Melbourne, FL

Melbourne is the largest city in south Brevard County, set on the Indian River Lagoon with a portion of the city on the barrier island along A1A. Visitors come for Historic Downtown Melbourne, the Eau Gallie Arts District, Brevard Zoo and uncrowded beaches a short drive across the causeways.

Where is Melbourne?

Melbourne sits on Florida’s east coast about 70 miles southeast of Orlando, with I-95 running along its western side and US 1 following the lagoon. Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is about 1.5 miles from the original downtown, roughly 10 minutes from most of the city, with daily passenger flights. Two causeways connect to the beaches: the Melbourne Causeway, which carries US 192 to Indialantic, and the Eau Gallie Causeway farther north.

Things to do in Melbourne

Historic Downtown Melbourne packs dozens of places to eat and drink into a few walkable blocks along New Haven Avenue near the lagoon. To the north, the Eau Gallie Arts District, a Florida Main Street community since 2010, has public parks on the water, galleries and more than 30 murals. The King Center for the Performing Arts hosts touring concerts and shows, and Florida Tech’s campus is home to the city’s first schoolhouse, built in 1883.

For outdoor time, Brevard Zoo is a local favorite, and Wickham Park hosts the Melbourne Art Festival each April. Across the causeways, Paradise Beach Park on A1A offers beach access with picnic areas, and the beaches south through Melbourne Beach are a major sea turtle nesting area in summer.

When to visit Melbourne

Fall through spring is the most comfortable time, with mild days and festivals on the calendar. Summer is hot and humid with afternoon storms, though it is prime time for guided turtle walks on the beaches. Rocket launches from Cape Canaveral are often visible from the Melbourne area, so check the schedule during your stay.