What to do and see in Merritt Island, Florida (FL): The Best Nature & Parks

May 21, 2022 Vivienne Hutton

Merritt Island is a census-designated place in Brevard County, Florida, located on the eastern Floridian coast, along the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 34,743. It is part of the Palm Bay – Melbourne – Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The name "Merritt Island" also refers to the extent of the former island, which is now a peninsula.
Restaurants in Merritt Island

1. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

State Road 402 (5 miles east of Titusville), Merritt Island, FL 32782 +1 321-861-0667 http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Merritt_Island/Visitor_Information_center.html.aspx
Excellent
75%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 951 reviews

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

This wildlife conservation park is home to more endangered species than anywhere else in America.

Reviewed By BluegooseTraveler - New York Mills, United States

My my wife and I were able to visit the refuge in April. It offers miles of roads to drive as part of its wildlife auto tour. Merritt Island NWR is located on the eastern shore of Florida, the headquarters is located near the City of Titusville. This NWR was established in 1963 to primarily provide habitat for migratory birds. The day we visited was windy and rainy, so we stopped first at the Visitor Center to pick up some souvenirs, see the exhibits and talk with the volunteer staff first hand. We thoroughly enjoyed the auto tour and walking on the beach as we got to see several kinds of birds and small animals. This refuge offers fishing, wildlife viewing, bird watching, hiking, great photographic opportunities and hunting. Come and bring your family (especially children), binoculars, camera, and see what this wonderful area of Florida has to offer. This is a very peaceful and tranquil place to visit. You can walk for hours along the beach, enjoying the birds circle over head and the mullet jumping hoping to avoid the predators below. Watch where you step as alligators are everywhere.

2. Black Point Wildlife Drive

Hwy 406, Merritt Island, FL +1 321-861-0669 https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Merritt_Island/Black_Point_Wildlife_Drive.aspx
Excellent
74%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 340 reviews

Black Point Wildlife Drive

Reviewed By 2BNKD

We happened across this wildlife drive by chance. We really enjoyed the drive. Take a camera, binoculars and a lot of patience. I think it's about a 12 mile drive that you'll not want to go over 5 mph just to see all the wildlife. There are a few hiking trails that you will not want to pass up. You'll need to look closely, but many of them are hiding. We countless alligators, many varieties of birds including two bald eagles, fish, and wild boar. It is a one way single lane road. There are opportunities for you to pull to the side of the road and let other cars pass you as you enjoy stopping to search for more 'gators and view so many different kinds of birds. There is a $10/car fee, but they do allow entrance for people with national park passes.

3. Intracoastal Waterway Park

Hwy 520 Causeway Hubert Humphrey Bridge, Merritt Island, FL 32953 +1 321-633-1874
Excellent
57%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
29%
Poor
14%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 7 reviews

Intracoastal Waterway Park

4. Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary

805 N Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952-5752 +1 321-633-1874 https://www.brevardfl.gov/ParksRecreation/Central/ParksInMerrittIsland/Ulumay
Excellent
40%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
15%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 20 reviews

Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary

Reviewed By Dobbinsclan - Titusville, United States

Great place to put in the kayak. Spent the day exploring the mangroves. We were pleasantly surprised!

5. Obloy Family Ranch

165 Gator Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32953-8139 +1 321-848-2486 [email protected] https://www.obloyfamilyranch.com/petting-zoo
Excellent
46%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
28%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 69 reviews

Obloy Family Ranch

Reviewed By Connector750392 - Denver, United States

Had a GREAT horseback ride with Jas a few weeks ago. He gave us some basic riding instruction after matching us up with our horses. We rode through The Obloy Family Ranch on nice wide trails.. VERY FUN!

6. Manatee Cove Park

4905 N Tropical Trl, Merritt Island, FL 32953-7617 http://www.visitspacecoast.com/listings/manatee-cove-park/903/
Excellent
33%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 9 reviews

7. Harbor Island Marina

290 Marine Harbor Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32953-4170 +1 321-453-2464 [email protected] http://harborsquaremarina.tripod.com/
Excellent
20%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
60%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 5 reviews

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