Melbourne & the Beaches has the perfect combination of sun and nature. The beaches are ideal for surfing, fishing and sun basking, while the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Johns River bordering on the west offers endless opportunities for nature lovers. Nature and nautical lovers, the beaches in Melbourne offer a lot of opportunities to get in touch with marine life on the shores. Hit the sandbars and search for crabs and unique shells while soaking up some sun. Research ocean life and look out for signs of it while taking a guided kayak tour in the water. In fact, protected sea turtle nests are visible during season, and visitors can watch them hatch March through October.

Take a walk on the Nature Side of Melbourne FL

Conservation centers around the area help to ensure that this beautiful area can stick around for generations to come. Looking for an opportunity to observe rare animals at a safe distance? The Brevard Zoo is one of the best zoos in the state and it’s right here in Melbourne. Guests can meet more than 650 animals during each visit, ranging from about 165 different species. Some exhibits offer close up experiences with these rare animals, such as getting to hand feed a full grown giraffe. Want to explore the zoo more? Sign up for a guide kayak tour through Africa.

Relax on a 45-foot long boat as you learn about all of the marine life along the ride. The waters are full of abundant wildlife and unique plant species that come to life during the tour. In addition to animal life, Melbourne offers a look into the local botanical garden that holds a large variety of plant life. The 15-acre garden provides visitors with an experience to remember. The beautiful surroundings will make for memorable vacation photos and a charming atmosphere.