Melbourne Beaches Welcome You to Play, Relax, Sightsee

Nearly a dozen Melbourne beaches located on Florida’s Space Coast greet guests with warm sand and plenty of space. Located on the Atlantic Ocean’s coast, most people know the town of Melbourne Beach for its family-friendly charm and quiet atmosphere. Even sea turtles have found nesting homes on these beautiful beaches. But what makes them so special? Learn all about the Melbourne beaches and find things to do.

Guide to Melbourne Beaches, Family-friendly Parks

Make Memories at These Family Beaches

Birwatchers and beach-goers alike should plan a day at Coconut Point Park. The nearly 40-acre park welcomes families to surf, relax, fish and picnic. Guests also have access to restrooms and outside showers. As part of the Florida Great Florida Birding Trail, this park attracts birdwatchers, with species including Black-bellied Plover and Red-Throated Loons.

At Ocean Park, the whole family can relax at the gazebo and on the sand. The park offers volleyball courts for a friendly game, free parking and a dog park. To make a day of it, pack a lunch and enjoy a private beachside picnic.

Grab the group and head to Spessard Holland North Beach Park for a family-style barbecue. That’s right, this park has on-site grills. Other amenities include free parking, seasonal lifeguards, pier and boardwalk, and restrooms and showers. Other popular activities include swimming and surf fishing.

Just 2 miles from this park, guests can visit Spessard Holland South Beach Park, which features a 100-foot dune boardwalk, restrooms and shower facilities, and seasonal lifeguards.

View Wildlife in Melbourne

One of the most important nesting areas for loggerhead sea turtles, Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge measures more than 20 miles between Melbourne Beach and Wabasso Beach. The area features miles of sandy undisturbed beaches as well as a visitor center. When visiting, stop by Barrier Island Sanctuary Management and Education Center to see exhibits, take tours and stroll the .75-mile walking trail. After exploring, pick up a souvenir from the gift shop.

Another spot for sightseeing on Melbourne beaches is Bonsteel Park, a community beach park. The park measures over 2 acres and offers opportunities for surf fishing, surfing and swimming (sorry, no lifeguards). Visitors also have access to a dunes crossover, and may see dolphins, sea turtles and shorebirds.

Get Away From It All

Relax and unwind at Floridana Beach, located on a barrier island south of Melbourne Beach. This beach offers natural beauty and is a top place to watch a sunset with someone special.

Surfers and beach-goers can’t miss Spanish House, located north of Sebastian Inlet State Park. Known as one of the top spots for surfing on Florida’s Space Coast, guests can ride or simply watch big waves for which the beach is known.

See Historic Sites, Museums

See the historic Juan Ponce de Leon Landing, and learn about this famous Spanish explorer who landed near Melbourne in 1513. And don’t forget to snap a picture with the Juan Ponce de Leon statue. Guests will also find restrooms and showers, and popular activities at the park include surfing, fishing, swimming and wildlife viewing.

Come by boat, car or foot to Sebastian Inlet State Park. This park is known as a top spot for saltwater fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling and surfing. Families enjoy access to 3 miles of beaches as well as campsites. Fishermen and woman find everything they need at the marina, and check out the The McLarty Museum and Sebastian Inlet Fishing Museum to learn something extra about the area.

Start planning your Melbourne beaches vacation and find a rental home.

Looking for places to eat? View some of our top Melbourne restaurants.