As we continue our tour of towns on the Space (and Treasure) Coast of Florida, today’s adventures will bring us to the gorgeous and family friendly Melbourne Beach area. Offering those white sand beaches that make our state a popular vacation destination, beautiful parks, historic buildings, and of course, more of our Happy Palm Stays sanctuaries. Feeling at home while you’re far from your own home will offer the best beginnings and endings to days spent exploring the Melbourne Beach area. This Melbourne Beach activities guide will give you a peek into a crystal ball filled with fun, excitement, and relaxation.
Activities/Attractions
As in most Florida areas, the adventures you can enjoy are multi-faceted, including appreciation of our natural world, including the beaches, parks, and wildlife sanctuaries, an exploration of the history of the area, and discovery of all the fun you can have during your stay. The activities and attractions listed below are just a sample of all that awaits you during your Melbourne beach wanderings.
Green Gables Museum, 1501 S Harbor City Boulevard in Melbourne
The best way to get to know the area you are visiting is by exploring its past and the Green Gables Museum, constructed in 1896, is a shining example of the history of Melbourne.
Sea Turtle Preservation Society, 111 S Miramar Avenue in Indialantic
As you are exploring the beaches of Melbourne, frolicking in their blue waters, it is very likely you will come across a friendly, but gravely endangered sea turtle during your exploits. We urge you to look all you like, but do not touch, and then find your way to the Sea Turtle Preservation Society to learn more about the issues sea turtles face every day of their lives.
Eau Gallie Arts District Main Street Inc, 540 Montreal Avenue Suite 206 in MelbournÂ
Historically preserved and offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries, you could spend an entire day in the Eau Gallie Arts District and still not see it all. Be sure to schedule time for a tour of the murals that can be found painted on many of the buildings, either a guided tour that takes place every third Thursday or a self-guided walking tour with a map that can be found here.
Restaurants
Oh, the food of Florida is destined to haunt your dreams in all the best ways, and the restaurants listed below will become your newest obsession!
Breakfast or Lunch at Backwater, 1904 Backwater Lane in Melbourne or 5555 N Wickham RoadÂ
Everything on the menu is incredible, but we hold a special place in our hearts for their Hambone Benny.
Lunch or Dinner at Hemingway’s Tavern, 1800 W Hibiscus Boulevard #115
The acclaimed writer, Ernest Hemingway, had a long-term love affair with the state of Florida (Who could blame him?) and although he is known mainly for his home in Key West, he spread that love throughout the entire state, and Hemingway’s Tavern pays homage to the man. Did he ever dine inside the panel walled restaurant, sipping martinis as he devoured a big old bowl of Cubano de Langosta? (Lobster served Cuban style) Of course not, as this wonderful restaurant opened decades after his demise. But you will feel as if he did and that maybe as you are sampling their Charred Octopus and Hash, you might look up and see Papa Hemingway himself make a ghostly appearance, signifying his approval of the tavern bearing his namesake!
EventsÂ
Is there any better way to get to know the town you are visiting than by attending one of the events that reflects its personality? Maybe, but we can’t help thinking it is a lot more fun doing it this way and although we can’t fit every event or festival the Melbourne Beach area is known for into the paragraph below, we are offering a peek at how to start and end the year with the first and last festivals in January and December.
Space Coast Seashell Festival, Eau Gallie Civic Center
Your favorite way to collect shells will still be by gathering them from the beach, but this January festival sure does make it easier to find the ones you may be missing! Featuring shells from all corners of the world and creative art pieces made from those shells, even our locals can’t wait for this event to come to town each year!
Space Coast Holiday Food Fest & Craft Fair, Wickham Park
Christmas shopping isn’t always fun, but when you attend the Space Coast Holiday Food Fest & Craft Fair, we think you won’t want to stop your shopping! Offering holiday décor, food, and a market filled with unique handmade arts and craft pieces, this fun event will definitely help you get into the spirit of the holiday!
At Home with Happy Palm Stays
However you spend the daylight hours of your fabulous Florida getaway, coming home to Happy Palm Stays Melbourne Beach retreats will bring joy to your adventures. Reach out to reserve your favorite Melbourne Beach rental today!
