Space Coast, Florida

A travel journal to Merritt Island by Tombrew

Holiday Inn Photo - Holiday Inn, Merritt Island, Florida

Quote: This part of the coast is mainly known for Cape Canaveral and the space industry. However, it is a nature lover's and beach lover's paradise.

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Space Coast, Florida

Overview

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Communing with nature is the thing to do in this area (besides being a NASA tourist, of course). The bird and snake variety in the Merritt Island National Seashore is unbelievable - from wading birds to raptors including bald eagles. The endangered Indigo snake can be seen here, as well as otters. The manatee population is also significant. Quick Tips: If you like nude sunbathing, you can find it here too.Best Way To Get Around: Driving. To get to this area from Orlando, get on Highway 50 (Colonial Drive) and head east for about an hour. If it is during the season, you can stop in Christmas, FL along the way to get your cards postmarked! When you get to Titusville, you are pre...Read More

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Holiday Inn

Hotel

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This is well located for the tourists and for the nature lovers. Right on Indian River, you can look across to the Shuttle launching area. There are several places to eat and drink within walking distance. Be sure to check and see if there is a launch before you come. It will be booked and the crowds will be large, and many areas of Merritt Island are off limits during this time.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on January 20, 2001

Holiday Inn
260 East Merritt Island Causeway
Merritt Island, Florida 32952
(321) 452-7711

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Playalinda Beach

Attraction

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Stated above. Just an incredible and beautiful beach. Endangered sea turtles lay their eggs here, and the eggs are protected by little fences. To sunbathe nude, if it is still "allowed," when you get to the parking lots, drive north (and drive and drive) to the last lot, number 13 I believe. Go to the beach (don't get nekkid yet!) and walk and walk up to a section called Klondike. When you see naked people, you are there. Be cool.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 20, 2001

Playalinda Beach
Merritt Island
Merritt Island, Florida

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Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Attraction | "Manatees and few tourists"

Quote:

Go into the park on 402, and you can stop at Park Headquarters for a map to the good spots. Or, if you don't like stopping for maps and directions (i.e., you are male) then drive on 402 to Highway 3. Go north for a few miles and you will see a bridge - cross the bridge, take your first right and park. Walk on down to the dock, and manatess will be there, playing and swimming. Simply beautiful.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 20, 2001

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
State Road 402
Merritt Island, Florida 32782
(321) 861-0667

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Seeing incredible wildlife

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Attraction

Wildlife Refuge 2 Photo - Seeing incredible wildlife, Merritt Island, Florida

Quote:

If you are into birds, this place is unbelievable! Hawks, ospreys, bald eagles, herons, kingfishers, roseated spoonbills, ibis, cormorants, frigate birds, all in large numbers. You can see the eagles' nests as well! When I hiked here, I saw a rare indigo snake as well, and otters. Just drive into the park, and follow the signs to the scenic drive. This in itself is spectacular, and may be your best recourse if you did not bring Off. The mosquitoes are treacherous. Along this drive, you will see a viewing tower, and a hiking trail. I believe this loop trail is 5 miles long, and it is fantastic.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 20, 2001

Seeing incredible wildlife
Merritt Island Refuge
Merritt Island, Florida

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Cassadaga - The Twilight Zone in Florida

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Story/Tip

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OK - this is not in the Space Coast. But its close. It is on I-4 northeast of Orlando on the way to Daytona. From Titusville, you can cut over on 46 to Sanford, and catch I-4 there. When you get here, you will notice that the only residents appear to be psychics and spiritualists. Now I don't believe most hocus pocus stuff, but you must understand - THERE IS SOMETHING VERY VERY STRANGE GOING ON HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!. The psychics here will freak you out. They really can tell you all about who you are, where you are from, all about your life, your family, and many other things. I know you don't believe me - go here. Just walk around and you will feel it. Look at the people and you can see that th...Read More