Melbourne, Florida

Nature

Location: 8225 N. Wickham Road, exit 73 off I-95.
Admission: Adults $4, children under 12 $2.50.

Sebastian Inlet- A beautiful beach area and a popular surfing spot. Camping, picnicking and beach access are available. Boating, fishing and bird-watching are favorite pastimes at this well-known state park.

Location: 9700 Highway AIA south of Melbourne Beach
Telephone: (407)984-4852

Long Point Park- Just south of Melbourne Beach, this quiet country park on the river offers camping, picnicking and boating facilities.

Location: 700 Long Activitiesnt Drive, Melbourne Beach
Telephone: (407)984-4852

Ballard Park- A recreational park with a playground, picnic area, boat ramp, fishing and tennis courts, all overlooking the Indian River lagoon.

Location: End of Thomas Barbour Drive, off of US1, Melbourne
 

History

Liberty Bell Museum- A full-size model of the Liberty Bell is located in this museum. The replica was cast by White Chapel Bell Foundry, the same company that produced the original bell. The museum is a tribute to the nation's freedom and was built with efforts of Honor America Inc.

Location: 1601 Oak St., Melbourne
Telephone: (407)727-1776

Historical Walking Tour, Downtown Melbourne- For history enthusiasts, downtown Melbourne historical buildings. The Brevard Historical Society can be contacted for more information at (407)725-9925.

Day Trips

The following attractions are a fast change of pace from Brevard, but can be enjoyed in a day trip. All are located on Interstate 4 off of US Highway 192, west of Melbourne.

Sea World, Orlando- Whales, sharks, seals, penguins anda water ski show are featured. Allow about six hours to explore this theme park. For info, call (800)432-1178.

Universal Studios of Florida, Orlando- Rides and exhibits, plus views behind movie scenes bring the world of movie-making to visitors of this attraction. Call (407)363-8000 for information.

Walt Disney World/Epcot, Orlando- Fantasy for the family is offered with all the props and real-life magic you could wish for. Call (407)824-4321 for information.

Wet N'Wild- A water park complete with slides, rides and wave machines, open to all ages. Call (407)351-3200 for details.

Miscellaneous

Greyhound Park, Melbourne- Open daily with live dog races on a seasonal basis. For information call (407)259-9800.

Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science, Cocoa- The county's history comes alive through exhibits and archaeology. A 22-acre wildlife sanctuary is affiliated with the museum in Cocoa. Call (407)632-1830.

Kennedy Space Center, Titusville- Full-size models of spacecraft, lunar rock exhibits, space suits from early manned missions, and a tour by the launch pad are just some of the exciting attractions of Spaceport USA. The launching of people and machines into space can be relived through one of the three IMAX films, shown on a gigantic 5.5 story movie screen. Allow at least six hours for a visit.

Location: The center is on US Highway 405
Telephone: (407)452-2121

Port Canaveral Ocean Cruises, Port Canaveral- Located in Cape Canaveral Carnival Cruise Lines offers trips to the Bahamas, while Premier Cruise Lines offers sails on star ships. Call Carnival at (305)599-2600 and Premier at (407)783-5061.

US Astronauts Hall of Fame, Titusville- Just west of the Kennedy Space Center off SR 405, this museum gives a detailed history of the first seven astronauts. The US Space Camp is also located here. Call (407)269-6100 for details.