Outdoors Activities
Cocoa Beach Pier
Location
Why We Love It
The atmosphere and vibe overlooking the beach and ocean. You’ll likely see cruise ships in the distance and of course, the launch pad.
Local Tip
Grab a drink, appetizer or dessert but don’t choose this as a full meal. The food there is okay(ish) but we tend to opt for other places around town.
Nearby Southbound Stays: Lunar Beach Bungalow
Nearby Southbound Stays: Reflections
Kid-Friendly
Sea Turtle Walk
Why We Love It
Guided Sea Turtle walks are a wonderful way to support organizations that are dedicated to preserving sea turtles and other wildlife while getting to see them up close in a way that keeps them safe.
- Friends of Sebastian Inlet State Park: Reservations required
- Friends of the Carr Refuge: Reservations required
- Sea Turtle Preservation Society: Reservations required
- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge – Reservations required
- Stella Maris Environmental Research – Reservations required
Local Tip
Nesting season is March through October. Even if you don’t do a guided walk, you should be aware of sea turtles and their nests – and how to best to avoid disturbing them by clicking the learn more button below.
Nearby Southbound Stays: Lunar Beach Bungalow
Nearby Southbound Stays: Reflections
Kid-Friendly
Dolphin Sightings
Location
Why We Love It
Kayaking is a great way to get up close to dolphins (and manatees) and with a tour guide who knows their regular hangout spots, you’re more likely to see them.
Local Tip
Dolphins tend to make regular appearances here on the Space Coast. You may see them in the distance as you’re sitting on the beach, driving over the causeway or on a leisurely stroll along one of our rivers. While the guided tour is great as you’re more likely to see them, it may not even be necessary.
Nearby Southbound Stays: Lunar Beach Bungalow
Nearby Southbound Stays: Reflections
Kid-Friendly
Manatee Spotting
Location
Why We Love It
One of the best places in the county to see a manatee up close and personal is at the Manatee Sanctuary Park in Cape Canaveral. This park is named Manatee Sanctuary because it borders a section of the Banana River that serves as a protected Manatee habitat and the manatees tend to feed on the sea grass there.
Local Tip
Make a morning or afternoon of your visit here, this park is not only ideal for manatee viewing but has a fitness trail, playground, picnic tables and more.
Nearby Southbound Stays: Lunar Beach Bungalow
Nearby Southbound Stays: Reflections
Kid-Friendly
Dog-Friendly
Airboat Ride
Location
Why We Love It
Ok, we know that technically this involves water but since it’s not water you’d want to actually swim in, we put it here. 🙂 Taking an airboat ride and seeing alligators and other wildlife in their natural habitat is just so Florida!
Local Tip
We recommend Camp Holly as they offer a variety of boats and touring options. There is also an Old Florida style restaurant and tiki bar. Go early, though – the daytime tours are first-come, first-served.
Nearby Southbound Stays: Lunar Beach Bungalow
Nearby Southbound Stays: Reflections
Kid-Friendly
Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary & Hiking Trail
Location
Why We Love It
This sanctuary has over 400 acres of ‘bird reservation and sanctuary’ to take in here. There a natural lagoon, canals, trails which allow you to walk/ hike, bicylce, fish or even paddle. This is an internationally- known spot for avid bird watchers so grab those binoculars.
Local Tip
We recommend lathering up with a lot of sun screen, bug repellent, sun protective clothing and bring a lot of water! Please be mindful that where there is sitting water in Florida, there is always a potential for alligators. This isn’t meant to scare you – just use caution!
Nearby Southbound Stays: Lunar Beach Bungalow
Nearby Southbound Stays: Reflections
Kid-Friendly
Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera (Viera Wetlands)
Location
Why We Love It
There are over 200 acres of wetlands to take in here. This is a well-known spot for bird watching and with a variety of wildflowers along the shore of the lake, it also presents great photo opportunities. There is an observation tower that you can go up for the best view.
Local Tip
Be mindful that the main wetlands area is pedestrian only – be prepared to walk. We also recommend lathering up with a lot of sun screen, bug repellent, sun protective clothing and bring a lot of water! Please be mindful that where there is sitting water in Florida, there is always a potential for alligators. This isn’t meant to scare you – just use caution!