By Lauren Tjaden

It’s hard to beat.

Rich coffee, sweet waves and sunlight skipping across the water make a marvelous way to start the day. The Melbourne Beach, Florida area has old-time Florida flair, with low-slung buildings, miles of nearly empty shoreline and an abundance of smiles and Sunshine State hospitality.

I was enjoying all of them immensely.

Melbourne Beach, Florida and its neighbor, Indialantic Beach, are laid back, family-friendly, and just a splash south of much-busier Cocoa Beach. If you need to lower the stress-meter, this section of seashore in Melbourne has your name on it. Check out my little movie and you’ll see what I mean.

PLACES TO REMEMBER