Discover Nature on Florida’s Space Coast

Florida’s Space Coast provides the perfect combination of sun and nature for everyone to explore. Not just the epicenter for the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral, the Space Coast also receives recognition as being a top destination for ecotourism.

An adventure lover’s dream, this part of “Old Florida” showcases many nature highlights. The region enjoys a reputation for having some of the greatest undeveloped and protected coastal areas in the state. The diverse ecosystems found here not only provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife but also outdoor recreation.

Extending from Titusville to Palm Bay, the area provides incredible diversity with 72 miles of picturesque coastline. With water, water, everywhere and outdoor adventures for every visitor, there is so much more to the region than space launches.

Whether you’re seeking a relaxing scenic drive, a hike on a stunning trail, or an adventure thrill, you’ll be sure to find it on Florida’s Space Coast.

Where is Florida’s Space Coast?

Florida’s Space Coast is located east of central Florida, just 45 miles from Orlando, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on its eastern side and the Indian River Lagoon and St. John’s River on the west.  If your Florida experience has been limited to Disney, the Keys, or South Beach, do yourself a favor and check this area out.

Here are few perfect ways to experience it.

A Cyclist’s Mecca

The region is a cyclist’s mecca with miles of trails.   Titusville is the junction of three converging trails that crisscross the area, including a Coast-to-Coast Trail and the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop. The East Coast Greenway Trail, currently under development, will ultimately connect Florida with Maine & Key West, a 3,000-mile trail that will be the nation’s longest protected biking and walking route.

Cyclists can enjoy the solitude and wildlife when biking or even walking through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge’s acres of marshes, hardwood hammocks, pine flat woods, and scrub. The coastal dunes provide a habitat for over 500 species of wildlife.

Manatees, sea turtles, alligators and various species of wading birds and waterfowl make this their home. The refuge is a must destination during the great birding migration.

Life’s a Beach

For some, a relaxing day at the beach is how you like to connect with nature, and the Canaveral National Seashore provides that and more. One of the natural wonders of the Space Coast, this seashore offers undeveloped nature, so you get an environment in its natural state.

The Canaveral National Seashore includes a barrier island offering 25 miles of beach, dunes, marshes, and lagoon habitats for more than 1,000 plant species and 310 bird species. Year-round recreation includes fishing, boating, surfing, swimming, hiking, camping, and nature trails.  Soak up the sun, fish, swim, kayak, or just walk in the surf.

Kayak through the Brevard Zoo 

The Brevard Zoo is the world’s only zoo with on-site kayaking.  For something unique, experience the animals at the new Expedition Africa exhibit from the water. The lush native Florida habitat resembles the African Bush, and you may feel like you are on safari.

The new addition to this unique small zoo is a replica of the Nyami River Delta that meanders around a 10-acre African savannah. Kayaking here is a rush for novice or seasoned paddlers.  Trips are led by experienced guides —no need to bring your own kayak.

A Bird Watchers Paradise

Avid birdwatchers flock to Florida’s Space Coast year-round at Indian River Lagoon, America’s most diverse estuary. Wading birds abound, as do ducks, pelicans, and my favorite, the double-breasted Cormorants. Did you know that the Cormorant’s feathers do not repel water? Instead, water weighs down their plumage so that they can dive more easily underwater for fish. Of course, there are numerous songbirds, raptors, and other bird species.

Closer to Cape Canaveral, the seashore offers a chance to witness a multitude of various shorebirds along 26 miles of undeveloped beach. The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, North America’s most endangered woodpecker, has also been rediscovered in the nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, recognized as the ‘gateway’ for the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Enchanted Forest Sanctuary 

The Enchanted Forest in Titusville is a designated wildlife sanctuary.  People can observe several ecosystems here, from majestic oak hammocks to wet prairie, all within one short hike. At every turn, the landscape and wildlife here make for great observation. Also, the beautiful property has multiple short trails and indoor educational centers for kids that include interactive exhibits.

Kayak the Lagoons

Some of the more popular waters for kayaking and paddle boarding are the Indian River and Banana River Lagoons.  These areas are home to abundant wildlife, including bottlenose dolphins and manatees.  Paddlers have their choice of rivers, creeks, lakes, estuaries, and coastlines to explore.

Florida’s Space Coast is one of the top places in the world to experience a natural phenomenon called bioluminescence—a spectacular light show that emanates from living organisms in the water. These tiny life-forms create their own blue-green light within themselves, illuminating small fish, water droplets, and a kayaker’s hand when dipped beneath the surface of the water. Our nighttime paddle with A Day Away Kayak Tours departing from Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge was a blast!

Hike the Space Coast 

 The Florida National Scenic Trail, better known as the Florida Trail, is a recreational trail that extends 1,500 miles traversing every type of terrain.  With various habitats to explore, from coastal scrub and floodplain forests to tropical hammocks, hikers can enjoy a fantastic diversity of ecosystems along the trails. Don’t forget your sun protection and insect repellant. Remember, getting your shoes wet or wading through shallow water hikes adds to the adventure.

The Centennial Trail in Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is the shortest and easiest of the refuge’s three trails. Its paved walkways and boardwalks make it fully wheelchair accessible.

Surfs Up at Sebastian Inlet 

Florida’s Space Coast has a rich history of surfing.  Being called the East Coast Surf Capital of the US, it attracts people from all over the world.  All along the 72 miles of beach are spots to watch surfers who have honed their skills. If you want to catch surfers doing tricks in a place where some of the pros have cut their teeth, Sebastian Inlet State Park is a haven of fun. Several surfing schools with experienced instructors are ready to get you up on a wave.

Evening Turtle Walks 

Florida’s beaches provide nesting habitat for more loggerhead turtles than any place in the Western Hemisphere. Also, more green turtles nest here than anywhere in North America. Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge encompasses about 20 miles of beach to protect them.  During nesting season, teams provide turtle walks for the public several nights a week in May, June, and July. The Turtle Conservancy has a limited number of spaces for the public to join a guided turtle walk for a chance to see a nesting loggerhead sea turtle.

There are countless Florida vacation destinations. But, if you’re like me, you want a little more open-air and a little less packaged entertainment. And if it’s nature and the outdoors you crave, a world of wonder awaits on the Space Coast.