Things To Do
in Merritt Island
Merritt Island is located in Brevard County, Florida, on the Atlantic coast. It is known for its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center, where many NASA space missions have launched. The island offers a mix of residential neighborhoods, natural attractions such as the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and recreational opportunities including boating and fishing.
With its beautiful beaches and thriving space industry, Merritt Island is a unique and vibrant community.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $60 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, where you can spot a variety of birds and wildlife. Enjoy a peaceful walk along one of the trails while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Head to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to learn about space exploration. Explore the exhibits, watch an IMAX movie, and don't miss the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
Unwind with a sunset picnic at Playalinda Beach. The tranquil atmosphere and stunning views make it a perfect spot to relax.
Visit the Merritt Island Aquarium to discover local marine life and participate in interactive exhibits. Great for families, you can spend a couple of hours learning about the ecosystem.
Explore the shopping opportunities at the Viera Commons. Enjoy browsing local shops and grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants.
Attend a local event or concert at the Cocoa Beach Civic Center. Enjoy the community spirit and entertainment in a relaxed setting.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including beaches and wildlife preserves.
- Access to outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking.
- Close proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral.
- Warm climate, making it ideal for year-round outdoor enjoyment.
- Friendly community with various local events and festivals.
- High humidity and heat during the summer months.
- Risk of hurricanes and tropical storms.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Can be costly in certain areas due to desirable location.
- Potential traffic congestion during peak tourist seasons.
Best Activities in Merritt Island
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy birdwatching, wildlife viewing, hiking, and kayak/canoeing in this diverse ecological area.
Experience space exploration history, view rocket displays, and enjoy interactive exhibits and attractions.
Explore the scenic waterways, indulge in fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding activities.
Tours
Uncover the best of Merritt Island with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Merritt Island
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic wildlife drive offering opportunities to spot a variety of birds, alligators, and other wildlife, as well as stunning views of wetlands and marshes that are ideal for photography.
A picturesque road that provides access to excellent birdwatching areas and beautiful views of the surrounding marshes and waterways, making it a great location for capturing nature and wildlife photographs.
This pristine natural area offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, tranquil beaches, and diverse ecosystems, providing plenty of scenic photo opportunities and chances to witness the area's abundant wildlife.
Food in Merritt Island
Merritt Island Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try dessert with a tangy, sweet flavor, available at numerous restaurants and bakeries like The Key Lime Pie Company.
Must-Try!
A classic Southern dish featuring locally caught shrimp and creamy grits, highly recommended at The Island Waterfront Bar and Grill.
A flavorful sandwich with layers of ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, best enjoyed at Mi Island Restaurant.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Merritt Island better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market offering fresh local produce, homemade goods, and food trucks serving diverse cuisines, located at 2390 N Courtenay Pkwy.
Explore the authentic flavors of Mediterranean cuisine at this popular food truck parked at various locations across Merritt Island.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Merritt Island, it is important to be mindful of personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when having a conversation.
People in Merritt Island often greet each other with a smile and a handshake. It's a good practice to maintain eye contact during conversations as it signals respect.
Merritt Island is a diverse community, so it's essential to be open-minded and respectful of different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Merritt Island with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Merritt Island
Ensure a smooth experience
In Merritt Island, United States, tipping is a common practice in service industries such as restaurants, bars, hotels, and taxi services. It is customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill for good service.
Payment in Merritt Island, United States, is mainly done through cash, credit/debit cards, and electronic payment methods. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and contactless payments are increasingly popular. Some places might also accept mobile payment apps for added convenience.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Merritt Island.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Merritt Island is in spring when the weather is mild and wildflowers are in bloom. This season offers great birdwatching opportunities as migratory birds pass through the area.
Summer is a popular time to visit Merritt Island for beach activities and water sports. However, it can be hot and humid, so visitors should be prepared for the heat.
Fall is another good time to visit Merritt Island as the weather begins to cool down and there are fewer crowds. It's a great time for wildlife viewing as many animal species become more active.
Winter is ideal for birdwatching and wildlife viewing, as many bird species migrate to the area and animals are more visible in the cooler weather. However, it can be chilly and windy, so visitors should dress accordingly.
Merritt Island at Night
Hiking in Merritt Island
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hiking trail that features views of the Indian River and leads to a historic Native American mound.
A beach park with a nature trail adjacent to the beach, offering opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.
A nature preserve with a network of walking trails through diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, hardwood forests, and scrub.
A vast wildlife refuge with several hiking trails offering opportunities to see diverse flora and fauna, including birdwatching.
A multi-use trail that runs through scenic areas and provides access to local parks and the beach, ideal for hiking and biking.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Merritt Island through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Merritt Island by plane.
The largest airport in the Orlando area, providing numerous domestic and international flights.
A regional airport located approximately 30 minutes from Merritt Island, offering domestic flights.
Located about an hour's drive from Merritt Island, it serves the Daytona Beach area with various flights.
Located about 90 miles from Merritt Island, it is a major international airport serving the Tampa Bay area.
Situated approximately 120 miles north of Merritt Island, providing a wide range of domestic and international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population, often identifying as non-Hispanic white.
This group includes individuals from various Spanish-speaking backgrounds.
A significant demographic group with a rich cultural history.
Includes various ethnicities originating from Asian countries.
A smaller population representing the indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Individuals who identify with more than one racial group.
Includes various other racial and ethnic identities that do not fit into the main categories.
The Soul of Merritt Island
Discover the essence of Merritt Island through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in Merritt Island, often played in high schools and local leagues. The community rallies around the high school teams, particularly during the fall season.
With numerous youth leagues and travel teams, soccer has grown significantly in popularity. The sport is enjoyed by children and adults alike, fostering community involvement.
Played at schools and local recreational centers, basketball attracts many players and fans. The sport is popular, especially during the winter months.
Softball and baseball are enjoyed in local leagues and community parks, appealing to both youth and adult players in Merritt Island.
Beach and indoor volleyball are popular among both casual and competitive players, taking advantage of the coastal environment.
Tennis is another promising sport in Merritt Island, with various public courts available and community tournaments held regularly.
With proximity to the ocean and local pools, swimming is not only a competitive sport but also a favored recreational activity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Merritt Island.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many local restaurants and cafes provide vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, such as the Veggie Wrap at The Mango Tree Restaurant and the Falafel Plate at Olympia Cafe.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can enjoy gluten-free dishes like the Grilled Mahi-Mahi at The Island Waterfront Bar and Grill and the Greek Salad at Olympia Cafe.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Merritt Island with these cultural adventures.
