Last Updated on March 26, 2024
Are you looking for the best things to do in Melbourne, FL? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Melbourne is a city on Florida’s Space Coast, not far from Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, and north of Vero Beach.
If you’re driving on Route 1 in Melbourne, keep your eyes open for a big orange.
This east coast city is located in Brevard County. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and numerous fun activities for the whole family.
These are the top things to do in Melbourne, FL, including great places to eat, shop, and stay during your visit.
From beautiful outdoor space and delicious dining options to unique shops, check out all the best places in this cool city about an hour from Orlando.
Table of contents
Fun Things to Do in Melbourne
Brevard Zoo
Brevard Zoo is a perfect place to visit during your visit to Melbourne. The world-class zoo is home to many different species and fun things to do.
The zoo is divided into sections like “Expedition Africa” and “Wild Florida,” where you can explore and meet different animals.
At the zoo, there are giraffes, black bears, monkeys, flamingos, and more.
In addition to seeing animals, the zoo has a few exciting add-ons that you can experience during your visit.
For example, there are 10-minute train rides through the Africa section, a treetop trek through the rainforest area, and kayaking with guided tour options.
TIPS:
- Brevard Zoo is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.
- On-site general admission is $32.95 for adults 12 and older, $27.95 for seniors 65 and older, and $21.95 for children 3 to 11. Children 3 and under receive free admission.
- Discounted admission rates are available when you purchase your tickets online.
For more information, visit the official Brevard Zoo website.
Brevard Zoo Address: 8225 N Wickham Rd., Melbourne, FL 32940
Historic Downtown Melbourne
Historic Downtown Melbourne is a must-visit place to see while in the area. This popular spot has plenty of things to do, from events and shopping to dining and more.
Explore the local art scene by checking out the cool commissioned murals that can be found throughout downtown.
The murals are breathtaking works of art created by artists who beautifully capture Melbourne’s style and personality.
Downtown Melbourne is a great central location that hosts fun events all year long.
The Downtown Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, and Candlelight Shopping in December are just some of the cool events that happen here.
For more information, visit the official Downtown Melbourne website.
Historic Downtown Melbourne Address: 2004 Vernon Place, Melbourne, FL 32901
Wickham Park
Wickham Park is nearly a 400-acre park maintained by Brevard County.
The park contains a scenic drive, nature trails, a lot of outdoor activities, picnic tables, and campgrounds.
Explore the large community park and playground while enjoying outdoor activities like swimming, disc golf, volleyball, and archery.
There is even a dog park and an equestrian area with horse trails.
There are primitive campsites and campsites with water and electric hook-ups within the property for visitors interested in camping in Florida.
TIPS:
- Wickham Park is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Campsites can be booked online through Brevard County’s Online Portal.
For more information, visit the official Brevard County website.
Wickham Park Address: 2500 Parkway Dr., Melbourne, FL 32935
Howard E. Futch Memorial Park at Paradise Beach
Howard E. Futch Memorial Park at Paradise Beach is a Brevard County beach park. It is the perfect spot to enjoy the beach while having access to amenities like restrooms, barbeque grills, and picnic areas.
Take in views of sand dunes, palm trees, and the Atlantic Ocean at the beach.
The park also has a playground and volleyball courts, making it a great place for the whole family.
Howard E. Futch Memorial Park at Paradise Beach is open daily.
For more information, visit the official Brevard County website.
Howard E. Futch Memorial Park at Paradise Beach Address: 2301 N Highway A1A, Melbourne, FL 32903
Melbourne Liberty Bell Museum
The Liberty Bell Memorial Museum is an educational Melbourne spot run by Honor America.
The nonprofit is known for its management of the museum, Melbourne Military Memorial Park, and hosting patriotic events throughout the year.
- Memorial Day Ceremony
- Flag Day Ceremony
- Patriot Awards Dinner
- Independence Day Parade
- Veterans Day Parade
- Military Band Concerts
- Special occasion events and displays
At the museum, you can learn more about major milestones in American history and the rich history of the Liberty Bell.
The main attraction is the museum’s replica of the Liberty Bell. The bell weighs approximately one ton and was cast by the same foundry in London that cast the original Liberty Bell in 1751.
Melbourne Liberty Bell Museum is open on Tuesday from 10 am to 2 pm and by appointment.
There’s no admission fee to visit the museum. However, they welcome any donations.
For more information, visit the official Honor America website.
Melbourne Liberty Bell Museum Address: 1601 Oak St., Melbourne, FL 32901
Joy and Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden
If you are a fan of botanical gardens, don’t miss a visit to Joy & Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden at Florida Tech.
Joy & Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden is a public garden located within the campus of Florida Tech. The best part is that this lovely garden is free to access.
Enjoy seeing tropical flora and fauna in its natural habitat. Also located in the garden is the Little Red Schoolhouse, Melbourne’s first school, built in 1883.
Joy & Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
For more information, visit the official Florida Tech website.
Joy & Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden Address: 150 W University Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901
Additional Things to Do in Melbourne
Sebastian Inlet State Park
This state park is a must-visit for beach lovers, with great shelling and surfing options.
Sebastian Inlet State Park Address: 9700 S Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Eau Gallie Arts District
Eau Gallie Arts District is a creative community in Melbourne with local artists and cool galleries to explore.
Eau Gallie Arts District Address: 1492 Highland Ave, Melbourne, FL 32935
Sea Turtle Preservation Society
Learn about sea turtles and how to help them survive at this great nonprofit. It also has a wonderful gift shop.
Sea Turtle Preservation Society Address: 111 S Miramar Ave, Indialantic, FL 32903
Melbourne Beach Pier
Melbourne Beach Pier is a historic, west-facing pier with amazing sunset views of the Indian River.
Melbourne Beach Pier Address: 998 Riverside Dr., Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Historic Rossetter House Museum
This historic Eau Gallie spot has Victorian antiques on display and a garden on the property.
Historic Rossetter House Museum Address: 1320 Highland Ave, Melbourne, FL 32935
Places to Stay in Melbourne
Tuckaway Shores Oceanfront Resort
Tuckaway Shores Oceanfront Resort is a great place to stay by the beach in Melbourne. This spot is known for its Old Florida charm.
It offers a variety of different accommodation options.
The resort has different-sized rooms and suites that can accommodate anywhere from four to five guests. Suites include a kitchenette, living room, and patio or balcony.
While staying here, you have easy access to the beach and pool. Right down the road, there are many excellent dining options to choose from.
TIPS:
- You can book with Tuckaway Shores Oceanfront Resort directly on its website or by calling 321-723-3355.
- This property is not pet-friendly.
For more information, visit the official Tuckaway Shores Oceanfront Resort website.
Tuckaway Shores Oceanfront Resort Address: 1441 S Miramar Ave, Indialantic, FL 32903
SeaGlass Inn Bed and Breakfast
SeaGlass Inn Bed and Breakfast is another fantastic place to stay during a trip to Melbourne, FL. This spot has plenty of amenities for a relaxing, romantic getaway.
Start your day with a full breakfast in the dining room. In the evening, the inn also hosts a happy hour with wine and snacks.
In addition, you have access to a heated swimming pool, bicycles, beach equipment, and a lovely courtyard area.
There are a variety of rooms to choose from, some have spa tubs, balconies, and other cozy features.
TIPS:
- SeaGlass Inn Bed and Breakfast check-in is at 3:00 pm. Check-out is at 11:00 am.
- This property has a 2-night minimum on weekends between January and April, in addition to holiday weekends.
- Pets are not allowed at the inn.
For more information, visit the official SeaGlass Inn Bed and Breakfast website.
SeaGlass Inn Bed and Breakfast Address: 514 Ocean Ave, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Red Bird Bungalow
Red Bird Bungalow is a cozy place to stay in Melbourne’s Eau Gallie Art District. The guest suite has a studio layout and is a great option for solo travelers or couples looking to explore the area.
The bungalow has a double bed and kitchen. There is a shared backyard on the property with gorgeous plants and décor.
This makes it a nice spot to relax when you’re not out and about exploring the area.
TIPS:
- Red Bird Bungalow is available for booking through Airbnb.
- Check-in is after 1:00 pm. Check-out is at 11:00 am.
- This spot accommodates up to two guests.
- Dogs under 25 pounds are permitted on the property.
For more information, visit the official listing on the Airbnb website.
Red Bird Bungalow Address: Melbourne, FL (address is disclosed after booking)
Additional Places to Stay in Melbourne
Seashell Suites Resort
Seashell Suites Resort is a relaxing spot with private beach access. It has a great tropical vibe.
Seashell Suites Resort Address: 8795 South Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Floridana Beach Motel
Floridana Beach Motel is a quaint beachside motel just a block away from the beach. It feels like taking a step back in time.
Floridana Beach Motel Address: 6580 S Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Where to Eat in Melbourne
Hemingway’s Tavern
Hemingway’s Tavern is not only one of our favorite places, it’s also a Trip Advisor top-rated place to eat in Melbourne.
This restaurant is inspired and themed after author Ernest Hemingway’s time in Key West.
The menu here has quite a selection, with a variety of Cuban dishes and seafood plates.
You can also enjoy any of their soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and more.
Favorites include the Key West Bowl, a rice and beans dish with mojo pork, chimichurri sauce, and fried plantains.
The Cafécito is a quick-service walk-up window located at the restaurant. This spot serves delicious coffee as well as sandwich and pastry selections.
There’s always less of a wait time but equally as delicious as the main restaurant. There is an outdoor courtyard where you can enjoy your meal or you can get it to go.
TIPS:
- Hemingway’s Tavern is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
- The Cafécito walk-up window is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday from 7;00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
- This restaurant does not take reservations.
For more information, visit the official Hemingway’s Tavern website.
Hemingway’s Tavern Address: 1800 W Hibiscus Blvd., #115, Melbourne, FL 32901
Meg O’Malley’s Irish Pub
Meg O’Malley’s Irish Pub is a restaurant located in Downtown Melbourne. It is known for its authentic Irish cuisine and pub menu.
The stars of the menu are the Shepard’s Pie, Irish Stew, and Bangers & Mash. All of them are delicious, classic Irish meals.
If you can’t decide between the three, you can order the Pub Trinity, which is a meal that includes smaller portions of each of these favorites.
The pub has a variety of drinks to choose from, including draught beer and signature cocktails.
The Irish Mule is a popular cocktail, but you also can’t go wrong with any of the Guinness beers.
TIPS:
- Meg O’Malley’s Irish Pub is open Monday through Wednesday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Thursday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Friday from 11:00 am to 1:00 am, Saturday from 10:30 am to 1:00 am, and Sunday from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm.
- Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
- This spot has live music on the weekends.
For more information, visit the official Meg O’Malley’s Irish Pub website.
Meg O’Malley’s Irish Pub Address: 812 E New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901
El Ambia Cubano
El Ambia Cubano is an authentic Cuban restaurant located in Melbourne.
This spot opened in 2009 and is known for its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere.
The menu includes many great options, like Ropa Vieja, Picadillo, and Churrasco, but the stand-out dish is Hemingway Rice.
Hemingway Rice is a new take on seafood paella with a lobster tail on top, served with sweet plantains and salad.
Definitely save room for dessert and try Ambia’s Flan, a delicious Latin custard dessert with caramel and whipped cream. It pairs fabulously with cafécito or Cuban coffee.
TIPS:
- El Ambia Cubano is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Closed Sunday.
- The restaurant offers lunch specials Monday through Thursday, where different dishes are available at a discount.
For more information, visit the official El Ambia Cubano website.
El Ambia Cubano Address: 950 E Melbourne Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901
Additional Places to Eat in Melbourne
Backwater
Backwater is a local spot that has all-day breakfast and lunch with a good selection of vegan and gluten-free options.
Backwater Address: 1904 Municipal Lane, Melbourne, FL 32901
Hell ‘n Blaze Brewing
Downtown Melbourne spot, Hell ‘n Blaze Brewing, offers a variety of craft beers and a tasty food menu.
Hell ‘n Blaze Brewing Address: 1002 E New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901
Where to Shop in Melbourne
The Avenue Viera
The Avenue Viera is a perfect spot for shopping in Melbourne. It is home to many different shops that sell everything from clothes to shoes to special occasion outfits and more.
The outdoor mall is ideal for walking from store to store.
There is a Central Park located in the center of the Avenue Viera, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
There are also plenty of dining options in the shopping area. Stop by a nearby café for a caffeinated pick-me-up while you’re between stores.
The Avenue Viera hours vary by individual business.
For more information, visit the official The Avenue Viera website.
The Avenue Viera Address: 2261 Town Center, Melbourne, FL 32940
Rehab Vintage Market
Rehab Vintage Market is another cool place to shop in Melbourne. At the market, you can shop for vintage décor, furniture, art, and accessories.
In addition to the unique items that are found and sold here, Rehab Vintage Market also hosts seasonal yard sales and outdoor markets.
During these events, a large selection is available at discounted prices.
Rehab Vintage Market is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. Closed on Monday.
For more information, visit the official Rehab Vintage Market website.
Rehab Vintage Market Address: 1442 N Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32935
Additional Places to Shop in Melbourne
Downtown Melbourne
There are tons of great shopping options to check out in Downtown Melbourne, the heart of the city.
Downtown Melbourne Address: New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901
Indian River Antique Mall
Indian River Antique Mall is a large antique mall with a bunch of different independent dealers. It’s open seven days a week.
Indian River Antique Mall Address: 2730 W New Haven Ave, Melbourne Village, FL 32904
Jim Morrison’s Birthplace
If you drive on U.S. 1, you’ll see the Riders on the Storm Inn on the south side. Currently, this is the most visible sign that Melbourne was the birthplace of legendary musician Jim Morrison.
Morrison was born on December 8, 1943. His early childhood Melbourne home was owned by his parents, George Stephen Morrison, an Air Force officer, and Clara Clark Morrison, a teacher.
The home is located at 2100 Vernon Place in Melbourne. In 2006, the 2,112 sq-ft house sold for $135,000.
Although it was renovated from its original style, it was put on the market in February 2022 for $2,500,000.
In July 2022, it was lowered to $1,950,000.
In October of 2022, it was removed from the market and is no longer for sale. The real estate agent thought buying the home of a rock legend would warrant the hefty price tag by a wealthy superfan.
Although the original house has changed, fans of Jim Morrison continue to visit the home to pay tribute to the iconic rock star.
Tips on Visiting Melbourne
How to Get There
If you are flying, the Melbourne Orlando International Airport is the closest and most convenient airport to fly into.
Orlando International Airport is approximately 60 miles away and has a larger number of airlines that fly in and out.
When to Visit
The best time to visit the Melbourne area is between November and April, when the temperatures are milder and hurricane season is not active.
Temperature highs tend to range from the 70s to the low-80s, with lows in the 60s and 70s.
How to Get Around
To visit all the sites in the Melbourne area, we recommend driving, as many attractions are miles apart.
Areas like Downtown Melbourne are an exception, where you can easily walk between a variety of shopping and dining options.
How Long to Stay
Depending on how much you want to see and do during your trip to Melbourne, you might consider making this a weekend trip.
If you want to take your time exploring, this is a great place to spend a week or several weeks.
What to Pack
Along with weather-appropriate outfits, Melbourne is near the beach, so we recommend bringing a few essentials to stay safe outdoors:
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Sun hat
- Bug spray
- Jacket
- Comfortable shoes
Melbourne, FL FAQs a
What is Melbourne and Melbourne Beach Florida known for?
- Set beside the Indian River Lagoon along Florida’s Space Coast, Melbourne offers beaches, fishing, golf, snorkeling and many other outdoor activities.
- You can bask in the sunshine on miles and miles of Melbourne’s unspoiled beaches by daylight or at night.
- Enjoy a romantic moonlit walk, complete with tropical breezes.
Does Melbourne, Florida, have a downtown?
- Historic Downtown Melbourne is a thriving shopping and entertainment hub nestled along Florida’s Space Coast.
- Immerse yourself in a plethora of distinctive stores such as Downtown Divas, The Flop Shop, The Irish Shop, Indian River Soap, and countless others, where you’ll unearth truly unique treasures.
- There’s free parking and over 20 dining establishments in downtown Melbourne.
Is Melbourne a Walkable City?
- Put on your walking shoes and immerse yourself in a pedestrian-friendly paradise.
- Spanning approximately one square mile, Downtown Melbourne beckons with its irresistible charm, seamlessly blending walkability and picturesque beauty.
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