Things to Do in Merritt Island, Florida
Things to Do for Tourists Visiting and Residents of Merritt Island
Discover exciting attractions and local favorites with our curated list of Things to Do in Merritt Island, Florida—perfect for residents and visitors alike!
About Merritt Island
Merritt Island Tourists
Top Attractions
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Address: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Phone: (855) 433-4210
Website: kennedyspacecenter.com
Directions: Google Maps
Description: The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers an immersive experience into NASA’s space exploration endeavors. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, historic spacecraft displays, IMAX theaters, and take bus tours of the spaceport. Highlights include the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, the Apollo/Saturn V Center, and the Astronaut Training Experience. It’s a must-visit destination for space enthusiasts and families alike.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 1987 Scrub Jay Way, Titusville, FL 32782
Phone: (321) 861-0669
Directions: Google Maps
Description: Vast refuge home to thousands of wildlife species; perfect for birdwatching, hiking, and nature photography.
Jetty Park
Address: 9035 Campground Circle, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Phone: (321) 783-7111
Website: portcanaveral.com
Directions: Google Maps
Description: A 35-acre park offering beach access, a fishing pier, playground, and camping facilities. It’s a prime spot for watching cruise ships and rocket launches.
Canaveral National Seashore
Address: 212 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL 32796
Phone: (386) 428-3384
Website: nps.gov/cana
Directions: Google Maps
Description: A protected area offering pristine beaches, wildlife viewing, and historic sites. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and beachgoers.
Nature & Wildlife
Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: 805 Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Phone: (321) 455-1100
Directions: Google Maps
Description: Peaceful sanctuary with trails and observation areas ideal for spotting local birds and wildlife.
Manatee Cove Park
Address: 4905 N Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Phone: (321) 633-1874
Directions: Google Maps
Description: Scenic park known for manatee sightings, featuring picnic areas, boat ramps, and tranquil waterfront views.
Water Activities
Banana River Aquatic Preserve
Address: Merritt Island, FL 32952
Phone: (772) 448-5935
Directions: Google Maps
Description: A pristine ecosystem popular for kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Adventure Kayak of Cocoa Beach
Address: 401 Ramp Rd, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 (Weekdays); 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 (Weekends & Night Tours)
Phone: (321) 480-8632
Directions: Google Maps
Description: Guided kayak eco-tours through Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands, featuring mangrove tunnels, wildlife encounters, and seasonal bioluminescent night paddles. Suitable for all ages and experience levels.
Banana River Boat Tours
Address: 2550 N Banana River Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32952
Phone: (321) 759-8687
Directions: Google Maps
Description: Guided boat tours offering close-up encounters with dolphins, manatees, and abundant local wildlife.
Cultural Experiences
Field Manor
Address: 750 Field Manor Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Phone: (321) 452-8885
Directions: Google Maps
Description: Historic 19th-century homestead museum highlighting pioneer life and early Florida history.
Brevard Veterans Memorial Museum & Military Museum
Address: 400 S Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
Phone: (321) 453-8877
Directions: Google Maps
Description: Extensive military museum showcasing artifacts honoring American veterans from all conflicts.
Health & Beauty
VIP Nails & Facials
Address: 325 E Merritt Island Cswy Unit E, Merritt Island, FL 32952
Phone: (321) 806-3982
Directions: Get Directions
Description: A nail salon offering manicures, pedicures, facials, and other popular spa services, including waxing and haircuts.
The Art of Massage
Address: 1355 N Courtenay Pkwy, Suite B, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Phone: (321) 338-7188
Directions: Google Maps
Description: A clean, modern massage studio offering personalized therapeutic and relaxation services, including Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal, and couples massages, all provided by experienced licensed therapists.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Merritt Square Mall
Address: 777 E Merritt Island Cswy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
Phone: (321) 452-1111
Directions: Google Maps
Description: Shopping mall featuring national retailers, local boutiques, dining options, and entertainment.
Island Crystal and Bead
Address: 2460 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Phone: (321) 452-6900
Directions: Google Maps
Description: Unique local shop featuring crystals, handcrafted jewelry, beads, and artistic gifts.
Dining & Nightlife
The Island Waterfront Bar & Grill
Address: 1891 E Merritt Island Causeway, Merritt Island, FL 32952
Phone: (321) 452-0050
Directions: Google Maps
Description: Waterfront dining spot offering seafood, American dishes, live music, and beautiful sunset views.
Cozy Corner Café
Address: 2425 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Phone: (321) 452-0305
Directions: Google Maps
Description: Welcoming diner serving breakfast and lunch classics in a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere.
For Merritt Island Locals
Merritt Island, located on Florida’s Space Coast, offers a diverse range of attractions for both locals and tourists. From exploring the wonders of space at the Kennedy Space Center to enjoying the natural beauty of local parks and wildlife refuges, there’s something for everyone. Below are curated lists of activities and attractions categorized for locals and tourists.
Outdoor Activities & Parks
Rotary Park at Merritt Island
Address: 1899 S Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952
Phone: (321) 455-1100
Directions: Google Maps
Description: A family-friendly park featuring a 140-foot fishing pier, playground, boardwalk, and nature center.
Riverwalk: A Family Park
Address: 5355 US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955
Phone: (321) 433-4490
Website: brevardfl.gov
Directions: Google Maps
Description: A community park featuring a nature center, boardwalk, and picnic areas. Perfect for family outings and local events.
Manatee Sanctuary Park
Address: 701 Thurm Blvd, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Phone: (321) 868-1226
Website: cityofcapecanaveral.org
Directions: Google Maps
Description: A waterfront park featuring a fitness trail, picnic areas, and manatee viewing opportunities. A tranquil spot for relaxation and wildlife observation.
Family-Friendly Spots
Kiwanis Island Park
Address: 951 Kiwanis Island Park Rd, Merritt Island, FL 32952
Phone: (321) 455-1100
Directions: Google Maps
Description: Offers a variety of recreational facilities including sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
Dining & Restaurants
Mimmo’s Pizza & Ristorante
Address: 325 E Merritt Island Causeway, Merritt Island, FL 32952
Phone: (321) 453-2610
Directions: Google Maps
Description: Family-owned Italian restaurant serving authentic New York-style pizza, pasta, and classic Italian dishes in a casual, welcoming setting.
Health & Fitness
Planet Fitness
Address: 1450 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Phone: (321) 452-4800
Directions: Google Maps
Description: A well-equipped gym offering a variety of fitness equipment and classes.
Arts & Entertainment
Cocoa Village Playhouse
Address: 300 Brevard Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922
Phone: (321) 636-4893
Directions: Google Maps
Description: A historic theater offering a variety of live performances and community events.
About Merritt Island, Florida
Merritt Island is a unique and vibrant community located on Florida’s Space Coast in Brevard County. Despite its name, Merritt Island is technically a peninsula, bordered by the Indian River Lagoon to the west and the Banana River to the east.
Population & Demographics:
As of 2025, Merritt Island has an estimated population of 34,189 residents. The community boasts a median age of 49.8 years and an average household income of $127,324.
Historical Significance:
The area is rich in history, with evidence of Native American settlements dating back over a thousand years. Notably, the Sams House at Pine Island, built in 1875, stands as the oldest structure in Brevard County and offers insights into the region’s pioneer past.
Space Exploration Hub:
Merritt Island is perhaps best known as the home of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Established in the 1960s, the center has been the launch site for numerous historic space missions and continues to be a focal point for space exploration.
Natural Attractions
Merritt Island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, anchored by the expansive Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Covering roughly 140,000 acres, this protected area provides critical habitat for more than 1,500 species of plants and animals, including several endangered species like the West Indian manatee, the Eastern indigo snake, and the Florida scrub-jay.
Visitors to the refuge can explore a mosaic of ecosystems, from saltwater estuaries and freshwater impoundments to hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods. Popular activities include birdwatching—especially during winter migrations—scenic drives like the Black Point Wildlife Drive, hiking along well-maintained trails, and seasonal kayaking tours through winding waterways. The refuge also serves as an important buffer around NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, blending technological achievement with the preservation of Florida’s natural heritage.
Beyond the refuge, Merritt Island’s proximity to the Indian River Lagoon and Banana River adds even more to its outdoor offerings, from fishing and boating to stunning waterfront sunrises. Nature is not just a backdrop here—it’s woven into everyday life.
Community & Lifestyle
Living in Merritt Island offers a rare balance between convenience and connection to the outdoors. While residents enjoy suburban comforts like shopping centers, top-rated schools, and diverse dining options, they are also surrounded by natural beauty at every turn. The community’s neighborhoods stretch along canals and rivers, offering easy access to boating, paddleboarding, and sunset cruises.
Parks like Rotary Park at Merritt Island, Kiwanis Island Park, and Manatee Cove Park provide spaces for everything from soccer games to quiet nature walks. Weekly farmers’ markets, art shows, and community festivals create a lively but relaxed social scene, where neighbors often greet each other by name.
Merritt Island also stands out for its commitment to preservation. Initiatives to protect native habitats, support local wildlife, and celebrate the area’s rich history—from early indigenous peoples to the space age—are evident throughout the community. Whether raising a family, retiring, or simply seeking a quieter lifestyle with adventure always close at hand, Merritt Island offers a welcoming and sustainable place to call home.
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