Melbourne, Florida is a city in Brevard County along Florida's Treasure Coast. The first settlers arrived in the area around 1877, three of whom were African American freedmen. Although the new community was originally called Crane Creek, the name was changed to Melbourne in honor of the town's first postmaster, Cornthwaite John Hector, who had spent much of his life in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne's first school was established in 1883, and it remains on permanent exhibit at the Florida Institute of Technology. As of 1885, there were approximately 70 people living in the town. In 1942, the Naval Air Station Melbourne was built for training new Navy and Marine pilots for World War II. In 1969, residents of Melbourne and Eau Gallie, Florida voted to merge the two communities, which formed the present-day city of Melbourne.
As of 2022, Melbourne is home to roughly 87,000 people and is known as a hub for technology and aerospace businesses. During your visit, you could start by checking out a few of Melbourne's awesome museums. For example, there's the Liberty Bell Memorial Museum, which is dedicated to preserving unique aspects of American history. You could also stop by the Historic Rossetter House Museum & Gardens, which feature a beautifully restored home, a historic cemetery, and a peaceful garden area. There are many great family-friendly attractions around the city as well, such as the Brevard Zoo and Andretti Thrill Park.
If you want to enjoy the Florida sunshine, consider embarking on a relaxing Good Natured River Tour. You could also stroll through the Florida Tech Botanical Gardens, do some fishing at Sebastian Inlet State Park, or explore the nature trails of Wickham Park. If you're a birdwatching enthusiast, you can spend a few hours navigating the Viera Wetlands and observing the fascinating creatures. There are also many fantastic eateries around Melbourne. While you're in town and looking for a meal, you should stop by a few eateries that are popular with the locals, including Backwater, El Ambia Cubano Cuban Restaurant, and Jacqueline’s Bakery & Café.
Campgrounds Near Melbourne, Florida
While you're in the Melbourne area, consider camping at Long Point Park Campground. The park offers 170 full-hookup RV campsites for $28 per night. Some of the campsites are located right beside the water and offer opportunities to spot dolphins and pelicans. Additionally, the campground features a playground, a dump station, and laundry facilities, and there are nearby opportunities for fishing and swimming.
You could also camp at Outdoor Resorts, which provides guests with convenient river and ocean access. You can rent a full-hookup RV campsite, and during your stay, you'll be able to utilize the swimming pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, and fitness center. The campground is also known for its beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
Another lovely campground in the Melbourne area is Wickham Park. There, you can stay in one of the 133 full-hookup RV campsites and enjoy a variety of amenities. The park offers a playground, a dog park, a volleyball court, a disc golf course, laundry facilities, a dump station, and even an archery range. Plus, guests have easy access to a sandy beach and a peaceful lake.
State Parks Near Melbourne, Florida
Whether you're looking to relax or get active outdoors, Sebastian Inlet State Park is a wonderful destination to visit. The park features miles of white-sand beaches, a jetty that's great for fishing, and waves that offer fantastic surfing. The area's beautiful waters also provide opportunities for all kinds of water-based recreation, including kayaking, waterskiing, and Jet skiing. Alternatively, you could simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. Other features of the park include two interesting museums, a multi-use trail, and plenty of wildlife to observe.
Anyone who enjoys birdwatching or wildlife viewing should check out Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park in Okeechobee, Florida. The area is inhabited by many rare and endangered species, including alligators, parakeets, and grasshopper sparrows. Additionally, the park boasts many miles of scenic trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Visitors also have the opportunity to take a ranger-led prairie buggy tour, which stops by many remote sections of the park.
Another unique natural haven in the greater Melbourne area is Lake Kissimmee State Park. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the park is the cow camp living history area, where you can learn about Florida's fascinating cowboy heritage. There are some great recreational opportunities as well. During your visit, you could go horseback riding or hiking along the scenic trails, take your kayak out on the Buster Island Paddling Trail, or cast your fishing line in one of the nearby lakes.
National Sites Near Melbourne, Florida
The Canaveral National Seashore is an excellent place to experience the pristine beauty of the Florida coast. The site encompasses a 25-mile stretch of peaceful sandy beaches, offering a perfect setting for both relaxation and outdoor recreation. Visitors can sunbathe on the beach, go paddling or swimming in the ocean, or enjoy a serene hike along the gorgeous shoreline. If your timing is right, you can even watch a shuttle launch from the nearby Kennedy Space Center. The area also features historic homes and Native American archaeological sites to explore.
If you're a history buff, Fort Matanzas National Monument is a great national site to visit. The site preserves its namesake fort, which was originally constructed in 1742 to protect the Spanish colony of St. Augustine from attacks. These days, visitors can take self-guided tours of the fort, and during the summer, there are often re-enactors performing. While you're there, you can also do some fishing for red drum, black drum, spotted seatrout, flounder, and other fish species. If you're up for a hike, there are several lovely nature trails to explore around the monument.
Another fascinating historical site in the Melbourne area is the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. The site is situated on the western shores of Matanzas Bay, and the fort located there is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Dating back over 450 years, the fort preserves plenty of amazing history and culture, and exploring it in person is an unforgettable experience. During your visit, you can walk through the fort, browse a variety of historical exhibits, and stop by the theater room to watch an educational film.
National Forests Near Melbourne, Florida
Ocala National Forest is a 387,000-acre forest spread across central Florida. The lush natural area boasts wetlands, swamps, highlands, and coastal lowlands. The forest, which is split into four separate wilderness areas, is home to over 600 bodies of water, including lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and springs. Visitors can utilize these spots for various forms of recreation, such as kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, fishing, and swimming. There are many top-tier hiking routes to explore as well, like the St. Francis Trail Loop and the Davenport Landing Trail. While navigating the forest, you may get to spot alligators, black bears, otters, bobcats, foxes, and other wildlife species.
Osceola National Forest is not only a beautiful stretch of woodlands, but it's also a site of historical significance. The forest is part of the area where the largest Civil War battle in Florida took place. Today, though, the peaceful area is known for its tranquil hiking trails and great opportunities for fishing, waterskiing, and swimming. Many of the nature trails are perfect for horseback riding as well. While exploring superb routes like the Great Bird Trail or the Florida National Scenic Trail, keep your eyes open for gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, brown bears, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and other unique species.
Located on the Florida Panhandle, Apalachicola National Forest is a unique forest containing amazing caverns, fascinating sinkholes, and sub-tropical grasslands. While visiting the forest, you can explore the caves, check out the Leon Sinks area, and take a drive in your RV along the Apalachicola Savannahs Scenic Byway. You could also do some angling in the Apalachicola River, make use of the exceptionally dark skies for stargazing, and explore wonderful hiking routes like the Munson Hills Trail and the Silver Lake Trail.
