15 Best Things to Do in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida

Indian Harbour Beach is a small city of about 8000 people in Brevard County, Florida. Although it’s a part of a bigger metropolitan area that consists of Palm Bay, Melbourne, and Titusville, it is located on the coast of a tiny barrier island, with plenty of pristine natural areas and beautiful green spaces.

As such, it is perfect for people wanting to get away from the crowds and enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities while remaining close to the exciting attractions of a bigger center. No wonder it’s often called “Florida’s Greatest Little City.”

Indian Harbour Beach has fairly nice weather most of the year and is home to some of the loveliest beaches in the region. There are also many opportunities to participate in a variety of water sports.

The city also has several great shopping areas, including Melbourne Square Mall, Cocoa Beach Pier, Harbour Place Shopping Centre, and Oceanside Estate Jewelry.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Indian Harbour Beach, Florida.

1. Adventure Surf Lessons and Paddleboarding

Have you ever wanted to feel like you are at one with the sea? Sure, swimming is one way to do that, but there’s no better way to feel like you are connected to the ocean than to get on a board and surf a wave back to shore.

It may take a few hours to get the hang of it, but the rush you get when you stand up on that board for the first time and ride a wave back to shore is worth the effort.

Not ready to ride the rough waters? Paddleboarding is a reasonably new water activity that is getting more and more popular with people of all ages. Adventure Surf Lessons and Paddleboarding in nearby Satellite Beach provide beginner surfing lessons and paddleboard tours to a location where you’ll also have an opportunity to see dolphins and manatees in their natural habitat.

2. McLarty Treasure Museum

Treasure hunters have been searching for the remnants of 11 Spanish Galleons that sank in a wild storm off the coast of Florida in 1715. The gold, silver, and copper treasures they were carrying en route to Spain are also a focus of this hunt.

The McLarty Treasure Museum, situated on Orchid Island, features a variety of exhibits showcasing the history of that treasure fleet along with artifacts and replicas. An observation deck looking out over the ocean is also on-site.

3. Florida Tech Botanical Garden

This school campus botanical garden encompassing 15 acres is one-of-a-kind in the mainland United States. Tropical plants and trees – in particular, palm trees – are the main focus of the gardens. In fact, one of the beautiful trails that snake through the tropical growth is named after the founder of the Palm Society.

Visitors will also see natural water attractions, and guided tours are available with advance notice.

4. Manatee and Dolphin Tour

An adventure on the water is a rite of passage for any visitor to Florida and Indian Harbour Beach, and there are many water adventures to choose from. A popular one is the Manatee and Dolphin Tour.

Kayak with a professional guide down the Indian River into the warm waters of a serene lagoon, where you’ll see the playful dolphins. The sociable manatees are next; they can first be spotted sunning on the banks of the river and are the highlight of the tour with their cute antics. There’s no need to try to get close to them, as they willingly come right up to the side of your kayak.

The guides are experts in their behavior and habitat and can tell you everything there is know about these fascinating animals.

5. Wickham Park

Visitors to the Indian Harbour Beach area can take a short drive over to Melbourne and spend an entire day enjoying the numerous amenities available at Wickham Park.

Horseback riding, archery facilities, a dog park, walking trails through natural areas, sports fields, picnic areas, a children’s playground, disc golf facilities, and natural swimming holes are some of the amenities available. Visitors can even camp overnight at the park.

6. Cape Canaveral Inshore Fishing

Take a four-hour-long charter from Cape Canaveral into the Indian River where the big fish are. Along the way, visit several important fishing areas, including Ponce de Leon Inlet, New Smyrna Beach, and the waters off Merritt Island.

Some of the fish species you have a chance to reel in include sea trout, black drum, mangrove snapper, redfish, and snook. Before you cast a line, get some expert tips from your professional guide, who can also help you find the ideal place to get that perfect picture of you and your catch.

7. The Liberty Bell Memorial Museum

Situated in the Wells Park area of Melbourne, The Liberty Bell Memorial Museum pays tribute to America’s focus on education and life-long learning. One section of the museum is The Rotunda of American History, which features a timeline of significant events in the country’s history.

The displays include historical documents, exhibits detailing Florida’s past, historical artifacts and, of course, a Liberty Bell Replica.

The second part of the museum is Freedom Hall, which is a tribute to the country’s armed services and the wars these men and women fought in. Awards, pictures, and artifacts like weapons and uniforms are on display.

8. Andretti Thrill Park

Fun for the whole family is on offer at Andretti Thrill Park in Melbourne. Enjoy access to Go-kart tracks, miniature golf, a rock wall, a playground, laser tag, batting cages, and paddle boats.

Visitors can also take a train ride and visit the biggest arcade in the area, which features 150 modern video games with opportunities to win prizes. Andretti Snacks offers a wide variety of munchies, including pizza, finger foods, and ice cream.

9. Dinoflagellate Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

Take a Dinoflagellate Bioluminescence Kayak Tour and experience a natural phenomenon that is so rare, it only occurs in a few places around the globe. Paddle across a warm, dark lagoon to a spot where the water glows a mysterious blue when disturbed by your hand, paddle or kayak.

Even the dolphins and manatees you’ll see on your tour leave a blue wake as they move through the waters. Enjoy this spectacular light show while your experienced and knowledgeable guide explains everything you need to know about it.

10. Brevard Zoo

Brevard Zoo, Melbourne, FL — Brevard Zoo

At the 75 acre Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, visitors can see hundreds of animals from almost 200 different species from around the globe. Conservation and education are at the forefront of operations, so there are opportunities to learn about what’s being done to protect these species and their habitats.

Throughout the day, there are feedings and various tours. A kayak excursion, train ride, paddle boat tour into a wetland area, and a treetop trek are offered, and there’s a flamingo pond on site.

11. Learn to Surf with Pura Vida Surf School

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to surf, Cocoa Beach is the perfect place to do so. Pura Vida Surf School has the perfect one-hour group lesson to get you started. Begin with some safety training and learn some beginner techniques before heading into the water to catch some waves.

12. Rossetter House Museum and Gardens

Take a guided tour through the inside of the historic Rossetter House Museum, the Houston Cemetery, and beautiful gardens. Listen while knowledgeable guides provide the intriguing history surrounding Eau Gallie and the Rossetter and Roesch families.

13. Kiwi Tennis Club

Whether you’re an avid tennis player or someone who would like to try the sport, Kiwi Tennis Club has 13 courts where you can compete with other players of your level or learn with novices.

A pro shop, gym, and locker rooms are also on-site, and the Breezeway Bar is open select hours throughout the day.

14. Foosaner Art Museum

Situated in the Eau Gallie Arts District, Foosaner Art Museum is a prominent landmark and local meeting place, where visitors and locals alike enjoy a creative presentation of visual art. With a large focus on female artists, there are works from all over the world, spanning many eras to the present day.

Some of these works include modern art, contemporary art, and Asian art. Throughout the week, there are speeches and various educational events.

15. Cape Canaveral Deep Sea Fishing Charters

When you set out on a Deep Sea Fishing Charter with iOutdoor, you not only get to experience deep sea fishing, but you also get to explore the coastal area off Cape Canaveral and see spectacular views of the scenic coastline and the beautiful mansions that line the cliffs.

This area is home to some of the best deep-sea fishing in the region. The inexperienced and experienced alike have the opportunity to reel in a variety of species, including snapper, tuna, wahoo, sailfish, marlin, mahi, kingfish and grouper.

The boats are comfortable and equipped for safety, and professional, knowledgeable crew members will tell you all there is to know about the area and the fish you will be looking for.

Where to stay: Best Hotels in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida (FL)

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