Merritt Island, Florida

Merritt Island, Florida — Where Space Meets Wilderness

Merritt Island is one of Florida's most fascinating places — a barrier island separating the Indian River and Banana River lagoons, home simultaneously to the world's most active space launch complex and one of the most biodiverse national wildlife refuges in the continental United States. It is a place of extraordinary contrasts.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1963 as a buffer zone for Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR) has grown into one of the crown jewels of America's wildlife refuge system. Over 1,500 species of plants and animals live here, including more federally threatened and endangered species than any other refuge in the continental United States.

Wildlife You'll See

• American alligators (genuinely everywhere)
• Manatees in the lagoon channels (November–March peak)
• Sea turtles nesting on Canaveral National Seashore beaches
• Bald eagles (one of the highest nesting densities in the East)
• Roseate spoonbills, wood storks, and reddish egrets
• River otters, bobcats, and Florida scrub-jays

Canaveral National Seashore

Adjacent to the wildlife refuge, Canaveral National Seashore protects 24 miles of undeveloped Atlantic barrier beach — the longest such stretch on Florida's east coast. Playalinda Beach (south end) and Apollo Beach (north end) are reached via different access points. Both are stunning, uncrowded, and wild.

Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island

While addresses say "Kennedy Space Center, FL," the facility is technically located on Merritt Island. The launch pads of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station are just across the Banana River from KSC proper.