Top reasons to visit Merritt Island
- Stunning Beaches: Enjoy the sun and surf at Cocoa Beach, perfect for relaxation and water activities.
- Outdoor Adventures: Experience horseback riding, surfing, and various recreational options for all ages.
- Space Parks: Explore the nearby Kennedy Space Center for an exciting glimpse into space exploration.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Merritt Island offers a range of attractions for families, ensuring fun for everyone.
- Diverse Accommodations: Choose from resorts and charming guesthouses to suit your holiday needs.
Find great hotels in and around Merritt Island
If you’re seeking a memorable getaway on Merritt Island, Florida, you’ll discover a fantastic selection of accommodations tailored for families and adventure-seekers alike. From resorts with stunning beach access to charming guesthouses, Merritt Island offers diverse options to suit every traveller's needs. Whether you’re looking for hotels near Merritt Island or the perfect island retreat, your ideal stay awaits in this beautiful coastal paradise.
- International Palms Resort Cocoa Beach: This 3-star hotel is perfect for families and business travellers seeking a fun and functional getaway. Located a mere 4.8km from Merritt Island, the resort boasts a family-friendly atmosphere with amenities like a playground and arcade game room for children. Business guests can take advantage of a fully-equipped business centre, conference spaces, and 24-hour services, making it an ideal choice for work and play. With a relaxed vibe and easy access to Cocoa Beach, it’s a fantastic spot for a memorable family vacation.
- La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach-Port Canaveral: Emphasising a beachside retreat, this hotel is also 4.8km from Merritt Island and welcomes both guests and their pets. Perfect for beach lovers, it offers direct access to the sandy shores, making it easy to soak up the sun. With a pet-friendly policy that allows dogs and cats, this accommodation is great for travellers wanting to bring their furry companions along. The laid-back atmosphere and proximity to the ocean create a perfect coastal escape for families and pet owners alike.
- Island Hotel of the Space Coast: Situated in Merritt Island, this hotel caters to adventurous spirits and LGBTQIA travellers. With its strong emphasis on inclusivity and adventure, guests can partake in a variety of recreational activities like kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing nearby. The property also features business amenities, including a meeting room and conference space, making it a versatile choice for both work and leisure. The welcoming atmosphere and excellent access to local adventures make it an exciting option for those looking to explore the area.
Where to stay in and around Merritt Island
Merritt Island, Florida, offers a stunning escape for Aussie travellers seeking beachside adventures and family-friendly vibes. Explore the beautiful Cocoa Beach nearby, where you can bask in the sun and enjoy ocean views. With easy access to the cruise port, Merritt Island serves as a perfect base for excursions, allowing you to soak up the warm, friendly atmosphere while discovering the charm of this coastal paradise.
- Cocoa Beach: Located a mere 4.8km from Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach is a vibrant city renowned for its sandy shores and surf culture. This destination is particularly popular during peak seasons from March to April and in July, attracting families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can indulge in a variety of activities, from lounging on the beach to exploring local shopping areas and malls. The nearby marina and dock port add to the coastal charm, making it easy to enjoy water sports or a leisurely boat ride.
- Hidden Creek: Nestled within the Merritt Island area, Hidden Creek is a quaint village that offers a unique blend of sports and outdoor experiences. While not heavily seasonal, visitor numbers peak from February to March and July, with a slight dip in September to November. Travellers can enjoy access to local resorts and sports facilities, ideal for those seeking an active getaway. With a stadium and dock port nearby, Hidden Creek caters to both sports enthusiasts and those looking to unwind in a serene environment.
- Rockledge: Just 6.4km from Merritt Island, Rockledge is a charming city that welcomes visitors year-round, with peak times from February to April. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, this destination features a mix of outdoor activities and shopping experiences. The local marina and dock port provide opportunities for boating and fishing, while the vibrant shopping mall centres ensure that visitors have access to a variety of retail options. Rockledge is perfect for those looking to blend relaxation with recreation.
Things to do in and around Merritt Island
Merritt Island is perfect for outdoor and family vacations, offering a range of activities like horseback riding and surfing at local spots. You can also enjoy the vibrant shopping areas and resort facilities. With its beautiful beaches and recreational options, Merritt Island provides a fantastic getaway for tourists seeking adventure and relaxation.
Shopping
For a great shopping experience in Merritt Island, visit Ron Jon Surf Shop, only 6.4km away, for surf gear and beachwear. If you're up for a drive, The Avenue Viera, 11.3km away, offers a vibrant mix of shops, while Melbourne Square Mall is 111.3km away with more family-friendly options.
Recreation
Experience the Cocoa Beach Skate Park for some laid-back skating and relaxation vibes just 3.2km from Merritt Island. For a dose of outdoor fun, head to Savannahs Golf Course for a round of golf amidst beautiful scenery. Don't miss the thrills at Space Coast Iceplex, 8.0km away, for ice skating adventures.
Adventure
Experience the thrill at Orlando Speedworld, a motor racing venue located 48.3km from Merritt Island, where you can feel the adrenaline rush on the track. For a more laid-back adventure, head to Swiss Inn Tennis Center, a mere 8.0km away, for some energetic tennis matches.
Explore the stunning Maritime Hammock Sanctuary Trail Access, 43.5km from Merritt Island, offering beautiful outdoor scenery and a chance to connect with nature on a delightful hike.
Nightlife
Merritt Island offers a vibrant nightlife with options like Cocoa Village Playhouse for a cultural theatre experience, Cobb Theatres-Merritt Square 16 for family-friendly films, and Surfside Playhouse for more entertainment and romance. Each venue provides a unique atmosphere to enjoy your evenings.
Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Merritt Island
To save money on your trip to Merritt Island, plan your visit between September and November when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays are the best days to book, while Fridays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to compare room rates and find deals by sorting prices from low to high or combining flights and hotels for package discounts. Additionally, explore free activities like the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge for a budget-friendly experience. Consider public transport for affordable travel around the area, or enjoy walking to take in the sights without spending extra.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Merritt Island are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Merritt Island is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Merritt Island is Friday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Merritt Island hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
Find the best attractions in and around Merritt Island
Merritt Island is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for a beach getaway. With popular attractions like scenic beaches, urban parks, and space parks, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're after family-friendly activities, cultural experiences, or a taste of city life, Merritt Island offers a variety of points of interest that will make your holiday memorable.
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Explore the wonders of space exploration at this iconic site. Engage with interactive exhibits, witness heroic stories of astronauts, and even meet a real astronaut. The family-friendly atmosphere makes it a fantastic place for visitors of all ages.
- Cocoa Beach Pier: Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere at this lively pier. With excursions available, you can partake in fishing, dining, and soaking up the sun while mingling with friendly locals. The pier offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
- Cocoa Beach: Relax on the soft sandy shores of Cocoa Beach, where you can soak up the sun, swim, or surf. The laid-back beach vibes make it an ideal spot for unwinding and enjoying the beautiful Florida coastline.
Best time to go to Merritt Island
The best time to visit Merritt Island is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Merritt Island
When visiting Merritt Island, Florida, you have several airport options. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is approximately 64.4km away, with nearby hotels like The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and Rosen Shingle Creek, both about 12.9km from the airport, offering various transportation services. Melbourne Airport (MLB) is closer at 25.7km from Merritt Island, with excellent accommodation choices such as DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront and Seaglass Inn, both 6.4km away. For those flying into Vero Beach Municipal Airport (VRB), located 78.9km away, the Costa d'Este Beach Resort and Spa and Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa are great options, only 6.4km from the airport.