Looking for the best things to do in Brevard County Florida? You have come to the right place!
Brevard County, Florida encompasses Cape Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Grant, Indialantic, Malabar, Melbourne, Melbourne Beach, Merritt Island, Mims, Palm Bay, Rockledge, Satellite Beach, Scottsmoor, Sebastian, Sharpes, and Titusville.
This county is most famous for its space scene, as it is home to Nasa and the United Launch Alliance. So, anyone looking to witness a rocket launch has definitely heard of Brevard County. But, space is not all the county has to offer, from beaches and brews to bird watching and the zoo, Brevard has it all.
19 Best Things to do in Brevard County Florida
A Day Away Kayak Tours
A Day Away Kayak Tours offer both day tours and night tours. During the day, guests will kayak alongside dolphins, manatees, and gators while enjoying all the local bird life at The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The manatees may intimidate some with their large stature, but in reality, these sea cows are gentle giants. The manatees are slow moving, so unlike dolphins, visitors can sidle up next to them and even pet them.
The most popular tours offered at A Day Away Kayak Tours are the bioluminescent tours offered at night. May through November the dinoflagellate bioluminescent tours run and November to May the comb jelly bioluminescent tours take place.
So, no matter the time of year, the tours are constantly available. During the dinoflagellate season, the waters seem an ordinary black, until the dinoflagellates are activated by either the boat gliding or a swipe of a paddle. As the paddle is pulled through the water, neon blue lights are activated anywhere the water is disturbed.
It is truly magical and a once in a lifetime experience. If you visit during the comb jelly season, the jellyfish give off the same light blue glow as the dinoflagellates. Hundreds can be seen while on the tour. The comb jelly does not have tentacles and is totally harmless, meaning guests can grab them out of the water to get a closer look. For an upcharge that is more than worth the money, visitors can upgrade to a clear bottomed kayak, so that everything below can be seen.
Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida is of course a draw for space junkies, but is actually a great experience for all. It is a kind of interactive museum, complete with a Rocket Garden where rockets from generations past can be viewed and admired.
There is a U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame where the names are not only written in history, but the suits that were used back in the day can be seen and the evolution of the space suit can be witnessed.
The most famous exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center is the Shuttle Launch Experience. As the name suggests, it is a simulation of a shuttle launch where guests can experience what only few in history have undergone.
Book your express ticket and save lining up.
Andretti Thrill Park
Andretti Thrill Park brings out the child in us all. It has multiple tracks and cars varying in size and speed for riders of almost all ages. There are rides with towering drops all the way down to the kid’s coaster. They even have bumper boats, which are basically bumper cars, but on the water!
To accompany all this is laser tag, a rock-climbing wall, batting cages, mini golf, and a serious arcade.
The arcades, laser tag, and go carts alone make for a great birthday party spot, but for those baseball enthusiasts, the cages are a special touch. This hodgepodge of fun is the perfect way to spend a day and is open from 11:00am to 11:00pm Monday though Saturday and 11:00am to 9:00pm on Sunday.
The Edge Rock Gym
The Edge Rock Gym is one of the few rock-climbing spots in Brevard County. Because of this, it is the happening place for climbers. There is lead climbing, bouldering, and big wall climbing available. Though more experienced climbers frequent this spot, do not let this deter you first timers. There are friendly instructors ready and willing to show the newbies the ropes.
Rock climbing is a fun way to get a workout in without feeling like you worked out, until the next day that is, your forearms will be more than a little soar if you are not used to climbing. Speaking of working out, this gym also offers yoga and palates as well as a full-service gym with weights and machines for its patrons.
Brevard Zoo
Like any good zoo, the Brevard Zoo offers many opportunities to get up close and personal with exotic creatures, be they large or be they small. When it comes to feeding, visitors can feed giraffes, deer, fish, and birds. There is a whole aviary where birds fly amongst the guests, landing on shoulders and nibbling the feed that is available for purchase.
At the giraffe area, guests can hold lettuce out for the giraffes to come wrap their long tongues around. Kids love to see the giraffes take the lettuce, but are usually a little shy to do the actual feeding. Feeding the deer seems to be a little more their speed. The gentle deer nibble the feed from anyone offering and wait their turn patiently, without rushing the feeder.
The most playful and interactive animals are the otters and the meercats. They frolic about and are quite active during the day. The otters often will follow guests that walk along their glass enclosure and do tricks and flips for all to enjoy. The larger animals, like rhinos and the big cats seem to have less energy, lumbering around slowly. The jaguars can often be seen lying about, staring back at onlookers, while the alligators sun and ignore zoo guests all together.
As Brevard is in Florida, unless you are visiting the zoo in the winter, it is most likely going to be a scorcher. This said, make sure to wear comfy, breathable clothes and pack some sunscreen. There is a splash pad available for kids to cool off and have some fun while parents take a breather and sit in some much needed shade. Close to the splash pad, and fitting in with the water theme, is a sting ray exhibit that is always a hit. Visitors can watch the rays glide by and even get a glimpse of their underbellies as they glide up the glass wall.
For those brave adventurers looking for a little extra challenge, the Treetop Trek is a popular add on to general admission. The Treetop Trek takes visitors up into the canopy, with a path hidden in the trees, made up of zip lines and ladders. Guests walk a path over the monkey enclosures and zipline over the alligator filled river to get to an obstacle course high up in the trees. This trek is not for the faint of heart or that warry of heights.
Sail Cocoa Beach
Sail Cocoa Beach offers catamaran tours for private events, parties, or just an opportunity to have a day with the family on the water. A catamaran is a type of sailboat and is perfect for a smooth ride on the Indian River Lagoon. The boats can hold up to 32 people, but often take smaller groups for a more intimate feel. The captains are fun and friendly, even allowing guests to steer a while if they are so inclined.
Sail Cocoa Beach offers multiple cruises. The sunset cruise allows guests to enjoy the neon skies of pink and orange before the sun sinks down over the water, while dolphin tours during the day host pods of dolphins that swim alongside the boat, even the odd manatee can be seen most days.
Rocket launch cruises are the last and most unique of the tours, allowing guests to skip the congested parking scene that comes with the launch of a rocket and enjoy the launch in style on a luxury catamaran creating memories that most will never get the chance to have.
Enchanted Forest
The Enchanted Forest is one of Titusville’s hidden gems. There are countless nature trails that are clearly marked for safe exploration, filled to the brim with wildlife.
The trails are so dense with foliage, they are almost completely covered, blocking out the hot sun and providing a natural canopy of shade for a more enjoyable hike. Small rivers run along some of the paths while other paths go straight through thickets. Because Florida is so flat, these hikes are not overly strenuous, and are a great way for people of any fitness level to get outside and in touch with nature.
While exploring, be ready to see rabbits, snakes, birds, and tons of giant banana spiders watching visitors out of their eight eyes. Don’t let these arachnids discourage you though, while banana spiders may look intimidating with their large girth and bright yellow and black stripes, they are not poisonous or aggressive. If anything, visitors should be more warry about the mosquitos. A good amount of bug spray is a must for visiting the Enchanted Forest.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Birding
Birdwatchers flock from all over to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Most notably, the Roseate Spoonbill calls this wildlife refuge home. This light pink bird can be spotted in shallow waters hunting minnows with its spoon shaped beak, perfect for catching its intended prey.
Another crowning jewel of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is the Florida Scrub Jay, which is exclusively found in, you guessed it, Florida.
A few other species that are common at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge are snake birds, hawks, egrets, herrings, woodpeckers, and various types of ducks. There are many more birds to be found, but you will have to go for a visit to discovery them!
Merritt Square Mall
Though the times of online shopping are upon us, and regular shops and malls do not draw the crowd they once did, the Merritt Square Mall still persists. The giant movie theatre helps with traffic to the mall, and Cold Stone is perfectly placed right across the way from the theatre for a movie and ice cream date combo.
When it comes to shopping, this mall has all the heavy hitters, like Dillard’s, Claire’s, Hot Topic, Victoria’s Secret, and of course a giant Macy’s to name a few.
After a day of shopping, the food court is a classic choice in the way of sustenance, but for anyone looking for a little more upscale dining experience, Outback and Bonefish Grill are onsite as well.
Bowlero Melbourne
Bowlero Melbourne is a bowling alley, but not just any bowling alley. Nightly, guests can bowl under the neon lights and enjoy top notch eats while they wait their turn. There is a sports bar behind the lanes with flat screens playing the games of the day and serving up great food. Wings, pizza, burgers, tacos, beers, and cocktails, Bowlero Melbourne has it all.
There is no shortage of deals at Bowlero. Almost every day of the week there is a special running. Sundays after 6:00pm games are only $3.29, Mondays after 7:00pm there is unlimited bowling for just $13.59 a person,
Tuesdays bowling is a mere $2.99 and there are drink and food specials galore, Wednesdays arcade games are half price, Thursdays there are discounts available to college students, and Fridays there is unlimited bowling starting at 9:00pm for $15.99 a person.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Sky Zone Trampoline Park is located in Melbourne and is a family favorite. Trampolines are everywhere, allowing for tricks and flips that most can’t do on solid ground.
Aside from the actual trampolines, there is basketball with a bouncy court making slam dunks a breeze and a dodgeball area where the floor is, you guessed it, a giant trampoline.
There is also a ninja warrior course that even adults will find challenging, complete with a warped wall to run up like they do at the end of the course on the show American Ninja Warrior.
Escape Cocoa Beach
Escape Cocoa Beach is an escape room offering four different themed rooms to escape from. There is Jail Break, Rocket Science, Bank Heist, and their most popular room, Mystery of the Black Dahlia.
Even the cleverest among us can crack under pressure, and when that timer starts, tensions run high and brains seem to get hazy, but the thrill of cracking a clue keeps the participants going. Escape Coco Beach is the perfect place for a team building exercise with coworkers, or a birthday activity that will keep the celebration going.
Explore the Best Beaches in Brevard County
There are many beaches in Brevard County, the most popular being Cocoa Beach and Playalinda Beach. Playalinda is known for its infamous Pier 13, the pier where beaches goers are permitted to go nude. This gorgeous beach is located on a nature preserve and is the perfect place to disconnect, either in the nude or bathing suit clad. The beach is untouched by society and offers a true slice of heaven for anyone looking to relax and reconnect with nature, as shops and towns are left far behind.
In contrast, Cocoa Beach is more commercialized and swarming with tourists, shops, and restaurants that are brought all the way past the shore on the Cocoa Beach Pier.
Cocoa Beach is one of Florida’s most famous beaches. It sports a giant multi story Ron Jon’s, and is also where the surf legend Kelly Slater was born. With this information, it should not come as a shock, that this is a popular beach for surfing.
Victory Casino Cruises
Victory Casino Cruises come and go out of Port Canaveral and can be seen heading out to sea from the jetty located close by. The cruises take place Wednesday through Sunday and are only $20.00 to board. Food is not included in this price, but can be purchased along with drinks once aboard.
The atmosphere is lively and fun and perfect for some good old fashion gambling. They have all the classics, like slot machines, roulette, craps, Texas Hold ‘Em, blackjack, and even bingo. Luckily, if you’re on a loosing streak, you can always take a breather and enjoy they salt air and ocean view.
Historic Cocoa Village
Historic Cocoa Village is a quaint area of Cocoa filled with shops and eateries. There are multiple gazebos where shoppers can beat the heat and relax in the shade while still enjoying the beautiful views and listening to the live music that can often be found in the streets and at a handful of the restaurants.
Historic Cocoa Village hosts seasonal events year round to draw a crowd and keep locals guessing. There are charity walks for Alzheimer’s and the like, as well as half and full marathons.
A Sip and Stroll Christmas in July is hosted every year for all those that need a good Christmas celebration at least twice a year, and Craft Festivals are held in both October and December along with many other festivities that are constantly changing and being added as the years pass.
Turtle Night Walks
The Sea Turtle Preservation Society offers Turtle Night Walks at the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge during the months of June and July. The night begins with an informative presentation on seas turtles, the troubles they face, and what we humans can do to help. While the presentation is going on, members of the Sea Turtle Preservation Society are out looking for loggerhead turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.
Once one is spotted, the group is led to where the turtle has begun digging her hole, or in this case nest. Once in position, guests can watch the miracle that is life as the mother loggerhead lays her eggs. She then covers them up and makes her way back to the sea. When booking, keep in mind that a sighting is not guaranteed, and though it does not happen often, there are some nights that no turtles are spotted.
Playalinda Brewing Company
The Playalinda Brewing Company is a brewery in Titusville, Florida named after Titusville’s beach, Playalinda. This is considered one of the best breweries in Brevard and has beers featured at many other breweries around Florida, and most notably at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival. For those of you Non-Floridians, Epcot is one of Disney’s Theme Parks, so as you can imagine they only accept the best of the best, making being a featured beer quite an honor.
The brewery has a laid back and friendly feel. Both locals and visitors love the beer and the crowd that can be found at the Playalinda Brewing Company. There are often trivia nights hosted as well as pairing flights to be had. A fan favorite is the girl scout cookie and beer pairing that is only available once a year.
The Playalinda Brewing Company has its own run club and often partners up with local businesses for beer and activity mashups. The most popular of which is surprisingly beer and yoga, as the two do not seem to go together. This said, tickets sell out quick when the Yoga Loft announces they are doing a Yoga and Craft Beer Night.
Dinosaur Store & Adventure Zone
Though is it called Dinosaur Store & Adventure Zone, this museum of sorts offers much more than dinosaurs. Of course there are fossils and giant dino replicas to “ooh” and “ah” over, but there are also other exhibits to learn about and explore.
For instance, there are civilizations from a long time past, like ancient Egypt and China that each have their own exhibits. Once visitors have had their fill of learning, there is a small arcade and fossil dig site where fossil replicas can be unearthed before guests head to the gift shop for a souvenir to remember the experience.
Titusville Playhouse
At first glance at the name, your brain may be jumping to some naughty conclusions, but the Titusville Playhouse is actually a theatre of sorts. Plays and musicals are held year round, performed by a troupe of amateur actors. Though they are not technically professionals, the performances are nothing short of breath taking. They have a huge range, from Rocky Horror Picture Show to Into the Woods, and everything in between.
