Top 14 Attractions and Activities in West Melbourne, FL

The rapidly expanding city of West Melbourne is situated adjacent to the welcoming coastal community of Melbourne. The area benefits from the Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB), which has recently undergone substantial investment, positioning the region for growth.

While West Melbourne primarily serves as a residential locale, it does not lack in recreational opportunities. Within a ten-minute drive, one can access vibrant downtown areas, the St. Johns River, the Indian River Lagoon, and, of course, the breathtaking Atlantic coastline.

This locale offers ample attractions to justify a holiday visit with vibrant art scenes, stunning Floridian landscapes, beaches, shopping venues, dining options, and a variety of events.

1. Erna Nixon Park

Beyond being merely a public park, this remarkable passive space in West Melbourne is nestled within a natural Florida hammock.

Encircled by residential developments, Erna Nixon Park affords visitors an escape into nature via a 3,000-foot elevated boardwalk.

Your journey will take you through a lush undergrowth of ferns and saw palmettos, while above, the twisted branches of mature live oaks draped in hanging Spanish moss provide shade.

In late January, the park hosts an enchanting event known as the Moonlight Stroll, where visitors can enjoy live music along the boardwalk, food trucks, and stargazing opportunities with the Brevard Astronomical Society.

2. Downtown Melbourne

West Melbourne is conveniently located just minutes away from several charming downtown districts, with downtown Melbourne being particularly noteworthy.

This district, bisected by New Haven Ave and bordered by Crane Creek, has endured various challenges, including natural disasters and economic downturns, yet has emerged successfully in the 21st century.

During my previous visit, downtown was thriving, showcasing a vibrant community of shops and restaurants.

This growth can, in part, be attributed to a rise in domestic and international tourism, spurred by the expansion of Melbourne Orlando International Airport.

The area boasts numerous specialty stores and dining options, catering to diverse tastes with over 20 establishments available. At the time of my visit, the streetscape was on the verge of rejuvenation, featuring new landscaping and broadened sidewalks.

3. Rossetter House Museum and Gardens

Source: Leonard J. DeFrancisci (transferred to Wikimedia Commons by rohith_goura) / Wikimedia

For insights into local history, the Rossetter House Museum and Gardens consist of multiple historically significant components.

The museum, operated by the Florida Historical Society, offers guided tours encompassing two distinct houses, enchanting gardens, a garage, and a private cemetery.

The Rossetter House was constructed in 1908, the Houston Cemetery dates back to the 1860s, and the Roesch House, the focal point of the tour, originates from the 1890s.

Personally, I found the Rossetter House to be the highlight. Upon donation by the Rossetter family, a remarkable collection of Victorian antiques was included, all on view in their original setting.

4. James H. Nance Park

Reaching the Atlantic coastline takes just over ten minutes from West Melbourne, with James H. Nance Park serving as the most accessible public entry point, situated on a stunning oceanfront near downtown Indialantic.

This area encapsulates the allure of the Atlantic, featuring rolling waves and an expansive stretch of sandy beach, a well-known nesting habitat for sea turtles—details that will be discussed regarding the Sea Turtle Preservation Society.

Furthermore, this location provides an excellent vantage point for observing SpaceX rocket launches from the Kennedy Space Center, located approximately 40 miles to the north.

The park offers a picturesque oceanfront boardwalk, picnic areas, a playground, and restroom facilities, in close proximity to the shops and restaurants of Indialantic’s downtown.

5. The Liberty Bell Memorial Museum

Source: Leonard J. DeFrancisci / Wikimedia

For an intimate view of a rare replica of the Liberty Bell while in Florida, this museum is conveniently located just a few minutes away.

The Liberty Bell Memorial Museum showcases one of only 25 replicas of the original bell, created by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, which produced the original bell and operated for nearly 450 years until 2017.

While the bell, acquired for the nation’s bicentennial, remains the focal point, I found great interest in the broader exhibit located in the Rotunda of American History.

This segment features a timeline highlighting the history of the nation as well as Florida. Additionally, Freedom Hall is dedicated to military history, chronicling every war in which the United States has engaged.

6. FIT Botanical Gardens

Source: Sheila Freda / Facebook

The Florida Institute of Technology, situated just east of the city, features a beautiful 15-acre botanical garden on its campus.

Composed predominantly of an enchanting hardwood hammock, the garden is positioned along the course of a modest stream.

Palms from over 60 species reign over the canopy of the FIT Botanical Gardens, offering shade and creating a microclimate that allows tropical varieties to endure the occasional harsh winters.

Visitors can explore the garden via the Dent Trail, encountering specimen trees as well as stands of laurel, live oaks, and red maple.

7. Eau Gallie Arts District

Source: facebook.com

A few miles north of downtown Melbourne lies another vibrant district deserving of attention.

Exploring the area on foot allows for delightful discoveries, and the district is further enhanced by numerous public art displays, including murals, sculptures, and mosaics.

8. El Ambia

Source: El Ambia Cubano / Facebook

Set against the backdrop of Crane Creek in Melbourne, this restaurant specializes in authentic homestyle Cuban cuisine.

In Cuban vernacular, El Ambia translates roughly to “friend.” True to this spirit, the establishment presents a trendy yet relaxed ambiance, often enhanced by live music, all complemented by flavorful fare.

As is common in Cuban eateries, El Ambia skillfully merges contemporary flair with traditional comforts. Their menu is a treasure trove of island classics, including yuca frita, empanadas, and fried snapper adorned with mango salsa.

My suggestion would be to try the Hemingway Rice, a seafood paella featuring shrimp and various fish, cooked in a proprietary broth. Conclude your meal with either tres leches cake or the indulgent rum bread pudding topped with whipped cream.

9. Indian River Antique Mall

Source: Indian River Antique Mall / Facebook

Positioned just a minute from West Melbourne along W New Haven Ave, the Indian River Antique Mall ranks among the most expansive antique malls on the Space Coast.

Boasting over 20,000 square feet of retail space, it features more than 160 diverse dealer booths.

Whether you are on the lookout for vintage pieces, antiques, collectibles, artwork, or jewelry, the Indian River Antique Mall provides an ideal escape from the elements.

Although concerns regarding fair pricing are common in such establishments, my observations indicated that the prices here were reasonable.

If you happen to be traveling through the area, it offers an excellent opportunity to acquire a few mementos from your journey, with the faint possibility of unearthing a rare find.

10. Melbourne Center

West Melbourne partially envelops this enclosed shopping mall, which first opened its doors in 1982. It serves as a viable destination for particularly hot or rainy days, housing numerous large retailers, and had few vacancies during my recent visit.

Featuring a single-level layout, over 50 stores include recognizable names such as Yankee Candle, H&M, Pandora, Victoria’s Secret, Hollister Co, rue21, American Eagle, Foot Locker, and Hot Topic. The anchor stores include JCPenney, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Dillard’s Ladies, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Notably, the food court was thriving as well, with counter-service options like Chick-fil-A, Asian Chao, Maki of Japan, Gyros and More, and Planet Grilled Cheese.

11. Sea Turtle Preservation Society

Source: Sea Turtle Preservation Society / Facebook

The waters surrounding Brevard County harbor a variety of sea turtle species, including loggerhead, green, and leatherback turtles.

These remarkable creatures face numerous threats, including habitat loss, accidents with fishing gear, and pollution.

The volunteer-driven Sea Turtle Preservation Society (STPS) is committed to the conservation of these turtles, as well as to educating the public on the various challenges they face and what individuals can do to assist.

During my visit, I observed that the education center had recently undergone extensive renovations, featuring new interactive displays that elucidate the life cycle of sea turtles and the initiatives STPS undertakes to ensure their survival.

Additionally, during the summer nesting season, the society conducts guided beach tours to areas where turtles typically lay their eggs.

12. Camp Holly Airboat Rides

As you head west along US 192, you may be surprised by how quickly the urban landscape transitions to wetlands near the St. Johns River.

Here, you can embark on an exhilarating airboat ride through the swamps with Camp Holly Airboat Rides. These eco tours typically last around 45 minutes, during which I encountered turtles, swimming snakes, numerous birds, and even more alligators.

My recommendation is to utilize the ear protection provided, as these airboats can be quite loud. After your adventure, enjoy Gators Grill at Camp Holly, complete with live music, a Tiki Bar, and scenic views of the river.

13. West Melbourne Community Park

In 2016, an innovative facility known as the Space Coast Field of Dreams was inaugurated in the city’s community park, designed to provide active recreation for individuals of all abilities.

The amenities available include an ADA-accessible playground, a soccer field, an adaptive-use baseball field, and a nine-hole mini-golf course.

Additionally, West Melbourne Community Park features a splash pad for children with numerous interactive elements, a skate park, and a designated chess plaza.

Notably, free Wi-Fi access is available, and the park includes an amphitheater for outdoor public events, complemented by an expanse of grassy space for performances.

14. Andretti Thrill Park

Source: facebook.com

The Andretti name is synonymous with speed and auto racing, and for thrill-seekers, there is no better venue than Andretti Thrill Park in Melbourne.

In operation since 1999, this establishment focuses on go-karting, featuring a Super Speedway track, an F1 track, a Jr. Indy track, and Rookie Row.

Additional activities include a ropes course, mini-golf, climbing wall, laser tag, batting cages, and bumper boats.

To maximize value, consider acquiring an all-access wristband, which is valid for two hours, three hours, or the entire day.