In Brevard County, life’s a beach with 72 miles of coastline to enjoy. No matter what your perfect “beach day” consists of- you can find it at one of Brevard’s beaches- whether an idyllic day enjoying nature or people watching at the Pier there’s plenty of places to enjoy the surf and sand.
Best places to catch a wave:
Sebastian Inlet- 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach Juan Ponce DeLeon Park- 4005 Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach Millennium Beach Park- 2144 Highway A1A, Satellite Beach 2nd Light at Patrick Air Force Base- Patrick Air Force Base Beach Eats: Da Kine Diego’s Insane Burritosisa staple among surfers. 1360 Highway. A1A, Satellite Beach
A Pristine Beach and Natural Beauty
Playalinda at Canaveral National Seashores is quiet and uninhabited. No condos, no commercial buildings, you get the idea. Boardwalks from the parking areas offer access to the beach protecting the fragile sand dunes from foot traffic. Lifeguards are located at Parking Area 2, May 30 through September 1. SCL Tip: Be prepared! This is nature unspoiled. The seashore is located 12 miles east of Titusville on State Road 402. Bring water, food, sunscreen, etc. The only amenity on this beach is restrooms. While you’re there: don’t miss the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, a wildlife preserve for nature lovers, and home to more than 22 threatened or endangered species including manatees, gopher tortoises and the eastern indigo snake. Enjoy a six-mile self-guided driving tour and shaded boardwalks that weave through pine and oak hammocks.
Let’s Get Together
Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach is a popular location for events and gatherings, especially families with children. Two medium pavilions, grills, a playground, an open grassy area, and a sand volleyball court are located on the north side. A grassy area and picnic tables are on the south side. 1500 N Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach SCL Tip: Pavilions are booked in advance, so don’t miss out! Call (321) 868-1154 for reservations. Shopping Detour: A visit to any beach at Cocoa Beach would not be complete without a stop at Ron Jon’s. 4151 North Atlantic Avenue
Child’s Play
Pelican Beach Park in Satellite Beach is the best spot to take children. After a day at the beach if there’s any energy left, enjoy the playground. On the south end of the park is a beach overlook that is a great place to view the ocean. Let the kids play while you relax, or play volleyball. 1525 Highway A1A, Satellite Beach Beach Eats: Fill up your picnic baskets with made-to-order sandwiches and other gourmet delights from the Green Turtle Market. 855 E. Eau Gallie Blvd. Indian Harbour Beach
What’s Biting?
Sebastian Inlet State Park is the premier saltwater spot for fishing, it’s also popular for surfing and other recreational activities. Visitors can relax with a stroll down the mile-long Hammock Trail. Waterfront pavilions and picnic areas are great for family outings. “The Cove” on the north side of Sebastian Inlet is ideal for swimming. A protected area with a hard bottom and a gentle slope makes it a favorite spot for parents with kids wanting to splash and swim. 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach Beach Eats: Captain Hiram’s is the perfect laid back spot for a drink and dinner without having to worry about getting dressed up. 1580 U.S. Highway 1, Sebastian
Best Beach to Eat
Fifth Avenue Beach- Beachside Café on 5th Avenue- have a cup of coffee and breakfast at the Beachside Café, home of the stuffed French toast. Then for lunch indulge in a huge slice of pie from Bizzaro’s on the beach. That’s just the beginning, there’s more to choose from including Cold Stone Creamery, Starbuck’s, Islands Fish Grill, Scott’s on Fifth, Blueberry Muffin and more! Indialantic Shopping Detour: Walk off your extravagances while shopping at the boutiques along 5th Avenue including Long Board House where you can find fashionable swimwear.
Get Sporty
If you’d rather stay active at the beach, you can stop in at one of these shops for rentals, lessons and much more.
- Bilt Surf and Skate, 259 Minutemen Causeway in Cocoa Beach to rent bicycles
- Quiet Flight, 109 N. Orlando Ave. in Cocoa Beach for surf boards
Belly Up to the Bar
Top spots on the beach to sit at the bar, soak up the last bit of sunshine and enjoy a cold drink
- The Pier, Cocoa Beach
- Coconuts on the Beach, Cocoa Beach
- Crowne Plaza, Indialantic
- Atlantic Grill at the Melbourne Beach Oceanfront
- Bikini Bar at Sand on the Beach Bar and Grill, Melbourne Beach
While you’re there: The Cocoa Beach Pier and Coconuts are also favorites for people watching.
Staying Safe
Tips from the Brevard County Parks and Recreation website www.brevardparks.com
- Use caution and good judgment when swimming
- Always read and abide by posted rules and guidelines
- Don’t swim in inclement weather
Where to find lifeguards throughout Brevard County:
For a full list visit www.brevardparks.com or www.brevardparks.com/visittheparks/swim/beach.php Life guards, Year-Round, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Cocoa Beach Pier
- Sheppard Park – Cocoa Beach
- Lori Wilson Park – Cocoa Beach
- Minuteman Cswy – Cocoa Beach
- Howard E. Futch Memorial Park – Indialantic
- Canaveral Port Authority provides year-round lifeguard service at Jetty Park
Seven days a week during the summer, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ocean lifeguard protection is provided at five Brevard County Parks and Recreation managed beach parks by the Brevard County Public Safety Department – Ocean Lifeguard Service:
- Cherie Down Park
- Lori Wilson Park
- Howard E. Futch Memorial Park
- Spessard Holland North Beach Park
- Spessard Holland South Beach Park
Additionally, the Brevard County Ocean Lifeguard Service is on duty through fall at the following locations:
- Tyler Ave – Cape Canaveral
- Cocoa Beach Pier
- Sheppard Park – Cocoa Beach
- Fischer Park – Cocoa Beach
- Minute Man Cswy – Cocoa Beach
- 16th Street (Murkshe Park) – Cocoa Beach
- Pelican Park – Satellite Beach
- Nance Park/Boardwalk – Indialantic
- Ocean Ave – Melbourne Beach
Don’t Forget
Protect yourself from the powerful sun with plenty of sunscreen and sunblock. Our favorite Ocean Potion Products:
- Natural Mineral Daily SPF 30 Sunblock
- Instant Dry SPF 50 Mist Kids Sunblock
- Gentle and Sensitive SPF 50 Sunblock
Épicé sunscreens are perfect for active people who want to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful rays, especially if you hate the feel of sticky or slippery sunscreen. Our picks include:
- Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 30
- Ultra Sunscreen SPF 50 Dry Feel Formula
- Sunscreen SPF 30 Powder-Dry Formula
Purchase these and other products at www.epicemd.com
