Local Area

COCOA BEACH
Welcome to the small wave capital of the world, where both experienced surfers and beginners can try their hand at riding those crashing shorelines. A popular tourist destination, Cocoa Beach has plenty of restaurants, shopping and attractions, all with a casual, beach town feel. Cocoa Beach was originally settled by newly freed slaves, immediately following the Civil War. After being purchased in 1888, the land sat vacant until attorney Gus Edwards bought and developed the area. The city of Cocoa Beach was established in 1925 and incorporated as a city in 1957. It is located near Cape Canaveral and is part of Brevard County. Nearly 13,000 residents enjoy the benign weather in a spot where subtropical and temperate climate zones meet. There are many great things to explore in Cocoa Beach, from boating, fishing and other water activities to art galleries, theater and fine dining. Enjoy family-friendly activities, historic sites or just relax on the beach itself.

MUSEUMS/HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Brevard Museum of History
and Natural Science
2001 Michigan Ave.
Cocoa, FL 32926
(321) 632-1830
Ongoing exhibits at the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science include an archaeological dig of the 7,000-year-old Windover burial site, depictions of the village lifestyle of the first permanent settlers and information on the customs of the Ais and Seminole Indians. There is also a butterfly garden, paved pavilion and 22 acres of trails.

Air Force Space and Missile Museum
Cape Canaveral, FL
(321) 853-9171
In addition to the main museum — which features exhibits of missiles, rockets, reentry vehicles and displays on the importance of the role of the Air Force in the development of space exploration — visitors can tour the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The museum is open to the general public via a bus tour that originates from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, running daily and stopping at various historic sites along the way.

Cocoa Beach Surf Museum
P.O. Box 321453
Cocoa Beach, FL
Featuring exhibits that highlight east coast surfing, visitors can check out surfboards, memorabilia and displays of surfing history. The museum hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including its "Florida Women of the Waves" which showcases female surfing talent.

RECREATION/OUTDOORS
Cocoa Beach Recreation Complex
Minuteman Causeway
Cocoa Beach, FL
This recreational area consists of 212 acres with a 27-hole championship golf course, Olympic size pool, tennis courts and a team sports complex. The golf course has a full service pro shop, and lessons in golf, tennis and swimming are offered. There is also a community center, pavilion and restaurant.

Sidney Fischer Park
State Road A1A
Cocoa Beach, FL
A popular beachside park on 10 acres with picnic areas, paid parking, showers and restroom facilities. Visitors can relax, enjoy the ocean or take a stroll.

Cocoa Beach Country Club
Tom Warrior Boulevard
Cocoa Beach, FL 32932
(321) 868-3361
Located on a peninsula by the Banana River Lagoon, the course is open to the public and provides three nine-hole courses with an excellent variety to challenge all skill levels. The country club includes putting greens, a driving range and a restaurant, as well as banquet facilities available for rent.

ATTRACTIONS
Jungle Adventures
26205 East Colonial Drive
Christmas, FL
(407) 568-2885
The self-labeled "largest gator farm in Florida," is a place to view gators in their natural environment. Here you can take a jungle cruise, see a wildlife show featuring endangered Florida panthers, explore a re-created Native American village and feed all sorts of native wildlife including black bears, deer, peacocks, gators, monkeys, turtles and more.

Astronaut Memorial Planetarium and Observatory
BCC Cocoa Campus
1519 Clearlake Road
Cocoa Beach, FL
(321) 634-3732
Florida's largest planetarium features star shows, a three-story IWERKS movie theater and laser shows. The building also houses a fully accessible observatory, a hands-on demonstration hall and a museum honoring space explorers from around the world.

DINING AND SHOPPING
Cocoa Beach prides itself on its restaurants — within a walking block, a visitor can enjoy Chinese, German, Thai, Cuban or the all-American seafood and steak. The variety — from the Waffle House to Oh Shucks Seafood Bar to Slow and Low Barbecue to The Art of Coffee to Coconuts on the Beach to Beef O'Brady — is startling, with the clear promise of fun for foodies. Take a look at the visitor section of http://www.cityofcocoabeach.com for a listing of Cocoa Beach restaurants, their specialties, addresses, phone numbers and websites. Shopping options range from casual to hip to upscale to flea and farmers' markets. Enjoy ambling through surf and skate shops, boutiques featuring hot beach wear, gifts and galleries, and malls. Visit http://www.cocoabeach.com/shopping.html to get a good sense of where to go for beachwear, unusual gifts and all things for the beachy life.

MELBOURNE
The city of Melbourne began as two communities, Melbourne and Eau Gallie. Florida settlers in the late 1800s were drawn to the area due to the proximity of the Indian River Lagoon, a high traffic point for commerce and communication. The cities remained separate until 1969, when voters agreed to merge and become the city of Melbourne.

Modern Melbourne hosts a variety of urban adventures, well-preserved historic sights and a wealth of outdoor activities. Located about an hour from the Kennedy Space Center and just an hour and a half from Disney World, Melbourne offers a bit of everything to everyone.

MUSEUMS/HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Foosaner Art Museum
1463 Highland Ave.
Melbourne, FL 32935
(321) 242-0737
Formerly known as Brevard Art Museum, the Foosaner Museum is located in the Eau Gallie Arts district. There are ongoing exhibits of various artists, classes, special events and an education center.

Liberty Bell Memorial Museum
1601 Hickory St.
Melbourne, FL
(321) 727-1776
This free museum includes the Rotunda of American History, providing a timeline of major highlights in American History, as well as Freedom Hall, a tribute to U.S. armed services. There is a theater with historical videos playing throughout the day, and the Melbourne Military Memorial Park sits adjacent to the museum with a garden and meditation bench for each war.

Historic Rossetter House
Museum and Gardens
13230 Highland Ave.
Melbourne, FL 32935
(321) 254-9855
The Rossetter House is a restored home built in 1908. It was donated by the family along with a collection of Victorian antiques to preserve the home and its contents. The museum includes the Rossetter House, the 1892 Roesch House and the 1865 Houston Cemetery. There is a gift shop onsite, and group tours, garden teas and birthday party teas are available.

ATTRACTIONS/ENTERTAINMENT
Brevard Zoo
3960 S. Babcock St.
Melbourne, FL
(321) 956-6706
Established in 1994, the Brevard Zoo is home to animals from across the world, as well as those native to Florida. Open daily, the zoo has special group rates, various ongoing events and can host private parties.

Andretti Thrill Park
3960 S. Babcock St.
Melbourne, FL
(321) 956-6706
This park is aptly named, as there are thrills and excitement for all ages! Hit the Super Speedway for racetrack fun, or enjoy mini golf, batting cages, laser tag and paddle boats. Special group and party packages are available.

Treetop Trek Aerial Adventures
8225 N. Wickham Road
Melbourne, FL 32940
(321) 254-9453
Park of Brevard Zoo, Treetop Trek is a new outdoor activity for those not afraid to reach for the sky. There are various courses, from tightropes, crab walks, bridges and zip lines. Open daily; they have special packages available for birthdays and groups.

Melbourne Art Festival
625 E. New Haven Ave.
Melbourne, FL
(321) 722-5055
Held each spring, the Melbourne Art Festival is a showcase of local artists with workshops, a silent auction and awards. Enjoy live entertainment, a food court, Kidsworld arts and crafts center and a 5k run.

6e OUTDOORS/RECREATION
Sebastian Inlet State Park
9700 South A1A
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
(321) 984-4852
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Sebastian Inlet State Park has campsites, fishing, boating and surfing. The park sits on the tips of two barrier islands, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Indian River Lagoon to the west. More than half a million people enjoy the park each year, as it has all the desirable amenities in a pristine outdoor location.

Duran Golf Club
7032 Stadium Parkway
Melbourne, FL 32940
(321) 504-7776
Built on a former cattle ranch, Duran Golf Club has a unique course with rolling terrain and mounded greens. Natural landscaping, along with imported trees, adds to the beauty of the course. Enjoy the clubhouse and restaurant, or take lessons through the Academy of Golf.

DINING AND SHOPPING
Whether you want the latest fashion or prefer vintage clothes and antiquing, Melbourne has shopping to suite all tastes. The downtown area of East New Haven Avenue packs boutique clothing and gift shops, antique stores, coffee shops and restaurants into three blocks. The Melbourne Square Mall offers all the standard retail chains, along with an assortment of eateries.

There are also restaurants to enjoy, from fine dining at the renowned Chart House to family favorites such as Chili's or Sonic. Visit Continental Flambé' in historic Downtown Melbourne for an elegant meal in a European atmosphere, or check out Mainstreet Pub for sandwiches or drinks at one of their specialty bars.

ROCKLEDGE
Rockledge is the oldest city in Brevard County, founded in 1887. It was originally named Peru, after the Peruvian Mining company which set up housing for its workers in the area. A tourist town from the get-go, Rockledge sported several hotels into the early 20th century, catering to vacationers from the North. The town was also known for Citrus groves, but today th

e focus is on aerospace and technology. The current population of Rockledge is more than 20,000. Present-day residents enjoy the comfort of a smaller town along with all the amenities Brevard County can provide.

HISTORIC SITES
H.S. Williams House
1219 Rockledge Drive
Rockledge, FL 32955
A classic Queen Anne style home that was built in 1880 and once housed a schoolroom on its third floor. The house was purchased by Brevard County in 1989 and restored to its original beauty.

Persimmon Mound
Rockledge, FL
Located roughly 10 miles southwest of Rockledge, this historic Native American mound sits on the east bank of the St. John's River. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

GOLF
Turtle Creek Golf Club
1279 Admiralty Blvd.
Rockledge, FL 32955
(321) 632-2520
This classic Florida course offers plenty of challenges for golfers of all levels with its heavily landscaped, well-wooded fairways. Spend your day golfing, visit the pro shop or stop in at Jimmie's Restaurant. Teachers, Firefighters and police officers get a special discounted rate with proper identification.

Viera East Golf Club
2300 Clubhouse Drive
Rockledge, FL 32955
(321) 639-6500
Located less than 4 miles from the city center, Viera East's golf course was created by architect Joe Lee. The facility has an extensive practice area, fully-stocked pro shop and restaurant. The club offers clinics for eligible veterans and active military personnel.

OUTDOORS/RECREATION
Memorial Walk at Levitt Park
Fiske Boulevard and Levitt Parkway
Rockledge, FL 32955
This 7.5 acre park has a half mile walking path around Jimmy Weaver Lake. There is a playground, restrooms, fishing and park benches. The park also has two pavilions planned for construction, along with a fishing dock and picnic tables.

Walk the Rock
Eyster Boulevard or Roy Wall Boulevard
Rockledge, FL 32955
Walk the Rock is a 5.4-mile walking path with half mile markers for walkers, joggers and bikers to enjoy. It traverses Eyster Boulevard to Murrell Road, south to Roy Wall Boulevard, west to Fiske Boulevard and north back to Eyster Boulevard. This is an easy way to see the area and explore.

Community Park of Rockledge
398 Gus Hip Boulevard
Rockledge, FL 32955
(321) 633-1874
This is a 74 acre park that includes a playground, pavilion, soccer fields and a restroom/ concession building. Visitors can walk or bike along a paved walkway and enjoy an overlook of the wetlands. Rentals of pavilions and facilities are available.

SHOPPING AND DINING
While Rockledge may not be the shopping and dining mecca that Cocoa Beach is, it has a fair share of clothing retailers, specialty shops and a variety of restaurants. Dining options range from pizza joints to Mexican to the expected chains and fast-food stops. Shopping choices include bookstores, some clothing and consignment stores, and gift shops.

MERRITT ISLAND
Merritt Island is an island in every sense of the word. Measuring 40 miles in length and 6 miles in width, it is bound on the east by the Banana River Lagoon and the west by the Indian River. It is unincorporated, with no local fire or police, although it is supported by Brevard County services. Its full-time population is approximately 36,000 people, with that swelling somewhat during tourist season. Merritt Island has become a popular retirement community with a great central location.

Historically, Merritt Island started as part of a land grant from the King of Spain. More recently, the growth of citrus was the focal point of the island, and remains the main agricultural crop for the area. Residents of Merritt Island take advantage of all the water sports and activities one can imagine, as well as attractions such as the Kennedy Space Center, shopping, golfing and historic sites.

MUSEUMS/HISTORY
Veterans Memorial Center and Park
400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway
Merritt Island, FL 32952
(321) 453-1776
The Veterans Memorial Center and Park includes a memorial museum and a 2.63-acre park that has a lighted boardwalk, benches and waterfront views. The Hall of Honor in the museum showcases photos of veterans, including Medal of Honor recipients, as well as military artifacts. The Memorial Center is open Monday through Saturday.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church and Cemetery
5555 N. Tropical Trail
Merritt Island, FL 32953
This historic Gothic church was built in 1888. The original church and adjacent cemetery were listed in the National Register of Historical Places in 1990. This is still an active church parish, with the original 1888 chapel used for small weddings and funerals.

RECREATION
Kars Park
East Hall Road and Audubon Road
Merritt Island, FL 32953
Located on the south portion of the Kennedy Space Center, this park has two large pavilions, a fish pond, a rec room and a conference room area. There are also campsites, tennis, volleyball and racquetball courts, horseshoe pits and a playground area.

The Savannahs Golf Course
3915 Savannahs Trail
Merritt Island, FL
(321) 455-1375
A beautiful southern-style golf course that was listed in Golf Digest's "Places to Play" this is a classic course located on Merritt Island. There is a plantation-style clubhouse, pro shop and junior golf program, as well as various special events and fundraisers.

ATTRACTIONS
NASA Kennedy Space Center
Visitor Complex
SR 405
Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899
(866) 737-5235
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex includes tours of the Space Center, IMAX films, and various exhibits that include the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and interactive spaceflight simulators. Open year round, except December 25. Guided tours are available, as well as special programs that include "Lunch with an Astronaut" and the "Astronaut Training Experience."

Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 2683
Titusville, FL 32781
(321) 861-0667
Established in 1963 and consisting of 140,000 acres, the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is home to a variety of birds and wildlife. Visitors can take a wildlife drive, go boating, fishing and hunting, or see the manatees from the manatee observation deck. Their Visitor Information Center has exhibits, a book store and movies about the refuge.

Space Coast River Tours
Kelly Park
2550 N. Banana River Drive
Merritt Island, FL 32952
(321) 652-1052
Take a tour on the Banana River and see Florida wildlife such as birds, dolphins, manatees and even alligators. Space Coast River Tours offers boat tours almost daily, exploring the Merritt Island area and Port Canaveral. All tours include food and drinks, the boats have restrooms and are handicapped accessible.

SHOPPING AND DINING
With water sports and recreation always at the forefront of life on Merritt Island, it's to be expected that there are plenty of surf shops and fishing outfitters. However, Merritt Island also has shopping and dining opportunities for those looking for more than board shorts or fish-nchips. The Merritt Square Mall, located at 777 E. Merritt Island Causeway, has over 100 specialty stores and includes 13 restaurants and a movie theater. Area restaurants include major chains like Red Lobster, as well as one-of-a-kind eateries such as Island Grill or Crab Heaven. Avid shoppers can also explore nearby Cocoa beach for art galleries and unique gift shops.  read more...

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