Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Rockledge, Florida

Set by the Indian River Lagoon, Rockledge is the oldest incorporated municipality in Brevard County. Established in 1887, the city initially served as a winter retreat and center for citrus cultivation.

To experience the wealth of the past, one can explore Rockledge Drive Residential District. Stretching 2.5 miles along the Indian River, this area features luxurious mansions adorned by palm trees and impressive live oaks.

One attribute I value about Rockledge is its strategic location. The Kennedy Space Center is accessible for day trips to the north, while the historic Cocoa Village and the surf-ready Cocoa Beach are conveniently nearby.

1. Helen and Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary

This 140-acre wildlife preserve honors the ornithologist couple who relocated to the area in the 1950s.

Helen Cruickshank was a highly regarded nature author and photographer, while Allan Cruickshank served as the official photographer for the National Audubon Society.

The sanctuary presents a diverse range of native Florida scrub, interspersed with towering pines, creating essential habitat for the vulnerable Florida scrub jay, identifiable by its striking blue head, wings, and long tail.

During my hike in the sanctuary, I also encountered numerous rabbits, gopher tortoises, and several eastern fence lizards.

2. Rockledge Drive Residential District

One of my favored complimentary activities in Rockledge is to drive along Rockledge Drive.

This scenic 2.5-mile stretch of single-lane waterfront road constitutes a part of the Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway and serves as the central spine of an historic district, established in 1992.

The Rockledge Drive Residential District comprises 100 contributing buildings, predominantly grand residences constructed during the early 20th century when Rockledge was a prosperous resort.

The riverfront features charming private docks and seawalls that have stood the test of time for over a century. The road offers a delightful vista, flanked by palm trees, citrus trees, pines, and magnificent mature oaks.

3. Lawndale Museum

One of the most historically significant structures along Rockledge Drive is a Queen Anne style house built between 1874 and 1891.

The property belonged to Hiram Smith Williams, an affluent fruit grower and a Florida State Senator, who later initiated the first telephone service in Brevard County.

Acquired by Brevard County in 1989, the house offers valuable insights into early life in the region. For instance, the second floor served as one of the first schools in the county.

The museum has been offering tours since 2020, with sessions occurring on the first and third Saturday of each month.

4. Brevard County Riverwalk Nature Center

Source: Brevard County Central Area Parks & Recreation / Facebook

Spanning nearly seven acres along the picturesque Indian River, the Brevard County Riverwalk Nature Center is a remarkable ecological location.

The primary attraction is a boardwalk that stretches over 900 feet from the pavilion to the river. Walking along this pathway through a natural Florida hammock visitors can observe a diverse array of birds, snakes, and turtles.

Inside, there are exhibits designed for children, exploring the unique ecosystems of the Indian River Lagoon. Additionally, several aquariums showcase the different aquatic species inhabiting these waters.

The center conducts various programs that focus on fish identification in the lagoon, sea turtle conservation, and much more.

5. Rockledge Gardens

Brevard County’s oldest garden center and nursery is located in Rockledge. Still operated as a family business, Rockledge Gardens began in 1962 and has become a noteworthy attraction.

Consequently, a collection of demonstration gardens is perfectly landscaped, inspiring customers. Among them is an exquisite butterfly garden, which includes a memorial to the founder, Harry Witte.

The Farm Market is another appealing component, serving as the local destination for seasonal produce and pasture-raised meats. Additionally, the U-Pick area features a changing selection of vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers.

6. Brevard Zoo

Just a few minutes south of Rockledge lies a zoo that stands out within Florida and throughout the United States. Operated by a nonprofit organization, Brevard Zoo hosts nearly 200 species across almost 80 acres of natural habitat.

This facility offers unique experiences not available at other zoos nationwide. A highlight is the guided kayak tour that allows guests to navigate past the African exhibits.

During this excursion, you will encounter giraffes, zebras, camels, oryxes, meerkats, white rhinos, and many more majestic animals.

Another remarkable experience is the Treetop Trek Canopy Walk, where visitors traverse a ropes course high above the rainforest, observing South American wildlife, including giant otters and jaguars.

Among the many child-friendly features are the Cairo Express train, a splash pad, and a free-flight aviary where guests can feed lorikeets by hand.

7. Cocoa Village

While Rockledge lacks a defined downtown, one of Florida’s most charming downtowns is merely five minutes away in Cocoa.

Strolling through Cocoa Village reveals charming historical buildings, numerous independent shops, and delightful restaurants. Notably, S. F. Travis Hardware has been serving the community since 1885.

Among prominent structures is the Porcher House (1916), originally built for a prosperous fruit grower and later acquired by the city in the 1950s.

The historic Aladdin Theater (1924) was rescued in the 1980s and now functions as a performing arts venue known as the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse.

For a pleasurable afternoon in Cocoa Village, I recommend browsing through antique shops, boutiques, and galleries, followed by selecting a dining option from among the many highly-rated restaurants.

8. Cocoa Riverfront Park

Linked closely with Cocoa Village is a lovely park situated along the Indian River. For those seeking a scenic location to enjoy the sunrise, the boardwalk that runs parallel to the waterfront is highly recommended.

During my visits to this park, I frequently observed dolphins in the Indian River.

Serving as a gathering place for various events—such as outdoor concerts, arts and crafts fairs, or 4th of July celebrations—Cocoa Riverfront Park also features an amphitheater overlooking the water.

To the north, this park connects with Lee Wenner Park, which focuses on water-based activities, offering docks and boat ramps.

9. Rockledge Country Club

Source: Rockledge Country Club / Facebook

This semi-private golf course in Rockledge is the foundation of a country club established in 1918. With a relatively open layout, the primary challenge at Rockledge Country Club arises from the contouring, making it play longer than its official distance of 6,500 yards.

I particularly appreciated the native Floridian environment, characterized by live oaks, palms, and tall pines.

The most challenging hole is #6, a par 4 that climbs uphill and features water along the fairway and guarding the green. Additionally, the memorable #16 par 4 hole features a sloping green.

10. Autumn’s Crab

Source: Autumn’s Crab / Facebook

Though it is a relative newcomer to the Rockledge dining scene, Autumn’s Crab has swiftly cultivated a dedicated patronage, drawn to its affordably priced menu, casual atmosphere, and diverse culinary offerings.

Located on South Fiske Boulevard, amidst a strip mall that has seen better days, the restaurant features an interior that stylishly blends traditional Florida and Space Coast themes, creating an inviting ambiance.

The restaurant is renowned for its seafood, which includes crabs, shrimp, clams, and a variety of fish dishes, making it a go-to destination for many first-time visitors who are already contemplating return visits.

11. Cocoa Beach

Rockledge is just 20 minutes away from a globally recognized beach destination famous for its surf culture. The Cocoa Beach location of Ron Jon Surf Shop is officially the largest in the world.

Established over 60 years ago, this 52,000-square-foot store features a museum showcasing the extensive history of surfing along America’s Atlantic Coast.

For those preferring a more laid-back beach experience, the shoreline boasts excellent public beach parks, including Lori Wilson Park, known for its beautiful maritime hammock.

The 800-foot Cocoa Beach Pier has become a popular landmark, offering shops, bars, restaurants, and live entertainment.

Finally, the sheltered waters of the Banana River lagoon are bordered by mangroves and are teeming with wildlife, including dolphins and manatees. This remarkable environment can be explored by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or through a leisurely cruise.

12. Larry L. Schultz Park

If you are looking for a local picnic area, I recommend this tranquil location off SR 519, which envelops Jimmy Weaver Lake.

Many of the amenities are situated adjacent to this small body of water, including a fishing/observation dock, a playground, and the large Weaver Pavilion featuring five picnic tables.

A walking trail encircles the lake, lined with benches that allow for relaxation while watching fish leap from the water and observing numerous turtles along the banks.

13. Space Coast Iceplex

Another option for affordable local entertainment is the regional ice skating facility located just off SR 519 in Rockledge. Unlike many rinks, the Space Coast Iceplex hosts public skating sessions every day of the week.

Visiting on a Saturday night offers a unique experience as the venue features a DJ, transforming the atmosphere into a lively environment reminiscent of a nightclub.

The facility’s schedule includes a variety of hockey programs, ranging from stick & puck to Brevard Rockets High School hockey. For those who seek action and exercise without checking, I recommend the SCI Adult Hockey League, recognized as the county’s leading non-check competition.

14. US 1 Golf Center

One of the lesser-known attractions along U.S. 1 in Rockledge is a small yet well-equipped driving range.

US 1 Golf Center has been providing golfing opportunities for over 30 years, offering a conducive environment for enhancing your swing.

The center features 18 illuminated mat tees along with a grass tee area measuring over 70 yards, catering to those aiming for distances of 200, 150, and 100 yards.

For comedy and enjoyment, the most amusing target is a van situated at the 150-yard mark, promoting the local Schlenker Automotive repair shop.

15. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Source: NaughtyNut / shutterstock

A visit to Florida’s Space Coast would be incomplete without a stop at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

This site houses the Space Shuttle Atlantis and serves as NASA’s launch headquarters, a critical component of the United States’ space program for decades.

The optimal way to explore the complex is through the bus tour, which operates early and departs four times every hour until 2.5 hours before the site closes.

Among the independent exhibits, the one I’ll forever remember is the Space Shuttle Atlantis, splendidly displayed as if in orbit, an astonishing thought when considering its journeys totaling over 125 million miles around the globe.