The Best Things to Do in Melbourne, Florida and the Space Coast
The author and her daughter in Melbourne Beach
Explore the best things to do in Melbourne, Florida, at the heart of the Space Coast.
If you're looking for a quick Florida vacation that's lightyears away from the theme parks of Orlando, I can't recommend Melbourne and the Space Coast enough.
It's got beaches for those who want to relax, plenty of museums for the traveler who can't sit still, and some incredible galleries for the art lover to peruse.
Here are my favorite attractions in Melbourne as well as hotel and restaurant suggestions.
This post contains affiliates. If you purchase through the links, I will receive a commission at no charge to you.
I was provided with media passes to both the Brevard Zoo and Kennedy Space Center in order to facilitate this review. I have since returned to the area on my own.
Updated 8/2022 | Written 2/2016
Residential area near Melbourne Florida
Where is Florida's Space Coast?
If you're coming by car, Melbourne, Cape Canaveral, and Cocoa Beach are just off of I-95 on Florida’s eastern coast.
The Space Coast is located below Daytona Beach and runs from Titusville and Cape Canaveral to Melbourne and Indiatlantic.
If you'd prefer to fly, Orlando International Airport is only about an hour away, or you could find a connecting flight to the smaller Melbourne Orlando International Airport.
The Best Melbourne Florida Restaurants
The heart of the Eau Gallie Arts District
This town of about 80,000 has so many great options for dining out.
If you’re a first time visitor, I’d suggestion that you head to dinner in Melbourne's historic downtown area near East Strawbridge Avenue and East New Haven Avenue.
There, you’ve got everything from authentic Irish food and music at Meg O'Malley's to upscale Italian food at Dove III.
Finish your meal with a tasty treat from Heaven Sent Gourmet Popcorn or a decadent tart, pastry or cookie from Jacqueline’s Bakery and Cafe.
Over in the historic Eau Gallie district, you'll find plenty of places to eat including Squid Lips and the Eau Gallie River Crab House.
Dixie Crossroads in Titusville is known for their generous portions of seafood, steaks, and salads. Keep your kids entertained by letting them feed the feed in the pond outside!
On your way home, you might want to grab a slice of pie at Joan's Perfect Pies in the Eau Gallie Arts District or an ice cream cone from one of the many huts along A1A.
What a sweet ending to your Space Coast weekend!
Where to Stay in Melbourne, Florida
Since it’s a major vacation destination, you'll be spoilt for choices on where to stay, but I love the homey feel of Tuckaway Shores Resort in Indiatlantic.
Indiatlantic is just across the 5th Avenue bridge from downtown Melbourne, so you get the convenience of being close to the mainland while being oceanfront at your hotel.
The large rooms are all oceanfront with a small balcony and kitchenette.
>> Read my full Tuckaway Shores Resort review. <<
We seek out hotel rooms that have a kitchenette since it allows us to make more meals ourselves and save some money in the process.
Tuckaway Shores Resort is a little bit of Old Florida maintained to impeccable modern standards!
The Best Things to Do in Melbourne, Florida
You could easily spend a week in Melbourne and elsewhere on the Space Coast!
We’ve had the opportunity to explore much of this area over multiple trips. Here are our favorite fun things to do in Melbourne with kids.
Explore Kennedy Space Center.
Kennedy Space Center, which is north of Melbourne, is worth at least a day of your vacation.
>> Learn how to plan a perfect trip to Kennedy Space Center for kids! <<
The center has an incredible (and almost overwhelming) number of things to do, so pace yourself.
Don't miss the informative bus tour where you can see the massive launch pads and the Saturn V exhibit that's only accessible via the KSC buses.
Budding astronauts will love the meet-and-greet sessions with former space explorers, while the youngest visitors can blow off steam at Planet Play or the LEGO exhibit.
Don't miss the Atlantis building or a chance to tour the Rocket Garden!
Visit the Ron Jon Surf Shop.
Rows of surfboards inside Ron Jon Surf Shop | source
While you’re on the Space Coast, you have to do a little shopping at the Ron Jon Surf Shop.
If you drove in on I-95, you saw billboards for it for at least a hundred miles, and you are probably curious as to what shop would warrant that kind of publicity.
Ultimately, Ron Jon Surf Shop is filled with kitschy trinkets and t-shirts, but it's a Cocoa Beach institution.
And, for those visiting surfers, you can find everything you need from a new board to wax and leashes to board bags.
Relax by the beach.
Melbourne Beach on a sunny day
The Space Coast boasts 72 miles of oceanfront property, so you're bound to find a sandy spot to set your beach chair.
If you're feeling adventurous, rent a surfboard and try your hand at riding the waves.
If you'd rather soak up the warm Florida sun, you'll be in good company there as well as this is one of the most popular things to do in the Melbourne, Florida area.
Don’t forget to pack your Shibumi beach shade, which we swear by on our beach trips. Not only is it only 4 pounds, but it will fit easily in your carry on!
Ask at your hotel or vacation rental for beach chairs as many provide these free of charge to visitors.
If you don’t have access to beach chairs, throw a foldable beach and picnic mat into your luggage. It’s also really small to make packing for your Melbourne beach trip a breeze.
Explore the Eau Gallie Arts District.
Wall mural in Eau Gallie Arts District
Once you've gotten some vitamin D (or is it vitamin sea?!!? I'll be here all week, folks.), it's time to head out for a leisurely brunch in the Eau Gallie Arts District.
This area used to be a separate town, but it voted many years ago to incorporate into Melbourne.
Linger in the Arts District to see some of the colorful building murals, peek into a few of the art galleries, or sit by the Eau Gallie River for a spell.
>> Explore everything that you need to see in the Eau Gallie Arts District here. <<
Learn about animals at the Brevard Zoo.
The flamingos at the Brevard Zoo
Once you've indulged your creative side, hop back in the car for the short ride to the Brevard Zoo.
Although it's not a large property, the Brevard Zoo is quite well done.
Get up close and very personal with some friendly critters in the Paws On petting zoo section, where kids (or grown ups, if you're so inclined) to touch an alpaca, goat, and horseshoe crabs.
Head over to the Expedition Africa exhibit to feed a giraffe and learn more about the Grevy's Zebra and Southern White Rhino.
Don't forget to pack a bathing suit if your toddler loves water like mine does: Toddler Flats is a mini-water park in the middle of the zoo.
If you're interested in seeing the zoo from a different perspective, try one of their tours.
You can go kayaking by the animal habitats, take a ten-minute train ride to see the camels, or swing through the treetops in the Treetop Trek Aerial Adventures.
Earn your Junior Ranger badge at Canaveral National Seashore.
We are big fans of the Junior Ranger programs through the National Parks service, so we seek these opportunities out while we travel.
Head to the Apollo Visitors Center to grab your Junior Ranger booklet and learn more about this protected stretch of Florida’s coast.
Spot dolphins on an Indian River cruise.
The tranquil Indian River at sunset | source
Hop aboard an Indian River sailboat cruise for a chance to see this beautiful area by water.
You might see dolphins or manatees along the way, so keep a look out!
These small group tours are focused on educating and entertaining the entire family, and the guides will tailor each tour to the people on board.
Have your kids ask if they can steer the catamaran. The captain is usually accommodating so you can grab the perfect picture.
This tour leaves from Cocoa Beach, and you can add it on to the same day you visit Ron Jon Surf Shop.
Learn more about America's military flight history.
Vintage aircraft outside of the Warbird Museum | source
At the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum, you’ll be able to explore the people and machines that made airflight possible from before World War II until the start of the space program.
It’s located less than 5 miles from Kennedy Space Center, making this a great option for those interested in extending their adventures near Cape Canaveral.
Kids who love planes, transportation history, or the history of the world wars will find this place fascinating.
Have fun learning at the Brevard County Museum of History and Natural Science.
Learn more about the unique ecosystems and wild residents of the Space Coast at this interactive museum.
The Brevard County Museum of History and Natural Science covers everything from the first known archeological site near Titusville to the advances made by the space program.
Kids will enjoy walking through a replica of a one room schoolhouse and seeing the museum’s large collection of shells.
Build some time into your visit for the younger members of your party to explore the Imagination Station, which encourages kids to move and learn.
Learn about science, technology, and nature at the Exploration Tower.
NOTE: the Exploration Tower is currently undergoing renovation work in 2022 and is closed temporarily.
The Exploration Tower at Cape Canaveral | source
A striking building in Cape Canaveral, the 7-story Exploration Tower looks over the cruise ship docks, the nearby marsh ecosystem, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Separate tickets are available for launch days at Kennedy Space Center as the tower provides unprecedented views.
On a typical day, visitors can learn about ecology in this area and conservation efforts to support local wildlife and ecosystems.
Other floors look at the history of colonization in Brevard County, local air and space flight accomplishments, and the many uses of the nearby port.
Have you visited the Space Coast? What of these things in Melbourne, Florida would you be more excited to do?
