With so many parks in Brevard County, it can be hard to decide how to ration your vacation time. To help you make a decision, here’s a list of some of the best parks in Brevard County.
McLarty Park
This community park in Rockledge has plenty to offer activity-wise, thanks to its baseball fields, swimming pool, and many different sports courts. The pavilion and community center can be the perfect venue for events and recreational fun. Bring your family for the day and take advantage of the concession stand and barbeque pit, and rest assured, there are restrooms nearby.
Rotary Park
Treat the kids to a full-featured playground at this park in Merritt Island. The event pavilion is just a walkway away, equipped with grills, picnic tables, restrooms, and a grass volleyball court. There’s also a nearby nature boardwalk with a Nature Center that offers tours and exhibits, so make sure to call ahead and schedule your guided adventure.
Kelly Park
Right off of the Banana River, Kelly Park has an east and west section to provide accommodations for all. Those looking for an aquatic adventure should head to the east to find boat ramps and a natural launch area for catamarans and sailboards, equipped with a dock and parking lot for cars and trailers. The river park also has an internationally recognized windsurfing area, perfect for water-sporting. The west side of Kelly Park features multiuse fields and courts, a concession facility, and a boardwalk with a fishing pier. There are also pavilions, grills, and tables to make for a wonderful day trip. Kelly Park is a very popular waterfront destination in the spring and summer months, so reservations are recommended.
Manatee Cove Park
Calling all fishermen! This park is for you. With an access road to a small lagoon and a surrounding nature trail, shoreline fishing can be taken to new heights. Additionally, there’s a canoe launch site, playground, grill, and shaded tables. Make sure to keep an eye out for the manatees – the park is named after them for a reason.
Photo Provided By Manatee Cove Park: Women Of The Wild
Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary
This park is sure to get you chirping! The Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary is an internationally-known bird reservation. Thanks to its previous inhabitants, the Ais Indians, the natural lagoon and bird rookery is linked with canals that were created for mosquito control. Follow the trail on the manmade dike to reach the waterways or venture to the corner of the park to find a fishing pier, aka the “Old Humpbacked Troll Bridge”. Check out the birdwatching tower for a scenic view – and maybe even spot a dolphin or alligator!
Juan Ponce de León Landing
This regional beach park commemorates Juan Ponce de León’s landing on Melbourne Beach in 1513, during his almost 8,000 nautical mile-long exploration into uncharted waters. The park has a pavilion, restrooms, and parking – perfect for accessing the two featured beach crossovers.
Parrish Park at Titusville
Located on both sides of SR-402 at the A. Max Brewer Causeway, this urban district river park offers access to the Indian River – perfect for fishing, water sports, tanning and relaxing. Picnic shelters, restrooms, boat ramps, and a boardwalk with a fishing pier are also located at the park, accompanied by paved and unpaved parking for all kinds of cars and trailers.
Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park
For a nice day at the beach, look no further than this local favorite. The Murkshe Memorial Park provides ocean access for all kinds of beach activities, including surfing and fishing. The park also has a paved walkway from the restrooms to the dune crossover, an outdoor shower, picnic shelter, and a convenient place to park.
Lori Wilson Park
When it comes to Cocoa Beach, Lori Wilson Park is the place to go. Here you can find three pavilions, six dune crossovers, three outdoor showers, restrooms, water fountains, a boardwalk, and – on top of all that – free parking! At the beach, vendors provide chairs and rentals – so no need to bring your own. Nearby there’s a playground, grills, a sand volleyball court, and picnic tables. With a neighboring dog park, there’s fun for everyone.
Playalinda Beach
For some of the best waves on Space Coast, visit the Playalinda Beach. Rated both Quietest Beach and one of Florida’s best, Playalinda is sure to wow you with its views – of both the beach and the results of the “clothing optional” policy.
No matter what your mood, or where you are, there’s a park out there awaiting your arrival. Take advantage of the great weather during these summer months and check out some of these great parks in Brevard County.
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Feature Image Provided By Friends Of Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary
