windsurfing area on the Banana River. For travelers who want to combine their stay with water sports, this is a distinct focus. Those seeking cultural and historical impressions will find exhibitions, guided tours and courses at the Rotary Park Nature Center. Sams House at Pine Island includes the Sams family cabin from 1875, which is described as the oldest surviving residence in Brevard County. The Veterans Memorial Center Museum displays exhibits and artifacts relating to the military history of the United States, with a particular focus on veterans from Brevard County.

Space exploration also shapes the travel experience. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex features Space Shuttle Atlantis® with the Shuttle Launch Experience®. The Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour is the only way to reach the restricted areas of NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center. For another excursion in the area, Playalinda Beach offers opportunities for a beach visit, wildlife observation and watching rocket launches. In the wider region, the southern part of Canaveral National Seashore is jointly managed by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans?

When searching for accommodation in Merritt Island, it is worth deciding on the desired balance of nature, water, history and space exploration. A trip with several days spent in nature requires different planning from a stay focused on space exploration. If you are traveling with children or in a larger group, you can also consider whether a relaxed daily routine with individual excursions would be a better fit or whether you would like to combine different interests. When choosing your holiday apartment, pay particular attention to which location suits the destinations you have planned and the daily schedule you want.

For further regional orientation: West Melbourne, Rockledge, Indian Harbour Beach, Cocoa Beach, Mims, Palm Bay, Melbourne Beach and Satellite Beach.

For the broader travel overview: Brevard.