The Space Coast is packed with opportunities for fun and adventure for travelers year-round. When you’re looking to expand your itinerary to include some convenient and memorable day trips from Florida‘s Space Coast, there are plenty of options available as well! The following are just a few of the many to consider adding to your must-visit list when you’re excited to make the most of every moment in Florida this year.
Visit the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
When you’re looking for a place to explore that immerses you in the beauty of nature and provides opportunities for viewing inspiring wildlife as well, there’s no better place to plan a day trip than the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Located at 1963 Refuge Headquarters Road in Titusville, Florida, this breathtaking locale is found just 30 miles north of Cocoa Beach. The protected lands were established as part of an agreement within an overlay of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s John F. Kennedy Space Center and encompass rich and productive estuaries where wildlife thrive. When you take a day to enjoy time at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, you’ll have the chance to unplug, unwind, and let go of the stresses of daily life.
Instead, you’re invited to reconnect with nature and take a moment of tranquility to appreciate your surroundings. Many visitors spend time here bird watching, fishing, hiking, or putting their nature photography skills to work. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge was first established in 1963 and today, continues to be a place where the protection of wildlife is a top priority and education around conservation is delivered to the public successfully. The refuge sprawls across 140,000 acres of terrain and is home to habitats ranging from scrub and pinewood flatwoods to coastal dunes, saltwater marshes, and hardwood hammocks as well. There are over 1,500 species of plants and animals that call the refuge home as well as 15 federally listed species to observe. Be sure to bring your binoculars and prepare to be inspired when your day trip in this direction during your Space Coast getaway.
Explore Orlando for a Day
If you’re the type of traveler that’s looking for big city fun to pair with your beach getaway and you have a heart for all things world-class theme parks, you’ll be delighted to find that a day trip to Orlando is within an hour’s reach of Cocoa Beach! A day visit to exciting Orlando is a wonderful way to spend magical moments with family and friends at places like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, or SeaWorld Orlando. The city is packed with amazing dining options to check out as well as stellar shopping stops when you’re in the mood for some serious retail therapy. International Drive is always bustling and places like Icon Park offer up a chance to hop on The Wheel and see the city from a vantage point 400 feet in the air. Whether you decide to stroll through the Harry P. Leu Gardens, rent a swan boat at Lake Eola Park, or catch a show at the Amway Center or Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, you’ll find there’s no shortage of options for fun when Orlando is your day trip destination of choice.
Be Sure to Check Out the Brevard Zoo
Take a walk on the wild side and learn a lot about some incredible creatures too when you make plans to enjoy a day trip to the Brevard Zoo. Just 16 miles from Cocoa Beach, the Brevard Zoo is conveniently located at 8225 N Wickham Road in Melbourne, Florida, and is open to the public daily from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm. The zoo is 75 acres in total and houses over 900 animals spanning nearly 200 species from across the globe. As you make your way through the zoo, you’ll find it’s separated into varying countries where you can get a taste of the terrain and habitats that allow animals to thrive in those places. There are options to book behind-the-scenes tours, watch animal feedings, or participate in educational programs that bring the world of wildlife conservation to life right before your eyes. With exhibits that go from the tree tops to under the sea, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy here.
Enjoy Some Time at Sebastian Inlet Park
Sebastian Inlet Park is less than 1 hour from Cocoa Beach and the drive to it is right along the coast giving beautiful views that will make the drive go by even faster! Sebastian Inlet Park is a surfer’s paradise but you don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy the area. Whether you’re a surfer in the water, or collecting shells along the beaches a day spent here will be a fun one. Some other activities you can do include going fishing, observing sea turtle nests, checking out the two museums, going kayaking, and much more. Sebastian Inlet Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and costs $8 per vehicle for admission.
Book Your Day Trips from Florida’s Space Coast Today
Finding your way to Florida in the name of fun is always the right choice. When you book your vacation rental through Stay in Cocoa Beach, you can rest easy knowing luxury, comfort, and style will be part of your experience as well. Our collection keeps visitors close to the places they’re excited to explore while providing them with easy access to the premier amenities and features they deserve too. Reach out to our team of property professionals today to learn more about our exciting options and to start planning your next trip! Be sure to ask about our Space Coast vacation homes with a Jacuzzi as well!
