Coconut Point Sanctuary is a 62 acre preserve protecting natural coastal strand, oak scrub, coastal…read moreoak forest, and and mangrove forest habitats on Melbourne Beach. The sanctuary is located across from Juan Ponce de Leon Park which is where you need to park before crossing the street to enter the preserve. The one mile loop trail through this preserve takes you from the Indian River Lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way you will traverse through saw palmetto and wildflowers. Located in the preserve is the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute which operates a marine mammal ecology and animal health lab. This sanctuary is a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail. An observation platform over the Indian River Lagoon is the ideal spot to view shorebirds, juvenile sea turtles, osprey, manatees, and pods of dolphins. Note that there is no shade on the trail and in this brutal heat I didn't make it that far. I recommend visiting during the cooler winter months. This area contains ancient sand dunes that were once the home of the prehistoric Ais who were hunters and gatherers. Prior to contact with European colonizers, the Ais population had grown to several hundred thousand and may have flourished for over 10,000 years. This area is also believe by some to be the landing point of Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513.

Coconut Point Sanctuary boasts a one mile hike through natural Florida protected land. It is called…read morethe ocean to lagoon hike because it connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River Lagoon. The hike is considered easy to moderate. My three year old grandson maneuvered through it with easy and had a blast. The path has lots of beautiful flowers and is loaded with natural beauty.

In March of 2024 Brevard County Commissioners renamed Coconut Point Park Val M. Steele Park in…read morerecognition of his lifelong dedication to public service and community improvement. Steele served a total of four years as Melbourne Beach Council Member, town commissioner, and later as the mayor of Melbourne Beach. Some if his accomplishments included moving the main county courthouse to Viera, the building of the Spessard Holland Golf Course, and the creation of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge. He volunteered on the St. Johns Water Management District Board during which he was instrumental in protecting and restoring hundreds of thousands of acres of marshland. He contributed to the economic growth of Brevard as a director of the Bank of Brevard, Atlantic Bank, American Bank of the South, American Mortgage Corporation and Holmes Regional Hospital. Steele passed away on October 12, 2020, at the age of 79. Val M. Steele Park is a 36.9 acre beach park located within the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge complex. I love that the parking is free. It is a popular spot for surfing, beachcombing, and fishing. Park amenities include a picnic shelter, restrooms, and outside showers. One of the two dune crossovers is wheelchair accessible. If you are looing for a beach day, it doesn't get much better than this. This beach park is also a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail. The primary habitats here are beach dune and coastal strand. Shorebirds on the beach include Black-bellied Plovers, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Red Knots, Northern Gannets, Bonaparte's Gulls and Great Black-backed Gulls in fall and winter. From late summer through winter look for Magnificent Frigatebirds, and Parasitic and Pomarine Jaegers. In the surf are Common Loons and Lesser Scaup. In addition to the birds this beach area is also an important sea turtle nesting site preserve from spring to fall.

Great covered bbq area with tables. Little beach area so bring a chair and relax for a while too.read more

The Melbourne Beach Pier is steeped in history. Located in Ryckman Park, the pier was built between…read more1888 and 1889 by the Indian River and Atlantic Railway Company. It was constructed from wood planks and pilings as was common in the late 1800's. The pier is the oldest known example of such piers on the Indian River. After the pier was built it served as a crucial transportation link moving tourists, residents, freight, and mail between the mainland and the barrier island. A railroad was laid from the ferry landing on the dock and across the barrier island 7/10 of a mile to the ocean beach. This provided access to the Atlantic Ocean by a pushcart and later by a motorized car. A ferry service was operated by the Beaujean family between 1889 and 1923. The railroad provided access to the island and excursion boats from the mainland communities brought winter tourists to dock at the pier. The community's first post office was located at the east end of the pier and provided the daily mail service in 1894. The building of the toll bridge between Melbourne and Indialantic in 1921 ended the pier's importance for island access. On April 12, 1984, the pier was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. In 1985 a restoration project supported by local citizens and state programs helped to preserve this iconic Melbourne Beach structure. Today the pier offers a panoramic view of the Indian River and is ideal for fishing, relaxation, and sunset strolls. I enjoyed my walk back in time down this historic pier, and best of all unlike many piers there is no charge to enjoy it.

Located in a really beautiful community, really clean, sunrise and sunset are beautiful and Ocean…read moreAvenue is right at opposite end of the street to surf or just go to the beach. Parking is free all around until 8:00 AM, but plenty of spaces and pay stations where you can pay with card. If you're taking a kid or anyone fishing for the first time and you want to GUARANTEE a bite, go to Black Dog Bait and Tackle like 5 minutes away, get one or two dozen live shrimp with a bubbler bucket and cast off any corner of this pier. I will say that the only thing that bit was catfish NONSTOP. They put up a fun fight and they come in all sizes and they rarely swallow the hook, but once you catch a couple, I suggest going to the beach or finishing up your bait at Geiger Point at Kiwani's Park. You'll have a better shot of catching some little snappers and drums (which you can't keep any size in this area). Super beautiful spot though for a kid's first time out.

This is a serene water front park in Palm Bay. The park was named in honor of William A. Goode,…read moreJr., a former mayor of the city in the 1980's in recognition of his service to the community. Amenities at Goode Park include a playground and a large pavilion with picnic tables and restrooms at the top of the hill. The park slopes down to a boat dock on Turkey Creek and a fishing pier that gives you a view of the water. Goode Park also has the event venue that can be rented called the Captains House. It holds 100 to 150 people and comes with use of a patio, the large dock, and the boat ramp. While the view of Turkey Creek was pretty my favorite part of the park was when I discovered a gopher tortoise near the parking area. The little guy was happily munching away. I am always glad to come across them because they are considered a threatened species here in Florida.

Melbourne Riverview Park Is located on 15.4 acres of the Indian River Lagoon. The city of Melbourne…read moreassumed ownership of Riverview Park from Brevard County in June 2012. Locals and visitors will find amenities for both active recreation as well as relaxation. There are picnic pavilions with tables, grills, restrooms, Scurrah's Landing canoe and kayak launch, and a playground. For 18 years Melbourne Riverview Park has been the site of the Melbourne Farmers Market. It is open 10-2 Every Saturday October - May and the 1st & 3rd Saturday June - Sept. You can fid fresh foods, plants, artisans and more. Whether you are coming for an event or recreation, this park provides a peaceful respite from the busy downtown area. I enjoyed stretching my legs and bird watching over the river. If you have children, the recently renovated playground looks particularly inviting.

This place is meant for the fishing enthusiasts. There's not much of a park other than a swing, a…read morefew benches and and plenty of parking spots. It was a nice little outing for a stroll and that was about it for my family.

In October of 2024 South Beach Community Park was renamed Nancy Higgs Park to honor her life,…read morelegacy, and service to Brevard County. Nancy Higgs was a resident of Brevard County for 44 years and served as a Brevard County Commissioner from 1992 to 2004. She was the Children's Home Society Legislator of the Year and received the 1,000 Friends of Florida Community Steward Award and the Sierra Club Lifetime Achievement Award. She also served as a board member of the Marine Resources Council, the Barrier Island Preservation and Protection Association, and was well known as a strong advocate for the Indian River Lagoon. Nancy Higgs passed away at the age of 75 on July 10, 2024. Nancy Higgs Park is a spacious 68.6 acres with both active and passive recreational activities. There is a multi-use field, pickleball courts, a playground, disc golf course, dog park, benches, two small pavilions and one medium, and restrooms. The 18,000 square foot Nancy Higgs Community Center has a gymnasium with basketball and pickleball courts, banquet kitchen, banquet room, three meeting rooms, and two restrooms. The park hosts programs and events throughout the year like camps and the South Beaches Concert Series. I especially enjoyed the walking trail which connects to the Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park where there are hiking trails. With a playground, sports facilities, walking trails, and indoor courts, this dog and family friendly park has something for everyone. This is the ideal recreational space for a playdate, picnic, dog walk, a sports outing, or an event.

We played pickle ball in as many parks as possible on our Space Coast vacation. Nancy Higgs Park…read morewas fabulous!

This natural area was a delightful discovery next to the Palm Bay Library. The sanctuary sits on a…read moresmall section of what was once an ancient Atlantic Ocean dune which was part of a series of dunes formed by wind and wave action when the ocean extended across Florida. Through many years the sand was enriched so that a forest grew where only sea oats previously survived. The land that makes up Turkey Creek Sanctuary was donated to the Florida Audubon Society and the City of Palm Bay in 1978. Fundraising to conserve the area began in 1981 by a citizen support group which is still in existence today as the Turkey Creek Sanctuary Society, Inc., a registered non profit. The purpose of the Turkey Creek Sanctuary Society is to raise funds to support the improvement and upkeep of Turkey Creek Sanctuary and to educate the community on the vital importance and the many benefits of Florida wildlife and its natural environment. By 1994, 113 acres were protected by the voluntary management committee. Today Turkey Creek Sanctuary is part of the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) program which added acres to the sanctuary in 2004. It is also a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail. Some of the birds you might see here include ospreys and owls in the old pine canopy and woodpeckers and the rare purple martin. There are also alligators, manatees, gar fish, and turtles in Turkey Creek which can be accessed by canoe or kayak. Turkey Creek Sanctuary has more than three miles of marked trails through 130 acres of sand pines, saw palmettos, and live oaks. There is a 1.85 mile boardwalk that passes through a hydric hammock, mesic hammock, and sand pine scrub community. Also in the sanctuary there are 1.5 miles of jogging trails through native forest and a 1 mile mountain bike trail that connects to an additional 8 miles. The Margaret Hames Nature Center was opened in 1992 and offers interpretive exhibits, a restroom, and environmental education programs that include nature day camps, tours, nature library, and a gift store. I loved my hike at Turkey Creek Sanctuary. I started off by visiting the Margaret Hames Nature Center where you can see exhibits, use the restroom. and purchase a drink. Near the entrance to the boardwalk I spotted a gopher tortoise wandering around. The boardwalk area was mainly shaded with lots of interpretive signs. My favorite spots were the tree house and the Oli Johnson Canoe Deck where you can look for alligators and turtles. This is such a beautiful spot. If I lived closer I would be a regular visitor.

This place is a true sanctuary. Amazing place to connect with nature and enjoy the serenity that…read morecomes along with it. There is plenty of parking. The boardwalk and whole area is well maintained and clean. We enjoyed the nature and wildlife. Everyone on the trails was friendly as well. Great experience.

Fisherman's Landing Park is a 7.48 acre park on the Indian River. While it is the perfect spot for…read morefishing or a picnic, this is also a great spot to delve into local history. Fisherman's Landing Park is home to the Bensen Historical House, a cracker style house which was the first house built in the area in 1916. The house is now owned by the Grant Historical Society and you can tour for free when it is opened by the volunteers. The park also has a historic railroad station, known as Grant Station, which was built in Grant, Florida following the arrival of the first train in November 1893. Both Grant and Valkaria were designated stops along the Florida East Coast Railway, circa 1912. This Florida East Coast Railway station at Grant (building no. 378) was preserved by the Grant Historical Society. Although it is not restored it was still a great find. Fisherman's Landing Park also has a fishing pier, picnic tables, barbecue grills, paved walkways, and restrooms. I had a wonderful visit watching the birds fly over the Indian River Lagoon and learning more about the early pioneers who influenced Grant-Valkaria.

Castaway Point Park is a small park sitting on a peninsula between the Indian River Lagoon and the…read moremouth of Turkey Creek. While it may not be as big as some of the other area parks it has been recently renovated and the location makes this a standout spot for water based recreational activities. This park was also a favorite spot of the Native Americans and early settlers who once lived here. Recent improvements to the park include hardening of the shoreline with rocks, new north observation pier, a new boardwalk connecting the north and south pier, and new decking for the south observation pier. Other park amenities include a concrete walkway, fishing piers with fish cleaning stations, benches, pavilions which can be rented, picnic tables, grills, kayak/canoe launch, and restrooms. This park has one of the only natural beaches on the Indian River Lagoon. Many people visit this park to fish from the piers and beach. I loved it for the stunning river view and the diverse bird life it attracts. I saw anhinga, great blue herons, and egrets. If you are lucky you may even spot a manatee or dolphin. I recommend coming here for an amazing sunset view.

Oh god the amount of dead fish washed up on the beach is horrendous. There is glass in the sand out…read morein the water, I cut both feet. It also seems to be a homeless hangout.

After visiting Cocoa Beach, I wanted to try somewhere nearby to see if it had the same vibe. We…read moreheaded over to Melbourne Beach. I thought I really enjoyed Cocoa Beach, but I think Melbourne Beach might actually be the one for me. Although it was a weekday and the kids were back in school, the beach was pretty empty, and I absolutely loved that. From the top of the stairs, I could see the beautiful crystal green-blue water. The forecast called for a 60% chance of rain, but there were hardly any clouds in the sky. The weather was perfect. It was so enjoyable watching the little crabs retreat into their holes, run around the sand, and quickly disappear again whenever they sensed danger. I also loved watching the birds run away from the waves as the water came too close to them. It was pure relaxation. The water itself was wonderful. Usually when you first step into the ocean, it feels cold, but that wasn't the case here. The water felt like a comfortable room temperature and seemed to get even warmer as I ventured farther in. It felt amazing on my body. The ocean wasn't completely calm, and there were a few waves strong enough to knock me over, but I still enjoyed every minute of being in the salt water. It felt soothing and refreshing. There was no lifeguard on duty, so swimming was at your own risk. Overall, the day was perfect! Melbourne Beach definitely gave me the peaceful beach experience I was looking for.

If I could give this place ten stars I would. What an experience my family and I didn't even know…read morewe needed. Such a beautiful place people talk about Tampa and Orlando but not enough people talk about Melbourne. It's a must see and a must go for sure . Exceptional place to visit beyond gorgeous beach. Will absolutely be returning . My family and I just relaxed , ate good. Shopped a lot and kids enjoyed the beach and scenery.