Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Satellite Beach, Florida

Adjacent to Patrick Space Force Base, Satellite Beach stands as the largest beachfront community in South Brevard County.

Notably, this article highlights the prominence of beaches, showcasing several exquisite public beach parks well-suited for surfing, fishing, or simply unwinding on the sand.

During the summer months, loggerhead turtles nest in this area, and individuals can join the Sea Turtle Preservation Society for guided walks during this season.

Following the shoreline, State Route A1A is renowned as one of the most picturesque stretches of road along Florida’s Atlantic coast.

The biodiverse Banana River on Satellite Beach’s western side is teeming with wildlife, and during the winter, manatees congregate in large numbers at a local park.

1. Pelican Beach Park

Source: Jennifer Jones-Delia / Facebook

Pelican Beach Park is the most frequented beach park in Satellite Beach, operating daily from 9 AM until sunset. Its central location offers nearby dining options along A1A.

While the beach and surf are the primary attractions, the park also boasts various amenities designed to enhance your experience, including a children’s playground, beach volleyball courts, and six covered pavilions.

Because of its location, Pelican Beach Park hosts numerous community events throughout the year, including the Ocean Beach Festival, which will be discussed later in this article.

2. Hightower Beach Park

With many public beach access points, Satellite Beach offers ample opportunities for visitors to explore and find their ideal spot.

Hightower Beach Park is noted for its unique dune formations, featuring a crossover that leads through a corridor of dense vegetation. Informative signs provide insights into the dune habitat and the nesting behavior of sea turtles during the summer.

The elevated dunes provide a rewarding vista stretching for miles along the shoreline, and during my visit, the rolling waves presented excellent conditions for surfing.

3. DeSoto Park Canal for Manatees

This wildlife viewing location is particularly rewarding on colder winter days. A small canal located on the west side of DeSoto Park has emerged as a favored gathering spot for manatees.

Visitors are most likely to observe them when temperatures dip below 55 °F. On such days, incredibly, up to 30 manatees may be sighted together. This level of concentration of these beloved creatures is rare in Brevard County.

From what I gathered, the ideal viewpoint is at the park’s north end near the outflow, with additional potential sightings from the kayak launch to the south. However, be advised that crocodiles have also been reported in these waters.

4. Canova Beach Park

Source: R9 Studios FL (Thanks to all the fans!!!) / Flickr

The final beach park on this list, located nearby in Indialantic, is notable for its dog-friendly policies.

Canova Beach Park features a picturesque shoreline, favored by swimmers, anglers, and surfers, and is equipped with pavilions that include grills.

Open daily from 7 AM until 7 PM, the park allows for a full day of enjoyment with all family members, including pets.

For those planning to visit with their dogs, a valid tag and a license with proof of rabies vaccination are required. All dogs must remain on leashes.

5. Good Natured River Tours

Located near Grills Riverside, this eco-tour company offers nature-spotting cruises along the Indian River Lagoon, typically lasting two hours.

My trip was coordinated by a licensed Captain with extensive knowledge of the lagoon’s history and its abundant wildlife.

I had the opportunity to see dolphins, alligators, manatees, and some luxurious waterfront residences that can only be observed from the water.

The boat features both indoor and outdoor seating, accompanied by Caribbean music, which enhances the relaxed ambiance.

6. Samsons Island

Source: Samsons Island / Facebook

The Banana River features a notable number of spoil islands, which are man-made structures resulting from dredging activities that attract various wildlife. One such island near Satellite Beach has been transformed into a passive park.

Access to Samsons Island is exclusively by boat; however, the city facilitates a free ferry service on the first and third Sunday of each month.

This island is essential for birdwatching, with the opportunity to observe up to 30 different species, including roseate spoonbills, egrets, great blue herons, horned owls, and ospreys.

7. Seagull Park

Located to the north, this small neighborhood beach park is situated opposite the intersection of SE 1st St along A1A.

A few weeks prior to my visit, Seagull Park underwent renovations that introduced new pavilions, available for picnics, given the nearby food options along A1A.

An observation deck with seating on the slope by the crossover provides a perfect vantage point for sunrises, while the beach retains a local feel, often featuring surfers when conditions are favorable.

8. Brevard Zoo

Source: Thomas Kelley / shutterstock

Home to an exotic selection of animals from around the globe, Melbourne’s Brevard Zoo features rhinos, tigers, parrots, and monkeys.

Alongside animal exhibits, the zoo provides guided tours, educational programs, and a water recreation area for children, making it an ideal location for families to cool off after a sunlit day.

What captivated me most was the opportunity to engage actively across various habitats within the zoo. Visitors can opt for kayaking past the Expedition Africa exhibits or navigating a high ropes course above a rainforest while observing monkeys and jaguars below.

Additionally, a relaxing train tour offers a hit with children, providing an excellent opportunity to unwind and absorb the scenery while enjoying informative commentary along the route.

9. Hangar’s Beach

If you prefer a secluded beach experience, Hangar’s Beach is a favored local spot located just a few minutes north along A1A.

This stretch of unpopulated shoreline is backed by Patrick Space Force Base, ensuring an absence of resorts or attractions for at least a mile in either direction.

Occasionally, low-flying aircraft add to the experience for many visitors. Between June and October, the beach serves as an important nesting site for loggerhead turtles, offering an impressive sight, provided a respectful distance is maintained.

10. Sea Turtle Preservation Society

For approximately 40 years, this organization has actively worked to safeguard sea turtles and their habitats.

During the summer, the coastlines of Satellite Beach and adjacent areas serve as nesting grounds, primarily for loggerhead turtles. The society organizes public educational initiatives across the year.

Details regarding forthcoming events can be found on their website. During my visit, I attended an expert-led turtle walk at Pelican Park Beach, and there are also night walks available at various beaches throughout South Brevard County.

11. Da Kine Diego’s Insane Burritos

Source: Da Kine Diego’s / Facebook

Situated on A1A, Da Kine Diego’s Insane Burritos has become a popular post-beach stop, conveniently located within walking distance of Pelican Beach Park.

The establishment resembles a Hawaiian-style surf shack, decorated with stickers from surfing brands. Menu offerings go beyond burritos to include bowls, tacos, and sandwiches, with numerous vegan selections available.

I opted for the signature Insane burrito, filled with jasmine rice, black beans, shaka pico, sour cream, cheese, lettuce, optional cabbage, and my choice of meat (chicken).

These generously-sized burritos provide great value for money at $11.25 at the time of my visit.

12. Gleason Park

Source: Indian Harbour Beach Rec – Gleason Park / Facebook

Located just a short distance in Indian Harbour Beach, Gleason Park is positioned on the Indian River side of the barrier island. This 27-acre park provides a peaceful alternative to the beach, complete with ample shaded areas.

The primary feature of the park is a 25-yard swimming pool, ideal for lap swimming and renovated in the 2010s.

Additional amenities include a lake with a boardwalk and observation pier, as well as a looping exercise trail. As you stroll through the park, try to spot one of the resident gopher tortoises, which are much-loved among visitors.

13. Route 7 Adrenaline Warehouse

Located approximately ten minutes away in Rockledge, this indoor entertainment center is housed within the former Florida Today building, featuring over 60,000 square feet of attractions.

A significant portion of the space is dedicated to a karting track that utilizes state-of-the-art electric karts available in four speeds, accommodating all ages starting from as young as four with the safe Kid Karts.

In addition to karting, offerings include axe throwing, laser tag, a high ropes course, mini bowling, a Ninja Warrior-style course, an arcade, and an XD dark ride theater.

14. Manatee Cove Golf Course

Source: Mikael Damkier / shutterstock

The nearest golf course is situated on Patrick Space Force Base, which requires a military ID or a civilian pass, both of which are relatively easy to obtain.

Established in 1962 and originally designed by Robert Trent-Jones, the Manatee Cove Golf Course added a new fourth hole designed by Donald Ross in 2004.

Featuring hundreds of swaying palms, it provides a stunning backdrop for a day of golfing, offering great value for your investment, with water hazards present on all but one hole.

Additional amenities include a driving range that mimics the course layout, a fully-stocked pro shop, and a charming tiki bar.

15. Ocean Reef Beach Festival

If visiting Satellite Beach in winter, make a note of this complimentary event taking place at Pelican Beach Park on the first Saturday in December. The Ocean Reef Beach Festival is celebrated as a tribute to ocean life.

Focusing on conservation, this festival combines interactive educational experiences with live music, food trucks, and nearly 100 vendor booths that center on ocean-oriented art.

Proceeds benefit the local Kids Dig Gardening nonprofit, and attendees are encouraged to arrive on foot or by bike to promote sustainability.