Discovering the Top 15 Attractions in Palm Bay, Florida
Discovering the Top 15 Attractions in Palm Bay, Florida
Florida is renowned for numerous reasons, such as being the home to Disney World, receiving approximately 230 sunny days annually, and offering more than 1,300 miles of gorgeous coastlines to explore. The extensive coastline of Florida, including Emerald Coast, Forgotten Coast, First Coast, Treasure Coast, Gold Coast, and many more, is a major attraction. One of our favorite coastal areas is Space Coast, which is notably popular among tourists thanks to Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. However, a lesser-known city in the area is gaining attention for its adventurous spirit and growing community.
Located roughly an hour southeast of Orlando, Palm Bay is a paradise for nature lovers. The city's water bodies, including the Indian River Lagoon, Turkey Creek, and the Atlantic Ocean, offer various opportunities to explore the natural beauty of central Florida. Whether you are a fishing enthusiast, enjoy kayaking, prefer hiking, or simply love taking a leisurely walk near the water, Palm Bay provides something for everyone. Additionally, the city's vast choice of eateries ensures a fantastic dining experience for tourists.
Here are the 15 best things to do in Palm Bay, Florida:
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping
Go Fishing
Fishing is a significant draw for Palm Bay, with exceptional opportunities at Stick Marsh, also known as Farm 13, a large impoundment covering 6,500 acres. This site offers an array of catch options, including bass, bluegill, black catfish, black crappie, and readear sunfish. Hire an experienced captain for a guided fishing trip to maximize your chances of reeling in some impressive catches.
Discover Turkey Creek Sanctuary
Established in the early '80s, this 130-acre natural preserve has been a local favorite. Admission is free, and guests are welcome to traverse trails through hammock and sand pine scrub habitats. The sanctuary has several facilities, including a 1.85-mile boardwalk, a 1.5-mile jogging trail, a 1-mile bike trail, kayaking, and canoeing options, and the Margaret Hames Nature Center, which offers insights into the flora and fauna of the sanctuary.
Embark on a Kayak Tour
Enhance your experience and learn more about your surroundings by joining a guided eco-kayak tour with Paddling Paradise. Offering several daily tours, this eco-tour provider allows you to explore the beauty of Turkey Creek while burning calories and getting up close and personal with manatees, alligators, turtles, various bird species, fern-covered oaks, and native orchids.
Spend a Day in the Park
Outdoor recreation is integral to Palm Bay, and public parks are an integral part of the community. Two popular parks to visit are Fred Poppe Regional Park and Castaways Point Park. At Castaways Point Park, enjoy a shaded trail along Indian Creek, go fishing off the pier, launch a canoe, or organize a picnic under a pavilion. Fred Poppe Regional Park covers more than 200 acres, offering various facilities, including sports fields, a disc golf course, bike trails, a dog park, and numerous lakes suitable for fishing.
Relax on the Beach
Although Palm Bay doesn't have its own beach, it's located near Melbourne Beach, a quick 15-minute drive away. Public beaches, including Coconut Point Park, Ocean Park, and Spessard Holland North or South Beach Park, are perfect for a day of sandy fun.
Conquer the Micro Scrub Sanctuary Hiking Trails
While there are no mountains in the area, a great opportunity for hiking is available at the 1,322-acre Micro Scrub Sanctuary, offering miles of trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting.
Savor Delicious Meals
Dine at a Riverfront Restaurant
No experience is complete without a scrumptious meal, especially when served in a captivating setting. At The Shack Riverfront Restaurant & Tiki Bar, you can indulge in fantastic cuisine with an additional helping of beautiful scenery. Located on the Indian River Lagoon, enjoy live music, a cool breeze, and delectable dishes like stuffed flounder, NY strip, and more. The onsite Tiki bar serves weekday happy hours, and select days have all-you-can-eat snow crab legs and fish fry.
Taste Palm Bay's Barbecue
A visit to the South would not be complete without delving into the region's favorite cuisine – barbecue. At Memaw's Bar-B-Que, savor succulent meats that have been slow-cooked over a hickory and oak hardwood firepit. Enjoy mouthwatering barbecue sauces or seasonings for your ribs, turkey, pork, beef, or chicken.
Join the Lively Happy Hour Crowd
Named after the lazy turtle, The Lazy Turtle Riverfront Restaurant & Tiki Bar is known for its energetic atmosphere. Offering several hours of happy hour specials, including beer, wine, and cocktail discounts, as well as discounted appetizers, it's an excellent setting for watching the sunset while sipping a rum drink from a pineapple cup.
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Begin Your Day at Dottie's Diner
Kickstart your day in Palm Bay at Dottie’s Diner, a beloved spot known for serving hearty, down-to-earth meals in a laid-back dining area. The breakfast menu boasts a variety of options, from omelets, skillets, and Belgian waffles to homemade biscuits and sausage gravy.
Savor Puerto Rican Flavors
If you're searching for something a bit more unique in Palm Bay, look no further than Ven Pa Ca Latin Food. Discover the authentic taste of Puerto Rico with dishes like mofongo, empanadas, chuleta kan kan (crispy pork chops), and even grilled lobster.
Check Out Other Attractions
Enjoy an Afternoon on the Farm
Spend a day picking your own sunflowers and wildflowers, embark on a wagon ride, and interact with farm animals at Harris Family Farm. Visit during fall and enjoy a pumpkin patch, seasonal offerings, and other family-friendly activities.
Explore Ted Moorehead Lagoon House
The Ted Moorehead Lagoon House is open to the public by appointment and provides a rich understanding of the beautiful local ecosystem and lagoon in Palm Bay. Witness various lagoon-dwelling species in the on-site tank, watch educational videos about the lagoon's history, delve into exhibits, and then hit the boardwalk and nature trail to spot dolphins, manatees, and a variety of birds.
Discover a Stunning Garden
This enchanting tropical haven, named after the Joy and Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden, is located on Florida Tech’s campus and is free and open to the public. Stroll through the lush, palm-tree-lined trail alongside a babbling brook, and marvel at Palm Bay’s diverse plant life in a controlled setting.
Spend a Day in Downtown Melbourne
Though Palm Bay does not have its own downtown, Melbourne is just a short distance away – making it easy to spend a day shopping, browsing, and indulging in local cuisine and drinks. Explore the waterfront parks, take in the colorful murals, and soak up the vibrant culture and history of this bustling downtown area.
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After savoring a delicious breakfast at Dottie's Diner, you might want to consider a trip to the unique Ven Pa Ca Latin Food for a taste of Puerto Rican flavors. If you're looking for a family-friendly activity, Harris Family Farm offers sunflower picking, wagon rides, and an opportunity to interact with farm animals.
To gain a deeper understanding of Palm Bay's ecosystem, book an appointment to visit the Ted Moorehead Lagoon House and learn about the diverse lagoon-dwelling species. For a serene stroll, the Joy and Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden on Florida Tech’s campus is a must-visit. If you're eager to explore beyond Palm Bay, Melbourne's downtown area offers vibrant shopping, dining, and culture just a short distance away.