Ready for a beach vacation that's anything but basic? Looking for a chill beach getaway in Florida without the crowds?
Forget the tourist traps and head to Palm Bay, Florida!
This hidden gem is the perfect spot for families who want to escape the crowds and have some fun in the sun.
We've been scouring the state for off-the-beaten-path destinations, and Palm Bay is definitely a standout.
From pristine beaches to unique attractions, there's something for everyone here.
But what is there to do in Palm Bay?
As it turns out, families can have loads of fun exploring Palm Bay, Florida. If you're in the area for your next vacation, you can check out all sorts of hot spots, including:
- Turkey Creek Sanctuary
- Melbourne Beach Pier
- Spessard Holland Park (South Beach and North Beach)
- Erna Nixon Park
- Castaways Point Park
- Andretti Thrill Park
- Juan Ponce de León Landing Site
Palm Bay is the most populated city in Brevard County, but you won't have to deal with Orlando-like crowds here.
Instead, you'll be able to enjoy temperature weather during the winter and warm days during the summer.
It'll be easy, too, to divide up your vacation itinerary to hit all of the city's hotspots while still having time to luxuriate on the beach.
7 Awesome Things To Do In Palm Bay, Florida
Once you've settled in Palm Bay, it's time to start your Floridian adventure.
Turkey Creek Sanctuary
For family members that want to go au natural, there's the Turkey Creek Sanctuary.
This sanctuary is bursting with sand pines, beautiful birds, and picturesque examples of Florida's varied ecosystems.
You can spend time walking down the boardwalk or hike through the 130 acres that the sanctuary contains.
You can even visit the on-sight nature center and gift shop to learn more about the area.
It's free to walk onto the Turkey Creek Sanctuary. You can visit at any time between the hours of 7 AM and 7 PM, seven days a week.
For more information about this Palm Bay attraction, you can visit its website.
Melbourne Beach Pier
Melbourne Beach Pier lets you mix history with a day in the sun.
This historic pier was originally built in 1889 by the Melbourne and Atlantic Railroad Company. It wasn't registered to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places until 1984.
Nowadays, the pier and beach stand as a quiet getaway for tourists and locals alike.
You'll find this spot tucked away on a barrier island across from Palm Bay in the Indian River Lagoon.
This is a great place to visit if you want to spend time soaking up the sun, but there's something here for history buffs, too!
During your visit, you can visit the village founded by Major Cyrus E. Graves during the Civil War, which once served as a thriving pineapple plantation.
You can visit the Melbourne Beach Pier 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
There is no cost to visit, but you'll want money to buy lunch, suntan lotion, or souvenirs to take back to the mainland with you.
For more information about this Palm Bay attraction, you can visit its website.
Spessard Holland Park (South Beach and North Beach)
If you're looking for a beach that's a little closer to Palm Bay's shores, you'll want to explore Spessard Holland Park.
This park has two beaches, North Beach and South Beach, that are a mere two miles away from one another.
North Beach boasts a 100-foot dune boardwalk you and the kids can walk across at leisure. You'll be able to surf, surf fish, and lounge at either beach, too!
It's free to enter Spessard Holland Park, and you'll be able to visit at any time of the day. Make sure you bring cash with you to purchase any rental gear you want to use!
For more information about this Palm Bay attraction, you can visit its website.
Erna Nixon Park
Erna Nixon Park is reasonably close to Melbourne Square, Palm Bay's prime shopping center.
However, this park takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the urban parts of the city and lets you lull your senses with the comforts of nature.
When you visit the park, you'll be able to make your way down the Erna Nixon Boardwalk.
This trail is ideal for families and walkers of all ages, and it is even wheelchair accessible.
While you walk, you'll get a peek at Florida's wetlands and forests, where you can spot "tree cookies" and many birds.
If you want to help the kids burn off some energy or escape the city's buzz, you can visit the Erna Nixon Park walk 24 hours a day.
The park is free to enter. For more information about this Palm Bay attraction, you can visit its website.
Castaways Point Park
If you want to spend some of your vacation days fishing, then you'll need to head down to Castaways Point Park.
This park is perfect for family bonding, as it has two fishing piers that delve deep into the Indian River Lagoon.
Whether you're renting your gear or bringing it from home, you'll be able to cast it off (with the help of a temporary fishing license) without a care in the world.
For non-fishers, Castaways Point Park is a great place to try and spot porpoises and manatees.
While you should never feed the wildlife, you can snag excellent pictures of some of Florida's wilder residents from the safety of the shore.
It's free to enter Castaways Point Park, but make sure you have money on you if you want to rent fishing gear.
The park is open 24 hours a day. For more information about this Palm Bay attraction, you can visit its website.
Andretti Thrill Park
For those days when you need a burst of energy, Palm Bay provides you with Andretti Thrill Park.
This park isn't like the other theme parks you've heard about. It's even unique in Florida!
Here, you'll find the many roller coasters and thrill rides your kids love. However, you'll also find physical challenges and an expansive arcade.
There's also the Andretti Challenge for the more adventurous families, which will push your thrill-seeking ways to the test.
Andretti Thrill Park is unique because it doesn't charge a flat entry fee. Instead, you'll pay for a wristband that charges you for every hour you stay in the park.
The park's hours vary as follows:
- Monday to Thursday: 10 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 10 AM to midnight
- Sunday: Noon to 9 PM
For more information about this Palm Bay attraction, you can visit its website.
Juan Ponce de León Landing Site
Juan Ponce de Leon Landing Site takes its name from the famous Spanish conquistador who arrived in Florida in 1513.
When you visit this landing site, you'll be thrown back into the early days of the European colonization of the United States.
While you won't find the Fountain of Youth anywhere on this beach (like de Leon wished he could), you will find small pavilions where you can picnic and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
There are two beach crossovers at this landing site, meaning you'll be able to easily cross back and forth between the two.
It is free to visit the Juan Ponce de Leon Landing Site. The site is open between 7 AM and 7 PM on a daily basis.
For more information about this Palm Bay attraction, you can visit its website.
And that's not all!
You are right by the Florida Space Coast! If you're staying at Palm Bay, take the time to explore nearby towns and areas, too - there is so much to see and do within a short drive!
You can find some ideas nearby in this post: 9 Best Things To Do In Cocoa Beach, Florida
Where To Stay In Palm Bay, Florida
Now that we've convinced you to visit Palm Bay, you're going to need a place to stay.
Palm Bay has a number of quaint bed & breakfasts that operate alongside more traditional hotels.
Whatever kind of lodging you need, you'll be able to find it here.
Comfort Suites Palm Bay - Melbourne
The Comfort Suites Palm Bay - Melbourne bridges the boundary between Palm Bay and Melbourne.
Only five miles away from downtown Palm Bay, you'll be able to use this spot as your home base for the whole of your Florida vacation.
The rooms at the Comfort Suites Palm Bay - Melbourne offer you comfort in an understated way.
You won't be overwhelmed by new, innovated technology here. Instead, you can enjoy in-room microwaves and refrigerators alongside a plethora of other amenities.
The Comfort Suites Palm Bay - Melbourne also offers a free continental breakfast to all of its guests, along with access to an outdoor, heated pool.
Quality Inn Palm Bay - Melbourne
For a livelier stay in Palm Bay, you'll want to book a stay in the Quality Inn Palm Bay - Melbourne.
Nestled near the heart of the Space Coast, you'll have ready access to various dining and entertainment when you stay at this hotel.
Just a minute's walk away is attractions like:
- Turkey Creek Sanctuary
- The Kennedy Space Center
- Paintball Parks
- Cocoa Beach
At the Quality Inn Palm Bay - Melbourne, you'll have access to in-room, flat-screen televisions, microwaves, and refrigerators.
You'll be able to grab breakfast at the hotel's Q Corner Cafe before heading out for the day.
Fresh coffee and tea are also always available in the hotel lobby.
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