Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway
a day / 162 miles / 5 hours 24 minutes
The Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway gives access to a National Estuary providing habitat to more species than anywhere in North America. History buffs, bird watchers, anglers, surfers, swimmers, boaters, and vacationers will find excitement at a national seashore, wildlife refuges, state park, museums, the Kennedy Space Center, beaches, and waterways.
Day 1
9:00 - 1.7 miles / 3 minutes - 9:03
The Lagoon House is a two story building which showcases turn-of-the-century Florida vernacular style architecture. The building houses a visitors center, historical center, and an environmental learning center for the Indian River Lagoon.
9:48 - 31.8 miles / an hour 3 minutes - 10:52
In the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the Spanish took vast quantities of silver and gold from Mexico and South America and transported it in wooden sailing ships to Spain. Each summer they would sail north along Florida's Atlantic coast on the way home. Pirates were a peril they could fight, but hurricanes often did them in. In 1715 a storm wrecked the fleet just off the coast and the survivors came ashore where the McLarty Museum is now located. Since 1928, salvors have taken treasures from the sea. This state-sponsored interpretive center chronicles the story of the fleet and the ordeal of the survivors and also displays numerous artifacts.
10:52 - 0 miles / 0 - 10:52
This park, with shores on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, is the most utilized park in Florida. Fishing, boating, camping, swimming, surfing, and hiking are the major activities offered here. The park is also home to the Fishing Museum and the McLarty Treasure Museum.
13:22 - 19.1 miles / 38 minutes - 14:00
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge offers spectacular views of the real Florida, with an excellent visitor center and nature trails.
14:00 - 17.5 miles / 35 minutes - 14:35
Soft sands, affordability, and proximity to both the Kennedy Space Center and the Merritt Wildlife Refuge make Cocoa Beach the ideal vacation spot for those who want to experience a lot without spending a lot.
14:35 - 8.6 miles / 17 minutes - 14:52
A tour bus takes visitors to the many different parks scattered around Brevard County.
14:52 - 83.7 miles / 2 hours 47 minutes - 17:39