At Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, protecting sea turtles is the central focus. But Brevard’s nature preserves tell a broader story: of coastal and inland habitats, trails through different ecosystems, and a history of spaceflight brought to life in exhibits.

Coastal Habitats and Sea Turtles

Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge stretches 20.5 miles between Melbourne Beach and Wabasso Beach along Florida’s east coast, through Brevard and Indian River counties. It protects habitats in the world’s most important nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles, as well as North America’s most important nesting area for green sea turtles. Visitors can watch wildlife, fish and hike, or learn more about endangered and threatened species there.

The Barrier Island Center serves as the refuge’s visitor center, with a focus on public education about sea turtles. Thus, alongside the nature experience, it also provides information about species conservation. At Playalinda Beach in Brevard County, a beach visit and wildlife watching go hand in hand with the possibility of watching rocket launches. Migratory birds, alligators and other species living in ponds may be seen from the first eight observation points. Whether a rocket launch can be seen depends on launch operations.

Trails Through Different Natural Environments

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge covers 140,000 acres of coastal dunes, saltwater marshes, managed impoundments, scrubland, pine flatwoods and hardwood forests. These habitats provide a home for more than 1,500 plant and animal species, as well as 15 federally listed species. Activities available there include birdwatching, nature study, fishing and seasonal hunting; some activities are seasonal or regulated.

At Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, several miles of trails lead through the preserve. Wildlife watching and nature photography are also possible there. The Management & Education Center introduces visitors of all ages and abilities to the area’s distinctive natural features. Brevard County’s park system preserves Florida’s natural features for visitors to experience and appreciate. The parks offer, among other things, camping, equestrian trails, fishing, boating, swimming and water sports, from sailing to kayaking. Availability of individual facilities may vary.

One example is Long Point Park: this 84.5-acre nature preserve and municipal river park is located on an island in the Indian River Lagoon. Waterfront campsites offer the opportunity to camp with access to fishing; Scout Island has more than a mile of nature trails. Crane Creek Sanctuary in Melbourne offers a different kind of access. It protects 16 acres of waterfront along Crane Creek and can only be reached by canoe or kayak from Riverview Park on US Highway 1.

To reach the southern entrance to Canaveral National Seashore in Titusville, take I-95 to exit 220 and follow Garden Street. The road continues for about 15 miles to the park entrance. Check the route before setting out.

Spaceflight and Local History

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex features exhibits about rockets, spacecraft and space technology. The Space Shuttle Atlantis is on permanent display there, and the exhibit includes more than 60 interactive and immersive displays. The American Space Museum’s collection ranges from spacecraft parts, astronaut suits and photographs to working launch consoles and memorabilia from Soviet cosmonauts.

Historic homes and trails also offer a glimpse into the region’s past. Historic Rossetter House Museum includes the James Wadsworth Rossetter House, built in 1908, and its gardens; the William R. Roesch House, built in 1901; and the Houston Family Memorial Cemetery, established in 1865. The Rossetter House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Behind the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science, the Johnnie Johnson Nature Trails pass through three ecosystems in a 22-acre nature preserve.

The two-story, wood-frame building now known as Field Manor was built in 1880. Guided tours are held every Saturday at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.; meet on the riverside veranda. Check the times before your visit. The visitor program also includes an afternoon tea with loose-leaf teas, savory dishes, sweets and scones, along with a brief museum tour. Reservations are required; the open seating area can accommodate up to 14 people.

A walking tour in Downtown Cocoa Village is offered as a historic experience. The Leon and Jewel Collins Museum of African American History and Culture preserves African American history and culture, with a focus on the Black community in Cocoa, Florida.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Cape Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Titusville, West Melbourne, Palm Bay, Indialantic, Satellite Beach, Rockledge, June Park, Mims, Indian Harbour Beach, Melbourne Beach, South Patrick Shores, Merritt Island.

For the main travel overview: Florida.