The Merritt Island center is around 3 miles south of JFK National Space Center and 5 miles south of Kennedy Space Center.
In general, the best time to visit Florida is from November through May when the rainfall is at its lowest. The summer months experience the most rain and the biggest influx of tourists, which can make visiting your favorite attractions more difficult.
Fall is a prime season for Space Coast activities. Not only does the rain let up and the kids are back in school, reducing the crowds, but festival season kicks into high gear. October sees numerous fall festivals and craft fairs in surrounding communities, not to mention the many Halloween-themed pub crawls. November marks Space Coast Lightfest, the Festival of Trees, and the ever-popular Space Rendezvous featuring an astronaut autograph show.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that Florida's hurricane season runs from June to the end of November, so being flexible with your travel plans is key if you want to enjoy the Sunshine State at its finest.
If you're traveling without children and still want to enjoy perfect temperatures, consider booking a hotel in April or May ahead of the hurricane season. There's a low chance of rain and temperatures hover around the mid- to upper 80s.
If you know where to stay and can book your trip in advance, you can save even more money during your trip to Florida's Space Coast.
For example, Residence Inn by Marriott Melbourne is one of the higher-rated accommodations offering AAA discounts. You must book the special AAA/CAA rate and present your membership card upon check-in. However, doing so helps you save on a hotel that offers an on-site restaurant, a business center, laundry facilities, an outdoor pool, airport transportation, and free breakfast. This pet-friendly hotel features a free grocery delivery service, evening guest socials, and full kitchens to help you make the most of your extended stay.
You can also save by booking certain accommodations online. Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral provides special online booking rates to help you save on an eight-floor accommodation, which offers an outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, a fitness facility, and a free breakfast. Grab a snack from the hotel's on-site convenience store and stroll to the nearby beach. Alternatively, hop on the casino shuttle to try your hand at gaming.
Merritt Island and nearby areas offer many midrange accommodations that give you extra value for your dollar.
International Palms Oceanfront Resort Cocoa Beach gives you the full-service resort experience on any budget. Enjoy the hotel's beachfront restaurant, on-site cafe, poolside bar, and full breakfast. Guests will love the outdoor tennis court, picnic area, outdoor pool, children's pool with a pirate ship playground, beach cabanas, and long-term parking option that's perfect for cruisegoers.
Another property offering exceptional value is Beach Place Guesthouses in Cocoa Beach. This stylish accommodation features an artsy vibe with a beautiful terrace, clean facilities, and wedding services. The garden offers wonderful views where you can relax and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi access. When you want a hotel that offers personality and an unbeatable location near the beach and major attractions, Beach Place Guesthouse is a must.
Radisson Resort at the Port is a three-star beach resort boasting an outdoor pool, a poolside bar, a children's pool, and stylish guest rooms. The full breakfast costs extra, but it's filling and worth the upgrade if you want to start your day off right. This affordable resort also features two on-site restaurants, room service, and a variety of recreational amenities, including a tennis court, a spa tub, and an arcade.
Wherever you're staying on Florida's Space Coast, you're probably planning a visit to one of Merritt Island's top-rated attractions. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at Cape Canaveral is the one attraction everyone wants to see. Visit NASA's famous launch complex, tour the astronaut hall of fame, and even catch a live rocket launch!
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is divided into Mission Zones, so tours and attractions are grouped by chronological era, helping you better understand the space race's history and how current missions are impacting society. See the space shuttle Atlantis, which is permanently housed at the facility after its 30-year history of transporting astronauts to and from space.
To appreciate Merritt Island's natural beauty, be sure to visit the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset and remains open for all rocket launches, giving you the chance to catch one from a different location.
Exploring Florida's Space Coast is a tall order, but the trip is worth it. Whether you want to book a resort with all the amenities or a budget-friendly hotel close to the interstate, the area around Merritt Island offers it all.
Below are reviews of the city of Merritt Island, FL from an actual visitor's perspective.
Convenience stores and restaurants within walking distance.
Nice weather!
Easy access to everything.
A fun city!
Hotel was close to order in food, near grocery stores or most any other need. An easy drive to Cocoa Beach!
The view!
The view!!!
Merritt Island is a beautiful place to visit.