Melbourne Beach, Florida is a charming coastal town located just south of Melbourne on Florida’s Space Coast. Known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, Melbourne Beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The town offers a range of outdoor activities, including swimming, surfing, fishing, and kayaking, as well as a variety of dining and shopping options. With its natural beauty and small-town charm, Melbourne Beach is a wonderful place to visit or call home.
Beaches
1. Melbourne Beach: This is the main beach in town, offering white sand and crystal-clear water. The beach is known for its excellent surfing conditions and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
2. Spessard Holland Beach Park: This beach park offers visitors a range of activities, including swimming, fishing, and picnicking. There are also hiking and biking trails throughout the park, as well as a playground and pavilions for events and gatherings.
3. Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge: This protected area is home to several miles of pristine beach and is a popular spot for wildlife viewing, particularly sea turtles during nesting season.
4. Bonsteel Park: This secluded beach offers a quieter experience, with fewer crowds and plenty of opportunities for shelling and bird watching.
5. Coconut Point Park: This park features a beach area, as well as a boat launch, fishing pier, and picnic areas. The park is known for its stunning sunsets and views of the Indian River.
Activities
1. Wildlife Viewing: Melbourne Beach is home to several protected wildlife areas, including the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, which is a popular spot for sea turtle nesting during the summer months. Visitors can also go birdwatching and spot a variety of coastal birds.
2. Fishing: Melbourne Beach is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with several fishing charters and tours available for visitors. Anglers can try their luck catching a variety of fish, including redfish, snook, and tarpon.
3. Golfing: The town has several golf courses, including Spessard Holland Golf Course, which offers stunning views of the Indian River.
4. Historic Attractions: Visitors can take a step back in time and explore the town’s rich history at the Historic Rossetter House Museum and Gardens or the Florida Tech Botanical Gardens.
5. Water Sports: Melbourne Beach offers a range of water sports activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. Visitors can rent equipment or take lessons to try their hand at these exciting water sports.
Events
1. Melbourne Beach Arts Festival: Held annually in April, this two-day event features local and national artists showcasing their work, live music, and food vendors.
2. Independence Day Celebration: On the Fourth of July, the town hosts a celebration with live music, food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks display over the ocean.
3. Turtle Day: Held in May, this event celebrates the nesting and hatching of sea turtles in Melbourne Beach. Visitors can learn about sea turtles and their habitats, and even participate in a beach cleanup.
4. Melbourne Beach Christmas Parade: This annual parade takes place in December and features floats, marching bands, and local businesses and organizations spreading holiday cheer.
5. Surfing Santa Competition: Held in December, this event features surfers dressed up as Santa Claus competing in a surfing competition, along with live music and food vendors.
6. Halloween Spooktacular: In October, the town hosts a family-friendly Halloween event featuring a haunted house, trick-or-treating, and costume contests.
Shopping
1. Sea Glass Boutique: This boutique offers a variety of women’s clothing and accessories, as well as unique home decor and gifts.
2. Longboard House: This surf shop offers a variety of surfing equipment, including surfboards, skateboards, and apparel.
3. The White Butterfly: This boutique features a variety of handmade jewelry, pottery, and gifts made by local artists.
4. The Foxy Mermaid: This shop offers a variety of beachwear and accessories, including swimsuits, cover-ups, and beach bags.
5. Ocean Sports World: This shop offers a variety of outdoor gear and equipment, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and fishing gear.
6. Beachside Flower House: This flower shop offers a variety of beautiful floral arrangements and gifts for any occasion.
Dining
1. Sand on the Beach: This casual beachside restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes, sandwiches, and salads, along with live music and outdoor seating.
2. Ocean 302 Bar & Grill: This upscale restaurant features a menu of locally sourced seafood, steaks, and creative cocktails, with outdoor seating and ocean views.
3. Bunky’s Raw Bar: This casual seafood spot offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, along with a selection of beer and wine.
4. Djon’s Steak & Lobster House: This upscale steakhouse features a menu of steaks, seafood, and pasta dishes, along with an extensive wine list.
5. Thai Thai Village: This family-owned restaurant offers a variety of authentic Thai dishes, including curries, noodles, and stir-fries.
6. Melbourne Beach Market: This gourmet market offers a variety of prepared foods, sandwiches, and salads, along with a selection of wine and beer.
Real Estate
1. Location: Melbourne Beach is located on a barrier island, which means that many of the homes and condos are located just steps from the beach. This makes Melbourne Beach a desirable location for those who want to live near the ocean.
2. Property types: The real estate market in Melbourne Beach includes a variety of property types, including condos, townhomes, single-family homes, and luxury estates.
3. Prices: The median home price in Melbourne Beach is higher than the national average, reflecting the high demand for beachfront properties. However, there are still more affordable options available, especially for those who are willing to live a few blocks away from the beach.
4. Vacation rentals: Many homeowners in Melbourne Beach choose to rent out their properties as vacation rentals when they are not using them. This can be a good way to offset the cost of owning a second home in a desirable location.
5. Investment potential: The real estate market in Melbourne Beach has a strong history of appreciation, making it a good investment for those who are looking to build long-term wealth.
Melbourne Beach, Florida offers the perfect combination of beachfront living, outdoor activities, and unique dining and shopping experiences. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an active lifestyle, Melbourne Beach has something for everyone. From the beautiful beaches and water activities to the wide range of events, shopping, and dining options, there’s always something to do in this charming coastal town. Additionally, the real estate market offers a variety of options for those looking to invest in a beachfront property, whether it be a vacation rental, a second home, or a permanent residence. Overall, Melbourne Beach is a wonderful place to call home and an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Florida.