
Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in Palm Bay, Florida, United States
1. Indian River Lagoon
Explore diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery at this large, brackish lagoon system.
- Unique Ecosystem: Home to over 4000 species of marine life.
- Birdwatching Paradise: A popular spot for birdwatchers with over 386 recorded bird species.
- Kayaking and Boating: Offers excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and boating.
2. Turkey Creek Sanctuary
Enjoy a serene walk through a natural wetland filled with diverse wildlife.
- Wildlife Abundance: Provides habitat for alligators, bald eagles, ospreys, and other wildlife.
- Nature Photography: Perfect location for capturing stunning nature photos.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and guided tours to learn about the local ecosystem.
3. Manatee Sanctuary Park
Visit a sanctuary dedicated to protecting endangered manatees.
- Endangered Species Protection: Provides refuge and rehabilitation for injured or sick manatees.
- Manatee Education: Educational exhibits and ranger-led programs to learn about these gentle giants.
- Nature Trail Walks: A network of nature trails for exploring the surrounding wetlands.
4. Space View Park Observatory
Stargaze at this astronomical observatory with telescopes for public use.
- Stargazing Experience: Offers a unique opportunity to view stars, planets, and galaxies.
- Educational Events: Hosts educational events for stargazing enthusiasts of all ages.
- Telescope Rentals: Rent telescopes to get a closer look at celestial bodies.
5. Malabar Scrub Sanctuary
Explore this unique ecosystem teeming with native Florida wildlife.
- Native Wildlife Preservation: Habitat for endangered species such as the Florida scrub-jay and gopher tortoise.
- Nature Photography: Ideal location for capturing photos of native Florida wildlife and wildflowers.
- Hiking Trails: Provides hiking trails with interpretive signs to learn about the local ecosystem.
6. Turtle Mound
Visit an ancient Ais Indian burial mound and archaeological site.
- Historical Significance: One of the largest shell mounds in Florida, built by the Ais Indians over centuries.
- Archaeological Education: Interpretive signs and guided tours to learn about the history and culture of the Ais.
- Scenic Views: Offers panoramic views of the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding wetlands.
7. Palm Bay Rocket Park
See historic rockets from the Space Shuttle Program on display.
- Space History: Showcases a collection of spacecraft and memorabilia.
- Educational Exhibits: Includes interactive exhibits and educational programs about the space program.
- Rocket Launch Viewing: Provides a great location to watch rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center.
8. Dreamland Arts
Step into an interactive art gallery featuring local and international artists.
- Artistic Diversity: Offers a diverse collection of contemporary, modern, and traditional art.
- Interactive Art: Features interactive exhibits that encourage visitor participation.
- Art Classes: Offers art classes and workshops for visitors of all skill levels.
9. Harbor House Nature Center
Learn about local ecosystems and marine life at this educational center.
- Environmental Education: Provides environmental education programs and exhibits.
- Marine Life Displays: Features marine life displays and touch tanks for visitors to interact with sea creatures.
- Nature Trails: Offers nature trails and boardwalks through a wetland habitat.
10. Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Learn about the diverse wildlife of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, including alligators, birds, and manatees.
- Educational Programs: Hosts educational programs and guided tours to learn about the local ecosystem.
- Nature Photography: Ideal location for capturing photos of diverse wildlife and scenic vistas.
11. Crafter's Cove Art Village
Shop for unique artwork and crafts at this charming art village.
- Artisan Shops: Offers a variety of shops featuring local artisans' work.
- Unique Finds: Find one-of-a-kind artwork, jewelry, and other craft items.
- Art Classes and Workshops: Offers art classes and workshops for visitors to learn new skills.
12. Crafter's Cove Beach Park
Enjoy a quiet beach day at this secluded park.
- Secluded Beach: A small, less crowded beach perfect for relaxation.
- Fishing Pier: Features a fishing pier for anglers of all ages.
- Nature Trails: Offers nature trails for exploring the surrounding wetlands and dunes.
13. The Escape Room on Merritt Island
Test your problem-solving skills in a fun, interactive escape room experience.
- Team Building: Ideal for team building activities and group outings.
- Challenging Puzzles: Features challenging puzzles and scenarios to solve in a limited time.
- Unique Themes: Offers unique themes such as crime scenes, haunted houses, and space missions.
14. Murals of Melbourne
Discover outdoor murals by local and international artists in downtown Melbourne.
- Artistic Expression: Showcases the artistic talent of local and international artists.
- Self-Guided Tour: A self-guided tour allows visitors to explore at their own pace.
- Urban Art: Features a variety of urban art styles, from graffiti to street art.
15. The Florida Key Lime Pie Company
Savor authentic key lime pie at this popular local shop.
- Authentic Recipe: Uses an original, authentic key lime pie recipe.
- Variety of Flavors: Offers a variety of flavors, including traditional, key lime cheesecake, and more.
- Gift Shop: Features a gift shop selling key lime pie-themed merchandise and accessories.