The Merritt Island district encompasses an area of approximately 40 square miles in Brevard County, Florida. This district is made up of two distinct communities: Merritt Island and Cape Canaveral. Merritt Island is the largest portion of the district and contains the majority of the population and commercial development along the island. The area around the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the John F. Kennedy Space Center, and various government and residential areas are located in the Cape Canaveral portion of the district. Portions of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore are also included in the Merritt Island district. The area is home to a variety of ecosystems and abundant wildlife.
Merritt Island is located
Merritt Island is located in Brevard County, Florida, in a part of the county known as the Space Coast. It is part of the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville Metropolitan Statistical Area.
If you are looking to go to Merritt Island, Florida, the best way to get there is by car. It is located in Brevard County, on the east side of Florida, and is about 55 miles east of Orlando. There are several highways and roads you can take to get there, including I-95, US 1, and SR 520. If you are coming from further away, you may want to consider flying into the nearest airport, which is the Orlando International Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi to Merritt Island.
1. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge: Located along the East Coast of Florida, the refuge is one of the nation’s premier wildlife refuges. The refuge protects more than 140,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat, including a variety of plants, animals, and birds, such as bald eagles, alligators, and the Florida scrub-jay. Visitors can take part in a variety of activities, including birdwatching, nature hikes, canoeing, and more.
2. Brevard Veterans Memorial Center: This center commemorates the contributions of local veterans and active-duty personnel from all branches of service. The center contains a variety of artifacts from veterans’ wartime service, as well as a Vietnam Memorial Wall. The memorial also honors the service of those who served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II.
3. Ted Moorhead Lagoon House: This house is an example of a unique 19th century architectural style unique to Merritt Island. The house was constructed in 1902 and has been restored to its original design. Visitors can tour the house to view the restored exterior and interior, as well as the original furnishings, artifacts and photographs.
4. Canaveral National Seashore: This area protects more than 24 miles of pristine, undeveloped seashore along a barrier island on the east coast of Florida. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and other recreational activities, as well as take in amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
5. The Great Outdoors RV Resort: This resort is located on the Indian River Lagoon and offers a variety of amenities, including a heated swimming pool, shuffleboard courts, and playgrounds. The resort also has several lakes ideal for fishing and kayaking, as well as a nature preserve with a number of interesting species.
1. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
2. Space Coast Stadium
3. Enchanted Forest Sanctuary
4. Manatee Cove Park
5. Haulover Canal
6. Max Brewer Bridge
7. Kiwanis Island Park
8. Kennedy Space Center
9. Brevard Zoo
10. Merritt Square Mall
1. Visit the nearby NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to explore interactive exhibits, visit the Astronaut Hall of Fame, and ride the Shuttle Launch Experience.
2. Go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the Indian River Lagoon, or take a leisurely cruise with a captained tour, such as the Calusa Spirit Eco Tour.
3. Hike through Black Point Wildlife Drive, a network of trails that are the best in the area to view wildlife, including birds.
4. Take a scenic drive to Haulover Canal and stop to watch dolphins and manatees play in the shallow waters.
5. Explore the rich history of the area at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which was once the home of some of the original settlers of the Space Coast.
6. Spend the day at Sams House at Pine Island Conservation Area, where visitors can soak up the natural beauty of more than 400 acres of undeveloped land, including trails, a hammock, and a historic house from the late 1800s.
7. Explore the ruins of a sugar mill complex near the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge.
8. Visit the Canaveral National Seashore for a day of beachcombing or swimming, fishing or sunbathing.
9. Take a surf or paddleboard lesson from a local instructor at Cocoa Beach.
10. Visit the nearby Brevard Zoo, which features over 550 animals from around the world.