Family Insider

See alligators at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Credit: Jill Martin, VISIT FLORIDA

Ever been to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge? It’s 140,000 acres of coastal dunes, marshes, pines, and hammocks - and it lies in the shadow of the Kennedy Space Center. This place is amazing and offers a fantastic look into the Florida of yesteryear with all kinds of plants and wildlife. And, it’s only 52 miles from Orlando and 39 miles from Daytona Beach.

No walking required
Take a seven-mile ride down their wildlife drive and keep your eyes open for pink-winged roseate spoonbills, majestic bald eagles, egrets, alligators and lots of other amazing creatures (more than 500 species of wildlife are here, including 15 federally listed 'Threatened' or 'Endangered' species). There’s even a manatee-viewing platform where you can see these endangered gentle giants up close.

What else can we do?
Recreational opportunities abound at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. In addition to the wildlife drive and manatee-viewing platform, bird-lovers will be in heaven with all the sighting possibilities. You can also do a little fishing, hunting, boating or paddle the day away in a kayak or canoe.

 Where to start?
The Visitor Information Center is the best place to begin your day. Here, you can watch movies, see exhibits, walk some trails, grab some water, buy a few gifts and learn about this protected area. Bring your binoculars and your camera - and have a great time getting back to nature!

Jill Martin, Family Insider, VISIT FLORIDA