Florida Guide > Other Florida
Merritt Island
When you are all out of hustle and bustle of the theme parks, why not see a little of what the real Florida can offer there is so much more if you just look past the theme parks
Just a one hour’s drive from Orlando along the Beeline (528) to the east is a wonderful peaceful area that takes you back to the old Florida. Take the 95 to Titusville and then it is just a short hop across the water to Merritt Island. Once on the island there is a choice of interesting thing to see and do. Try the visitor centre, you can see and learn all about the wild life in the area, there is a board-walk that takes you to some quiet un-spoilt viewing points where you are very likely to see fish, maybe an alligator, many types of birds and other animals.
A little further onto the island is the nature drive about 5 miles long. Take it slowly; we have always seen at least one alligator drifting in the shallow waters they are difficult to see but well worth the slow drive. There is a main stopping point where you can get out of the car and walk through to a high viewing platform you can see for miles from here. Well worth a look as again there are usually many types of wading birds to be seen depending on the season.
Next stop is the viewing observation platform for the weird but very lovely Manatee this is situated on the area between the sea and the main island. Try to imagine a cross between a big seal and a Walrus, they are like no other animal, they are large water animals that have to surface to breathe, slow moving and gentle. They graze on the underwater plants very close to the platform, totally unconcerned that they have an audience. There is plenty of space to park safely and wander to the waterfront.
After all the nature trails why not finish your trip with a visit to the beach, there are many to choose from, most have changing rooms and toilets but they are not always the cleanest but convenient. Remember that the beaches are all on the Atlantic Ocean so are usually cooler and have rougher waves than the west coast. Still a good way to cool down after a day spent nature watching.
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