The Florida Space Coast has almost a dozen beaches that welcome visitors from all parts of the nation with warm sand, crystal blue waters, and tons of space. The charming town of Melbourne beach is known for its serene atmosphere and family-friendly allure.
Seeing the occasional sea turtle in her nesting home on these magnificent beaches is a common sight. Here are the 10 best Melbourne FL beaches and things to do while you’re there.
1. Canaveral National Seashore
The beautiful Canaveral National Seashore is located halfway between Titusville and New Smyrna Beach. The park, which extends for nearly 25 miles, hosts more than 300 bird species, including endangered species and 1,000 different plant species. It is also a popular nesting sanctuary for sea turtles.
Canaveral National Seashore has plenty of activities visitors can enjoy including hunting, boating, fishing, surfing, and even camping once you obtain a permit. There are also trails you can hike to explore everything the park has to offer.
You can tag the kids along for the ride and turn it into an educational trip. Canaveral has rangers that organize programs for visitors to learn about topics like sea turtle nesting and canoeing. If you know all things plants and wildlife, you can arrange a self-guided tour through the marsh along the Black Point Wildlife.
It is the perfect escape for you and your loved ones to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Recommended nearby stay in Melbourne Beach: View listing
2. Canova Beach
Canova Beach is Florida’s version of California’s Dog Beach. The expansive shore extends almost 10 acres and is the only beach in Brevard County that allows dogs to roam off-leash. From the moment you set foot on Canova Beach, you will be met with the sight of dogs catching waves, playing Frisbee, catching balls, and running free around the shore.
That said, before you bring your furry companion along and let them loose on the beach, you must bring their current license and a document showing their latest vaccinations. You must also carry a leash and a few waste bags to pick up your pup’s poop.
The beach has several amenities, including pavilions, grills, picnic tables and benches, restrooms, and showers, to make your day out enjoyable. You can even use the outdoor showers to rinse the sand off your dog before heading home.
Recommended nearby stay in Melbourne Beach: View listing
3. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists visiting the Space Coast. It has magnificent views that seem to go on forever. The sunsets, in particular, are breathtaking. There’s something enchanting about the sun’s orange glow as it sets on the horizon. The pier has the best views.
Cocoa Beach is famous for its tall waves, making it a haven for surfers. If that’s not your jam, you can swim, snorkel, or hang back at the beach and soak up the sun. You can even go fishing if you like. There are plenty of things to do, so you cannot get bored.
Cocoa Beach can get pretty hot and humid, so it is usually better to hit the beach early or wait until late afternoon when temperatures are cooler.
Recommended nearby stay in Melbourne Beach: View listing
4. Indian Harbor Beach
Perched where the Indian River meets the Atlantic is the Indian Harbor Beach. While the two-square-mile shoreline primarily serves the residential community nearby, it is still open to the public. You can go to any of the beachside parks in the area and have a picnic or take a stroll through the massive Gleason Park and explore Mother Nature in all her majesty.
Indian Harbor Beach hosts four community parks. Only two are located on the beach. The first is Millennium Park which is perfect for picnicking, taking long strolls along the ocean shores, and enjoying stunning views of the Atlantic. The second is Bicentennial Park which is great for anyone who wants to surf, sunbathe, build sand castles with their kids, or stroll on the boardwalk and enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze.
Indian Harbor Beach is smaller than other Melbourne FL beaches. However, it packs a punch when it comes to all the different fun things you can do while you’re there.
Recommended nearby stay in Melbourne Beach: View listing
5. Jetty Park Beach
The views in Jetty Park Beach look like something straight out of a magazine. The sight of the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic against the clear blue skies is breathtaking. It is arguably one of the best beaches on the Space Coast.
The list of things to do once you get there is never-ending. You can go swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing at the Jetty Park pier, or just lay on the beach and soak up the sun. If you have an RV, Jetty Park Beach is perfect for camping. It has several campsites designed for every type of camper there is—whether or not you have a camper van.
The campgrounds have electric outlets, hot showers, restroom facilities, laundry services, and picnic tables. There’s even a shop where you can purchase supplies you might need during your stay. If you have young children with you, there’s a playground they can enjoy nearby.
Recommended nearby stay in Melbourne Beach: View listing
6. Melbourne Beach
Melbourne Beach comprises nearly 35 miles of dazzling, fine sand, perfect for strolls along the shore or an easy run. The waves in this part of the Atlantic are ideal for snorkeling and surfing. You can also go scuba diving if you head further out, away from the shore.
One of the great things about Melbourne Beach is its vibrant community. There are several bars around, many of which come alive with live music and numerous retail outlets that offer great shopping.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite from all your activities, you can hit any of the local restaurants serving a wide range of delicious cuisines. Alternatively, you could grab a bite from any of the food vendors stationed close to the beach.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you can enjoy the local festivals, including Oktoberfest, Aviation Day, and the world-renowned Melbourne Art Festival. Melbourne Beach has no shortage of fun things to do while you’re there.
Recommended nearby stay in Melbourne Beach: View listing
7. Pelican Beach
Pelican Beach and Park is an excellent spot for individuals and families looking for a fun day out by the shores of the Atlantic. Plenty of amenities are available to make sure you make the most of your trip, such as conveniently located restrooms and large pavilions that host a large group during a cookout.
If you don’t pack a picnic basket, there are several local eateries and food vendors where you can grab a bite. If you have small kids with you, there’s a children’s playground nearby where they can run around. For the grownups, you can hit the waves and do a bit of surfing, go snorkeling, or just lay out in the sun and enjoy the warm Florida weather.
Pelican Beach and Park has something for everyone and is worth a visit.
Recommended nearby stay in Melbourne Beach: View listing
8. Playalinda Beach
Tucked away in the Canaveral National Seashore in Titusville is gorgeous Playalinda Beach. It is most famous for its nude beach at the farthest pier near parking lot #13. If you have young kids, you should steer clear of that area and find a spot somewhere else. The beach is massive, so you shouldn’t have a problem getting a different location to set up and unwind.
Playalinda Beach stretches out more than 20 miles. It is popular with local surfers who frequent the beach to catch some waves. Finding a nice, quiet, secluded area to relax and soak up the sun is easy.
Keep in mind that some areas of the beach are a little rough because of the seashells. Ensure you wear flip-flops when walking along to protect your feet from cuts.
Recommended nearby stay in Melbourne Beach: View listing
9. Port Canaveral
Not to be confused with Canaveral National Seashore, Port Canaveral is another famous beach on the shores of the Space Coast. It is one of the busiest ports in the world for cruise ships, commercial cargo ships, and industrial watercraft. Some of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships have terminals at the port.
Port Canaveral Cove—a recreational waterfront—hosts several eateries, retail outlets, charter boats, and many other tourist attractions to make your visit there memorable.
Recommended nearby stay in Melbourne Beach: View listing
10. Satellite Beach
Most of the world-famous surfers all have one thing in common: There’s a good chance they learned how to surf at Satellite Beach’s north dune crossover. While the beach does tend to get crowded, there’s no better place to meet and interact with new people, mainly the locals.
Satellite Beach is a family-friendly getaway. You will find tour guides who organize “talks & walks” where they teach visitors everything they need to know about sea turtles. If you have young children, this might be something they’ll enjoy.
Aside from that, Satellite Beach is an excellent destination for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, sunbathing, and picnicking. Pavilions are also available if you want to be sheltered from the sun, but you must reserve them in advance.
Recommended nearby stay in Melbourne Beach: View listing
In the meantime, check out our top picks for the best beaches near Myrtle Beach.