×
×
Our children are our world, everything we do, we do for them, creating memories that will last a lifetime, and stories that will be told by every generation that follows. The annual summer vacation, for example, is something we treasure knowing that travel expands the minds of children and that spending more time together as a family will help tighten the bonds that can loosen during the hectic and chaotic months of the school year. Although it can be difficult to find activities, in most cases, that all ages will enjoy, this year will be different; this year you have chosen Cocoa Beach as your vacation destination and Happy Palm Stays for your vacation accommodations and our gift to you is this guide to planning a kid-friendly summer vacation in Cocoa Beach!
There really is no way around it. When you first arrive in Cocoa Beach, you and your entire family will be amazed at the beauty that surrounds you and the peace you are already beginning to feel. Your first adventure will more than likely be an escape to the beach where crashing waves and future sandcastles are waiting and because our retreats often offer closets or storage spaces filled with beach gear, you only need to worry about packing swimsuits, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen. Florida is the sunshine state and a hat of some sort (baseball hats for the guys, but ladies, this is the perfect time to wear that wide brimmed wicker number you found online and couldn’t resist. It is just so beachy!) can also be added to your list, but the chairs you will sit on, the umbrella that will provide shelter from the heat, and the cooler that you will fill with snacks and beverages, will be easy to find and are placed where they are to be utilized.
One of the hardest things to accomplish during a family vacation is to discover adventures that all ages will enjoy, but a visit to the Dinosaur Store will help change the course of your vacation experiences. Located at 250 Cocoa Beach Causeway, the Dinosaur Store is also home of the Museum of Dinosaurs and Ancient Cultures, giving adults a little something extra to enjoy, but the final piece of this wonderful puzzle of fun is the Adventure Zone, an interactive experience that allows you and the littles to enjoy meet and greets with live gators, snakes, and other reptiles, ensuring that your day will be filled with adventure from start to finish; a combination admission price covers both the museum and the adventure zone and is $26 for kids and $28 for adults. Visiting the store itself is free, but you can’t hold us responsible for all the things you are tempted to buy!
There is just something about playing mini golf in the summer with your kids and Lighthouse Cove Mini Golf, located at 3811 N Atlantic Avenue, is where we like to play with our own families. Offering a tropical fishing village theme, with, of course, a lighthouse playing the star, there are 2 18 hole courses, a food truck for when the munchies hit, and ice cream that will make your summer adventures sweet and chill! Costing between $15 and $23, the most expensive option is for unlimited play, so you can extend your adventures even longer and keep costs in the reasonable range.
Education can be entertaining, especially if the topic engages the imagination, something that holding baby gators and spotting dolphins swimming and chattering happily in the sea will most definitely do and Wildside Tours, located at 499 Ramp Road, offers a variety of boat tours of the Banana River, taking guests to where the manatees and dolphins roam. Led by guides that are knowledgeable, personable, and fun, these tours never get boring and we can promise that your children will be enthralled from start to finish. Lasting two hours and sharing the secrets of Mother Nature with the entire family, you may be surprised at how much new information your children take in and learn! Prices range from $30 to $45 per person.
We’re not just talking about the plane ride you will be taking to get to beautiful Cocoa Beach, we are talking about playing at Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures, a local adventure park offering ziplines, climbing structures and an aerial course built into a canopy of live oak trees. Located at 6419 N Atlantic Avenue in Cape Canaveral, reservations are recommended, this is an extremely popular adventure park, and a reasonably priced one as ticket prices range from $10 to $50 depending on what type of adventure you purchase.
No matter how you spend your days, coming home to Happy Palm Stays every night will be a family friendly adventure in comfort. We recommend planning to stay home at least one day during your stay, exploring all the ways you can relax and be comfortable. Reserve your favorite Happy Palm Stays retreat today!
Melbourne Beach, FL, is the perfect destination for a relaxing and scenic getaway, whether you’re seeking peaceful oceanfront views, outdoor adventures, or a charming, laid-back atmosphere. Nestled along Florida’s Space Coast, this coastal haven offers pristine beaches, unique local shops, and an abundance of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The area is also home to a vibrant arts scene and historical landmarks, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and exploration. If you have yet to experience this beautiful destination, this ultimate first-time visitor guide to Melbourne Beach, FL, will help you navigate the best spots to visit, the top dining options, and the best places to stay. Whether you visit Melbourne Beach for a few days or a longer vacation, this guide will ensure that your trip to Melbourne Beach, Florida is unforgettable, filled with sun, sand, and all the local charm the area has to offer!
Melbourne Beach stands out as a tranquil and unique alternative to the more tourist-heavy destinations nearby. Unlike more bustling nearby beach towns, Melbourne Beach offers a peaceful, less commercialized experience while still providing easy access to top attractions. Its serene shores, including the beautiful and uncrowded beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation or water activities. The charming town exudes a small-town feel with quaint shops, cozy cafés, and laid-back dining options. It’s also home to the famous Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the U.S., making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. Whether you’re looking to unwind or explore, Melbourne Beach strikes the perfect balance of seclusion and convenience, offering a more authentic Florida beach experience compared to the more tourist-driven areas along the Space Coast.
Melbourne Beach offers a perfect mix of attractions that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, relaxing beach days, or exploring local culture, this charming coastal town has something for everyone. With its laid-back atmosphere and access to both natural beauty and unique experiences, Melbourne Beach provides a versatile destination that appeals to families, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a quiet retreat alike. Be sure to add some of these top Melbourne Beach attractions to your itinerary to experience the best the area has to offer!
When visiting Melbourne Beach, a trip to the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge is a must. Stretching across 20.5 miles of pristine beach and shoreline habitat, this refuge is one of the most important conservation areas in the world. It was specifically designated to protect the nesting grounds of the loggerhead sea turtle, which nests here in greater numbers than anywhere else on Earth, as well as the green sea turtle, which is the most popular area for nesting in North America. This serene and scenic retreat offers a perfect opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife in its natural environment. Visitors can fish, hike, or simply relax while exploring the refuge’s diverse ecosystems. It is a haven for many species, including brown pelicans, gopher tortoises, manatees, snakes, and crabs. With its emphasis on conservation and education, the refuge also provides valuable insights into the preservation efforts of endangered and threatened species, making it an enriching experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
A visit to Sebastian Inlet State Park is a must when in Melbourne Beach, offering something for everyone, from surfers to nature lovers. Surfers from around the world come to ride the famous First Peak and Monster Hole surf breaks, making it a hotspot for thrill-seekers. For those looking for a more peaceful experience, the park features untouched beaches perfect for strolling, collecting shells, and observing sea turtle nests during nesting season. Anglers can cast a line from one of the jetties that stretch into the Atlantic, offering excellent fishing opportunities. The calmer waters of the Indian River Lagoon provide a perfect setting for kayakers to explore the area’s natural beauty, with scenic views and wildlife around every bend. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a chance to connect with nature, Sebastian Inlet State Park delivers a diverse and unforgettable experience, all set within one of Florida’s most beautiful coastal environments.
A visit to the Barrier Island Sanctuary is a great way to connect with the natural beauty and wildlife of Melbourne Beach. This center offers a range of experiences, including easy beach access where you can enjoy the serene coastline. One of the highlights is the guided sea turtle walks, which provide an educational opportunity to learn about these amazing creatures as they nest on the beach. The sanctuary hosts various educational events throughout the year, making it a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts and families. Whether you’re interested in learning about local wildlife, observing nesting sea turtles, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, the Barrier Island Sanctuary offers an immersive experience for all ages.
Built in the 1800s, this historic pier is a true landmark and offers stunning views as it juts into the Indian River. It’s the perfect place to start your day by watching the sunrise over the calm waters or take a peaceful evening stroll along its length as the sun sets. The pier is also a popular spot for fishing, offering plenty of opportunities to cast a line and enjoy a relaxing time by the water. Whether you’re looking to soak in the beauty of the surroundings, capture the perfect photo, or simply unwind in a scenic location, the Melbourne Beach Pier provides a timeless, tranquil experience.
Nestled within the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, this sanctuary offers a peaceful escape into a variety of protected barrier island habitats. The sanctuary features a scenic hiking trail that includes two bridges and a boardwalk that leads through lush wetland areas. An observation deck provides stunning views over a marsh pond, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. As you explore the diverse ecosystems—coastal strand, maritime hammock, and mangrove forests—you’ll encounter a wide array of native plants and animals. The trail is perfect for hiking, offering an immersive experience in the area’s natural beauty while providing ample opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. The Maritime Hammock Sanctuary is a fantastic destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to connect with the wild side of Melbourne Beach.
Melbourne Beach offers a delightful range of dining options that cater to every taste and preference. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, casual bites, or a fine dining experience, the town’s restaurants provide a variety of flavors to satisfy any craving. With its coastal charm, many dining spots offer scenic views, making your meal even more enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere or a more upscale experience, Melbourne Beach has something to suit your culinary desires. Be sure to try some of these top restaurants in Melbourne Beach during your stay!
Ocean 302 in Melbourne Beach offers an upscale dining experience with a commitment to sustainability. This chic restaurant offers a menu filled with a variety of flavorful options, from sandwiches and pizzas to a selection of dishes featuring both land and sea ingredients. Each dish is carefully prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the restaurant’s dedication to supporting sustainable practices. The innovative cocktails are a standout, blending unique flavors that complement the menu perfectly. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a more refined dining experience, Ocean 302 delivers on both fronts with its relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. The blend of quality food, exceptional service, and dedication to sustainability makes Ocean 302 an ideal dining destination in Melbourne Beach.
If you’re looking for a laid-back dining experience with stunning beach views, Sand on the Beach is the perfect spot. This casual bar and grill offers a spacious outdoor deck where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner while taking in the picturesque sights of the beach and water. The menu features a variety of delicious options, from fresh seafood to classic American fare, ensuring there’s something for everyone. For those looking to unwind with a tropical drink, the Bikini Bar offers a wide selection of refreshing, tropical-inspired beverages. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail at sunset or enjoying a leisurely meal with friends or family, Sand on the Beach provides a relaxed atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a special occasion. With its beautiful setting and great food, it’s an ideal place to spend time enjoying the coastal lifestyle of Melbourne Beach.
Known for its exceptional menu offering items from the land and sea, Djon’s Steak and Lobster House delivers whether you prefer the taste of fresh lobster or a cut of tender steak. Favorites like steamed lobster and filet mignon are expertly prepared to satisfy even the most discerning palates. The atmosphere is made even more special by the fun piano bar, where live music fills the air every night, creating an inviting ambiance. The cozy fire adds a touch of warmth and intimacy, making it an ideal setting for a romantic dinner or special celebration. Djon’s also boasts an impressive wine selection, allowing you to pair your meal with the perfect bottle. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a luxurious seafood meal or simply enjoy a fun night out, Djon’s Steak and Lobster House provides an unforgettable dining experience with a vibrant, lively atmosphere.
To experience Melbourne Beach like a local, start by embracing the laid-back pace of life this area is so well known for. Once you know your travel dates, be sure to check out the local events calendar so you can engage with the community by attending some of the area’s popular events. Additionally, be sure to check out the Downtown Melbourne Farmer’s Market at Riverview Park for fresh, locally grown produce and locally crafted products. Rent a bike or take a kayak out on the Indian River Lagoon to experience the area’s natural beauty from a new perspective. To truly immerse yourself in local culture, spend time chatting with residents and frequenting locally owned shops and restaurants, where you’ll have a genuine positive impact on the lives of longtime residents.
Melbourne Beach, FL offers a diverse selection of vacation rentals to suit every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for a cozy beachfront condo with ocean views or a spacious private home for the whole family, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from. Many rentals feature open-concept living spaces that create a bright, breezy atmosphere perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration. Full kitchens in these properties make dining in a breeze, whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast or a gourmet dinner. For added comfort, many Melbourne Beach vacation villas also offer onsite amenities like swimming pools, hot tubs, and BBQ areas, so you can enjoy leisurely days at your home away from home. Beach gear is often provided, including chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards, making it easy to spend a day on the sand without needing to buy or rent equipment. Whether you’re in search of a peaceful retreat or a spacious base for a group getaway, Melbourne Beach’s vacation rentals provide the flexibility, comfort, and amenities needed to make your stay memorable and stress-free. If you’re looking for even more options, be sure to check out our comfortable and convenient Cypress Cove condos in Melbourne!
Book your stay in Melbourne Beach with our team at Happy Palm Stays for a seamless vacation experience. We offer a range of Melbourne Beach vacation rentals, from cozy condos to spacious private Melbourne Beach vacation homes, all equipped with top amenities for comfort and relaxation. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you have a stress-free and memorable stay, providing personalized service and local recommendations to enhance your trip. Book your Melbourne Beach, FL vacation rental online here!
Some vacation rental companies are quite content to pick a town and stay, offering a limited selection of properties in an even more limited geographic area, but those companies are not Happy Palm Stays. Our love for the Space Coast and our desire to provide lodging for visitors who are about to fall in love as well makes us eager to branch out, to set up shop in all the areas that make this part of Florida special, ensuring that whatever our guests want to see during their travels, they can choose to stay nearby. This guide to where you can stay with Happy Palm Stays will also give you a little more information about the towns and villages that play a huge part in making your Space Coast vacation one that will never be forgotten.
Named for its proximity to Cape Canaveral, Satellite Beach is a barrier island which started out, like most of the towns in the area, as a community for the employees of the aerospace workers at Cape Canaveral and Patrick Air Force Base, soon to be renamed to Patrick Space Force Base. Today, travelers flock to its pristine beaches, explore the artifacts at the Wizard of Oz Museum, and of course, plan trips to the nearby Kennedy Space Center to spend a day with your head in the stars.
Indian Harbour Beach is a town of parks so beautiful you will want to visit them all and because it is also home to Casanova Beach Park a dog friendly beach where your fur children can frolic in the waves, you may want to consider renting one of our pet friendly Indian Harbour Beach rentals and bringing your entire family along for the ride. The motto of this wonderful town is “The Greatest Little City in Florida!” and of course, when you choose to stay with Happy Palm Stays, you will be staying in “The Greatest Vacation Rentals in Florida!” so it is definitely a match made in heaven.
Home to the world famous Ron Jon’s Surf Shop and the world famous surfer Kelly Slater, Cocoa Beach is the perfect spot to learn a new skill, with one of its nicknames being “The Surfing Capital of the East Coast.” Guests may want to spend some time at Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, shopping, dining, and fishing off the pier. As a matter of fact, you may find you could enjoy your entire vacation without leaving the pier, but don’t do that. There’s so much more to see and our Cocoa Beach condos for rent are waiting to welcome you home.
Blending the old, with Ponce De Leon giving Cape Canaveral its name (Cabo de Canaveral, meaning Cape of Weeds, and the new, our town is perhaps best known for being the premiere rocket launch spot in the world, your adventures in Cape C are sure to be memorable ones! Our Cape Canaveral vacation rentals are beautiful condos, many offering stunning water views and all providing comforts that will make you feel right at home.
The beach town vibe makes every visitor yearn to make Melbourne Beach their new backyard, and whether you are spending your days at the beach, the art galleries, or learning about sea turtles at the Sea Turtle Preservation Society, you too will understand the feelings of all who visited before you! Happy Palm Stays features both condos and stand alone Melbourne Beach vacation rentals in this part of the Space Coast and most will be of the waterfront variety.
Merritt Island is a study in contrast with the Kennedy Space Center gracefully sharing its acreage with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, ensuring that your vacation experience will be one that appeals to both sides of your brain. Guests staying in our Merritt Island vacation rentals are sure to have a ringside seat for any launches that take place during their stay.
Offering beaches that are pristine and surprisingly uncrowded, Vero Beach is a lovely town famous for golf, water sports, and its welcoming vibe, something that is reflected in our Happy Palm Stays Vero Beach escapes.
Florida is known as much for its beautiful beaches as it is for the shipwrecks that litter the ground under the Atlantic, making it a favorite place for treasure hunters. The Mel Fisher Treasure Museum in Sebastian Beach comes from one of the states best treasure hunters and offers a peek into the world of treasure hunting.
Our final town, Fort Pierce, is located on the Treasure Coast side of Florida, not the Space Coast, but we think you will still love it just as much. Offering a long history that ensures that many of its older buildings are haunted, guests love the small-town vibe and its will to survive, having suffered damage in two separate hurricanes in 2004 and 2005.
Reserve your favorite escape today!
What do the most memorable vacations have in common? There are a few key ingredients involved with the best getaways, including beaches, sunshine, and food so good you actually consider picking up stakes and moving from your hometown to your vacation town, simply so you can have those meals whenever you want! We at Happy Palm Stays have enjoyed a few of those meals ourselves in Melbourne Beach, but because we live here, we CAN enjoy them whenever we want and we can also recommend the best restaurants in Melbourne Beach, FL to our treasured guests, which coincidentally we have done below. Happy Dining!
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, our mamas told us so, and the wonderful people at Backwater must agree because they put a lot of thought into their breakfast menu! Offering the feel of a small town diner and a menu our Southern mamas would approve of, we’ve spent years working our way through every meal they offer and can honestly say we’ve never experienced a bad breakfast. The Bayou Benedict is our hands down favorite, made with Eastern Carolina pulled pork and two crawfish, topped with a Cajun style hollandaise sauce that will rock your world!
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is what’s on the menu at Sand on the Beach, a low key, no frills, restaurant that sits right on the beach. Featuring a menu that is filled with color and deliciousness and a bikini bar that often sells buckets of Malibu Punch for just $15. Offering fresh and delicious seafood, burgers, and chicken dishes, we have to suggest that you save room for a Florida fave, our key lime pie.
Offering a taste of Cape Cod in the middle of our tropical paradise, New England Eatery & Pub satisfies our need to explore beyond the boundaries of Florida, the owners are Massachusetts transplants so you know the food will be authentic, especially their “chowdahs!” Offering a menu of swimmers and runners, otherwise known as surf and turf, we highly recommend their Connecticut Lobster Roll for your dining pleasure.
We honestly can’t tell you which we like more. The 1905 Queen Anne mansion the restaurant got its name from or the locally sourced and totally delicious food on their menu! The home was originally built as a winter home for a wealthy couple but they loved it here so much they became full time residents. Today it is known for its hospitality, the classic dishes served, and for a rather extensive wine bar that will make you happy. Try their Mansion Tacos with your choice of protein and never be happy with any other taco again. That might be considered a down side, to some, but who knows? Maybe you will consider becoming full time residents as well.
We really can’t think of a time when a pizza would be inappropriate, especially the ones made at Oceanside Pizza with homemade artisan style dough, hand tossed just like you see them do it in the movies. Also serving the best pasta and lasagna in town, this casual spot makes everyone who dines here feel at home, as does the beer and wine they serve to go with the delicious pies.
Although you may not be thinking German food when you think of Florida food, once you try the homestyle German dishes at Café Coconut Cove you may always imagine the two together. Offering an authentic menu from the homeland, something that came natural to the owners who hail from Aachen, a town in the Rhineland of Germany. If you have tried German food before you probably already have your favorites, but if this is your first shot, you can never go wrong with any of their different types of schnitzel.
If you or someone in your traveling party loves to cook your favorite place to eat may be the dining room of your Florida sanctuary, especially if it’s a meal you prepared in our fully equipped kitchen. Our Melbourne Beach vacation rentals are designed to make you feel comfortable and at home and are filled with so many luxury amenities, you may find yourself planning a couple of stay at home days during your vacation. Reserve your favorite last-minute Melbourne Beach rental today!
The beauty of a week vacation in Florida in Indian Harbour is having all that time to play, relax, and of course, enjoy the comforts and luxuries found in your Happy Palm Stays Indian Harbour sanctuary. And the worrisome part is having all that time on your hands, but no idea on how to fill in the minutes! Fortunately, you have friends in all the right places and today, we would like to help you plan a seven-day itinerary, offering ideas that you can mix and mingle, or nix all together, because at the end of the day, this week in paradise is all about you, your wants, and your vacation needs!
Your first day of any vacation is one filled with excitement and anticipation, but rarely offers enough remaining hours to explore any one adventure in depth, but that’s ok. The Florida lifestyle is a carefree vibe, one meant to be enjoyed at a slower pace, knowing there is always time tomorrow to do the things you missed out on today. So today, on this first partial day in Indian Harbour, we aren’t going to suggest an itinerary planned out to the minute, but we are going to give some delicious options, listed in not particular order, starting with an exploration of your home away from home. Choose your bedroom, check out the views from the patio, pinching yourself when you realize that the roaring of the sea will be your musical accompaniment for the next week, and maybe even sink into the depths of our super comfortable sofas, picking up the remote to the state-of-the-art television and clicking through the channels in idle curiosity.
First and foremost, this is a beach vacation, and when it is time to stroll out that door, your first steps should take you straight to the white sands and turquoise waters of the closest beach. (Bicentennial Park Beach, perhaps?) And if these steps happen to take place at sunset, all the better! Holding your flip flops in hand (a Florida vacationer will rarely find a need for any more substantial shoes, and flip flops are practically the state shoe!) feeling the soft sands tickle your toes as the warm waters of the Atlantic ocean ebb and flow around your ankles, and watching the sky revolve through the phases of a fiery and colorful sunset is destined to be one of the top pleasures in your life.
And when the sun sets and that vast sky turns a velvety black dotted with the twinkling of a billion stars you may find yourself believing in bigger things. If you haven’t dined as of yet, a giant pizza enjoyed at Mimmos Pizza & Ristorante, 1600 S Wickham Road in Melbourne, will make a beautiful welcoming meal.
Today may be day two, but it is your first full day in town, and many wonderful adventures are awaiting you—but first, breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, giving you strength to play hard, and there are many exciting restaurants in Indian Harbour Beach serving your favorite morning meals, but today we recommend a visit to the Scrambled Egg Café, located at 727 Pine Tree Drive. Their specialty is, of course, their Scramblers, but they also serve the best eggs benedicts in town, so if hollandaise makes you happy, you will be more than satisfied. After the last crumb has been devoured it is time to make your way into our Florida streets for a day of fun, perhaps starting with a day at the beach?
You’ve come all this way to see the sea, so why not spend today exploring all the ways the sea can make you smile? Swimming, surfing, body boarding, even building sandcastles at water’s edge with your tiniest travelers will be exciting and fun and many, if not most of our Happy Palm Stays escapes, offer a selection of beach gear for your use during your stay. And when the sun begins to set and the family is ready to head out for a hearty meal, sampling the seafood at Hula Moon Tiki Grill, 1900 Florida A1A, will provide the perfect way to end a beautiful day in Indian Harbour Beach.
Day three is the perfect day to visit a few of the local sites, and since you may be a little tired after your beach day yesterday, you will want to whip together a little breakfast in our fully equipped kitchen. Cereal, donuts from Dunkin’ Donuts or Krispie Kreme, it doesn’t have to be fancy, just good, or if food is important to you, a foodie’s tour of the region could be just what this day needs!
Village Food Tours offers a variety of food tours in Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, and Melbourne, all towns located within minutes of your Indian Harbour Beach vacation sanctuary. Each tour lasts about two hours and samples the best of four local restaurants, with prices ranging between $78 and $88 dollars per person, and when you are through, we don’t think anyone will judge you for heading back to your vacation home for a nap and a quick change into your stretchy pants! Who knows? Maybe you will spend the rest of day three exploring the community amenities of your home sweet vacation home?
After your delicious and relaxing day three, today, halfway through your trip, is the perfect time to visit some of the local sightseeing attractions, taking the time to really get to know Indian Harbour Beach and the towns that surround it. Enjoy an international lunch at Niki’s Rainbow Restaurant, 570 Florida A1A in Satellite Beach, serving up a complex blend of Greek and American favorites, sandwiching the visit between local adventures.
See where the space race began with a visit to Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island. There is a lot to see and do at this fantastic spot, so you might want to set the entire day aside.
Visit the Banana River Aquatic Preserve, 401 Ramp Road in Cocoa Beach. Rent a kayak and spend the day exploring the beauty of the Banana River and gliding through mangrove forests, perhaps even catching sight of a few of the manatees that make their home here.
Explore the Cocoa Beach Pier, shopping, dining, and maybe even dropping a line into the waters under the pier. You could spend a couple of days here and not see it all!
In addition to getting in a little more beach time, it may be fun to take this 5th day to explore the waters that surround us in depth, starting with a dolphin tour. Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours has been in business for over 20 years, and they offer a variety of tours, charters, and even Rocket Launch Tours on the Banana River giving visitors a greater appreciation of the natural and supernatural land and sea scape of this most beautiful part of Florida.
If your visit happens to take place over Christmas, we suggest exploring the Cocoa Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, but don’t feel left out if you are a summer visitor. Every tour offered, including the dolphin and wildlife tours, never fail to impress!
Finish off your day on the sea with a nice dinner in a circa 1905 Victorian house, the Mansion, located at 1218 E New Haven Avenue in Melbourne, featuring an expansive wine and cocktail menu and a delicious food menu filled with fun surprises.
It is hard to believe that the week has flown by so fast, but day six has arrived, and it is your last full day in town. Many guests prefer to leave this day open for adventure, but if you are looking for something special to do in between breakfast at That Little Restaurant (1749 N Wickham Road in Melbourne) and your final wonderful night spent at the Beach Shack (1 Minutemen Causeway #2906 in Cocoa Beach) enjoying cold beers and hot music, we have a few ideas.
Souvenir shopping is a time-honored vacation tradition, and there are three historic areas on the Space Coast that are worthy of checking out, located in Titusville, Cocoa Village, and Melbourne. Shop, dine, and if you are in the right spot at the right time, enjoy the excitement of the free events that often take place in the historic districts.
The Brevard County Zoo (8225 N Wickham Road in Melbourne) is a non-profit zoo providing homes for over 900 animals of 195 different species, promising a family friendly adventure everyone will enjoy.
Your time on white sand beaches is winding down, and taking an afternoon to enjoy one last day of fun in the sun will never be regretted! This actually may be a great time to take some family pictures on the beach as well, posing against a backdrop of sea oats, with the sun setting over the sea. You will have lots of pictures of your unforgettable trip to Indian Harbour Beach, but none will have the meaning of this carefree pic, taken while smiling faces are tanned and relaxed. This family picture will definitely be frame-worthy!
Your bags are packed, the last of the wine you purchased from Cocoa Beach Winery has been sipped, but there are still a few hours left to kill before you board your airplane back to reality, and although you are sad to go, chances are you will be so happy you chose Indian Harbour Beach and Happy Palm Stays for your vacation adventures.
You’ve played hard and slept late every day, but if you leave Florida without witnessing at least one sunrise you will regret it forever. Get up early on day seven and head to the beach to find serenity, peace, and the most stunningly beautiful sunrise you have ever seen in your life. You can always sleep on the plane. If you are staying in one of our pet friendly escapes, Canova Beach is the only dog friendly beach in Melbourne, and provides the opportunity to help your pup get out all his excited wiggles before being confined to his kennel for the long flight home.
We know that airplane food is non-existent, so a visit to the Sunrise Diner for breakfast will make a perfect farewell. Located at 365 W Cocoa Beach Causeway and offering a menu filled with Southern comfort foods, your breakfast will hold you over in ways the bags of peanuts never can!
The last week has been the most exciting adventure of your life, and we know you have taken at least a million pics, so take these last quiet moments in paradise to peruse all the pics you have taken and take advantage of our high-speed internet to save data.
Obviously, this sample itinerary is not set in stone, it is simply filled with ideas that will keep everyone active and engaged, so feel free to pick and choose the activities you love most. Add in a hiking day at any of the parks in town, perhaps at Gleason Park, located at 1233 Yacht Club Boulevard, enjoying lush tropical foliage and waterfront views. Maybe you will choose an entire day to stay home and swim, soak in the hot tubs, explore the community our sanctuaries are located in, or maybe you will want to go out every night, visiting a different night spot and closing down the bars.
However you choose to spend your time in paradise, coming home every evening to the comfort, style, and luxury found in our Indian Harbour Beach vacation escapes will always be the highlight of your day. Reserve your favorite today!
As you begin your plans for a fabulous Cape Canaveral vacation on the Space Coast, you may think that by choosing towns in which Happy Palm Stays offers properties will help narrow down your vacation destination, but to be perfectly honest, our properties are all over the area. Luxurious, comfortable, and designed to make travelers feel at home while away from home, every property will be your favorite, making the decision even more difficult. Today, however, we want to talk about the homes we offer in Cape Canaveral, a spot where the rockets red glare shines brightly many times throughout the year as another batch of excited astronauts burst out of our planet’s atmosphere and into the beauty of outer space.
Our Happy Palm Stays Cape Canaveral rentals are located in some of the most beautiful condo communities in the region, offering a choice between 2- or 3-bedroom escapes and having room for as many as 8 guests to live together in peace and harmony. Featuring views that will speak to your heart, the sea shares its serenity with everyone residing within and can be seen from nearly every space rented. Light, bright, and filled with a warmth that comes not just from the Florida sun but from the smiles and excitement of all who have made these stunning sanctuaries their home sweet vacation homes, enjoying adventures that they treasure forever, and now, it is your turn to experience the wonder of a Cape Canaveral vacation!
A stay in the Canaveral Towers condos promises an adventure that is both comfortable and exciting, providing access to community amenities that will enhance your stay, including putting greens, a heated pool, and shuffleboard courts to explore in your free time. Fun fact about shuffleboard: Until relative recently, it was the number one Florida game, and although lately pickleball seems to be edging it out, it is still a fun way to enjoy your downtime during your stay.
Our condos in Canaveral Towers range between 2- and 3-bedroom models, and it is the 3-bedroom models families of 8 or fewer will want to choose to make their own. Free parking is an amenity you don’t often find at resorts, but it is included with a stay in Canaveral Towers, and elevators ensure that each unit is accessible for the differently abled.
The patios and balconies that overlook the turquoise waters are destined to be the most popular spot in every unit we offer, providing a space for napping, dining, or just relaxing to the music made by the crash of waves on sandy beaches.
Our Canaveral Towers units reflect the beauty of the Florida lifestyle, featuring spacious rooms with high ceilings, colorful art that reminds guests the sea is all around us, and comfortable furnishings that encourage impromptu naps and long nights of deep sleep and happy dreams. State-of-the-art televisions may be found not just in the cheerful living rooms, but in each of the bedrooms as well, aiding in the transition from wide awake to sound asleep.
Fully equipped kitchens allow guests to make the choice between dining out or in, and spacious baths with updated fixtures will help ensure that morning traffic jams will be less likely. Many of our units will offer beach gear, including umbrellas, chairs, and coolers, meaning you won’t have to lug all that across country to have a fantastic time on our white sand beaches.
Happy Palm Stays provides condos in many Cape Canaveral communities, and Cape Winds is another one of our favorites. (To be fair, we love all the communities and condos our properties are located in, so that may not help you narrow down your choices!) Cape Winds, however, may be your favorite, as in addition to providing a pool and sports courts, it’s bubbling hot tub will add romance and fun to your stay. Also featuring charcoal grills, elevators, and free parking, its sports courts are tennis and basketball. The pool is heated during the cooler months, extending swimming season to pretty much year-round.
Cape Winds condos are 2-bedroom ones, allowing a maximum of six guests in most, but a few accept no more than four. Some units will offer views of the sea, others may overlook the pool and other beautiful spots in the community. A playground with jungle gym and swings offers a great way to burn off some of your toddler’s excess energy.
Our Cape Winds sanctuaries are comfortable spaces, also filled with light and luxury, and providing state of the art televisions in bedrooms and the living rooms. Fully equipped kitchens generally offer blenders and coffee makers to ensure all your beverage needs are met, and like Canaveral Towers, most units provide a closet filled with beach gear to be utilized by guests during their days of frolicking on the beaches that are within walking distance.
We love community amenities, and Royal Mansions, the final community in our listing of Cape Canaveral sanctuaries, offers more to enjoy. Featuring a heated pool, hot tub, and an outdoor barbecue, guests will also appreciate the free parking, especially when comparing the costs most communities charge to park in their spots.
All the condos in Royal Mansions provide either 1- or 2-bedroom units with a maximum of four guests in the 1-bedroom models and six in the 2-bedroom ones. Ceiling fans in the living rooms will help keep you even cooler in the warmer summer months, and of course, air conditioning is included.
With interiors that could grace the covers of Architectural Digest, our Royal Mansions sanctuaries still provide that laidback Florida vibe that many guests wish could be bottled up and sold for enjoyment back in their own hometowns. Views may be of the ocean or the community and yes, all dreams had in these sweet suites will be happy ones.
As with Canaveral Towers and Cape Winds, each unit provides beach gear, including body boards, umbrellas, chairs, and coolers and beach towels will be found in the linen closets. The location of many Royal Mansions escapes may provide views of the cruise ships that sail in and out of our harbors and also of any shuttle launches that may be occurring during your stay!
Because you can never have too many extras in your vacation escapes, all of our Cape Canaveral hideaways provide high-speed internet, soap, shampoo, and conditioner, and washer and dryers in most units. We know that travel can be stressful, so we guarantee that your stay will be peaceful, tranquil, and so restful, you will awaken every morning ready to face a new day of Florida adventures, perhaps even traveling to Kennedy Space Center for a day of looking to the stars.
Located close to all that makes this part of Florida wonderful, every day will be an adventure in excitement, magic, and beauty! Reserve your favorite Happy Palm Stays escape and discover all the reasons people from all over the world flock to our doorstep.
It is the perfect opportunity to explore some of the best beaches on the East Coast. Cocoa Beach, which seats strategically on the Florida Coast, offers multiple fun activities. Pets have in recent times become an integral part of travel. If you are the kind that likes moving around with their furry friends, you have finally found a travel destination that allows you to do it. Within Cocoa Beach are multiple locations where you can go to have fun with your dog. Below are three top places to visit in Cocoa Beach for dog lovers.
Canova Beach Park is a 9.1-acre community facility that happens to be the only dog-friendly beach area in the vast Brevard County. This part is located strategically close to the coastline and with it comes support facilities to enhance your adventure. Within this park is everything you would want in a coastal setting. The main section is fitted with a small pavilion where you go to take a break from the East Coast’s shining sun. Not far from the pavilion is a grill area that ensures you don’t miss out on this vital delicacy. All this time, you will have your dog on a leash, as it is a requirement.
Walking the vast 9.1-acre space exposes you to more sections of the beach that make your adventure worth it. Also, it has restrooms, meaning you can spend the whole day without feeling the urge to rush back to your rented condo. Better still, it is a wheelchair-accessible setting, allowing everyone to enjoy the inviting Florida outdoors. Instead of the usual beach splash, this park has specific spots for outdoor showering, a recommended way to cool the region’s soaring heat.
Within Cocoa Beach itself is a 12-block stretch of pet-friendly shoreline. It is one of the best places to be in Florida when dogs are part of your adventure. Also, it is the perfect place in the state to take your dog for a walk as you enjoy the beautiful sea views and warm sand under your feet. However, you will need a leash for your furry friends at all times. It is also the perfect chance to interact with other dog owners and learn the best ways to handle your furry friends.
Cocoa Beach is open all year round but has specific times when dogs are allowed. The morning hours are from 6:00 am to 10:00 am. Sunrises are usually breathtaking from this destination. Dolphins are also easy to spot in the morning hours. Evening hours are 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in standard time and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm in daylight savings. The evening hours are perfect for you to visualize the setting sun. The morning hours are better for you if you want to beat the crowds. Swimming is allowed although at times the waves are too strong for your dog to do it comfortably. All in all, it is an adventure worth every penny.
Dog adventures in Florida are not limited to the beach area alone. Downtown Cocoa Beach is Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming. As the name suggests, it is the place to be for your dog. After you have had all the fun in the sea, the time is right for your furry friends to get the care they deserve from dog professionals. Apart from the grooming, this shop doubles as a dog bakery. As you enjoy your grills by the sea, your dog too will need some bites. It is a one-stop shop for all your dog’s needs. Also, you have access to professional nutritional counseling on what is best for your dogs. From the supplements to the right food combinations, you will leave Florida as a better friend for your dog. A combination of grooming, treats, and counseling sums up an eventful dog adventure on the East Coast.
Visiting dog-friendly spots in Cocoa Beach is just one part of your adventure in Florida. The next involves identifying pet-friendly rentals to stay in as you enjoy your vacation in the area. Within our website are multiple vacation homes that come with extra facilities for you and your furry friends. From private pools to indoor fireplaces, you are in for a luxurious stay in Cocoa Beach. Planning a trip to Florida with your furry friends? Call Happy Palm Stays today to reserve your pet-friendly holiday rentals!