The Space Coast
From Left to Right Visitor Information Center in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge; White rhinos in the Expedition Africa exhibit in Brevard Zoo, Melbourne; Building sand castles at Playalinda Beach, Canaveral National Seashore; Spectacular view of the ocean from Turtle Mound, Canaveral National Seashore
Colorful surfboards displayed at the Ron Jon Surf Shop, Cocoa Beach
With swamps, flatlands, and beaches, and a temperate to subtropical climate, the Space Coast has more native wildlife than practically anywhere in the US. Due to the high influx of tourists, the major roadways are well kept; however, its location surrounding the Kennedy Space Center and preserves means development is limited. While there is a fairly usable public transportation system, especially along the trolley routes around Cocoa Beach, a car is mandatory for any excursions farther afield, and to get here from Orlando. Interstate 95 is the main highway for north–south travel, with US Route 1 the principal road through coastal tourist areas.
SEE MAP