Merritt Island, FL

Travel Guide

A sunset over a calm body of water with a pier extending into the water.
A group of pink flamingos standing on a sandy shore near a body of water.
A waterfront promenade under a bridge with a sunset sky.
A sunset over a calm body of water with scattered clouds.
A crab on a sandy beach.

Where to stay in Merritt Island

Find the best Merritt Island areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Merritt Island
Learn more about Merritt Island

Island Beach

When in Island Beach, you can plan a visit to Cocoa Village Playhouse and Black Point Wildlife Drive, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Indian Bay Estate

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Indian Bay Estate and surrounding area, you can visit Black Point Wildlife Drive and Savannahs Golf Course.

Edgewater Landings

While Edgewater Landings might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Black Point Wildlife Drive and Cocoa Village Playhouse.

Four birds flying in formation against a clear sky.

Fowlers

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Fowlers and surrounding area, you can visit Cocoa Beach Country Club and I Dream Of Jeannie Lane.

Hampton Homes

Hampton Homes might not have many top sights, but Black Point Wildlife Drive and Cocoa Village Playhouse are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Island Hotel of the Space Coast

Island Hotel of the Space Coast

2.5 out of 5
260 E Merritt Island Cswy Merritt Island FL
$74 nightly
The price is $83 total per night from Nov 10 to Nov 11
$83 total
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Merritt Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
6.4/10 (591 reviews)
"This property is long overdue for a renovation. The location is very sketchy….looks like it’s located in the back of a shopping center. Parking lot lighting is bleak. I will say the tub was clean, but the rooms are lacking. There was no smoke detector….just the place where one used to be with wires ..."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2026

Island Hotel of the Space Coast
Dolphins Vacation Rental

Dolphins Vacation Rental

2.5 out of 5
310 Lagoon Way Merritt Island FL
$150 nightly
The price is $168 total per night from Nov 4 to Nov 5
$168 total
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Merritt Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Black Point Wildlife ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (118 reviews)
"The houseboat was great! Beds were comfortable, and the place was clean. We saw dolphins off the dock. We would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2026

Dolphins Vacation Rental
Cape Crossing Resort & Marina

Cape Crossing Resort & Marina

4 out of 5
201 Ivory Coral Lane Merritt Island FL
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Merritt Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (758 reviews)
"The property is beautiful, just like the pictures. I feel like the unit could be cleaned a little better. Otherwise, it was a great stay. Beds were comfortable, unit is very spacious."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2026

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Cape Crossing Resort & Marina
See all 4,478 properties in Merritt Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cape Crossing Resort & Marina

Cape Crossing Resort & Marina

4 out of 5
201 Ivory Coral Lane Merritt Island FL
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Merritt Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (758 reviews)
"The property is beautiful, just like the pictures. I feel like the unit could be cleaned a little better. Otherwise, it was a great stay. Beds were comfortable, unit is very spacious."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2026

Cape Crossing Resort & Marina
Dolphins Vacation Rental

Dolphins Vacation Rental

2.5 out of 5
310 Lagoon Way Merritt Island FL
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Merritt Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Black Point Wildlife ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (118 reviews)
"The houseboat was great! Beds were comfortable, and the place was clean. We saw dolphins off the dock. We would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2026

Dolphins Vacation Rental
River Fly-in

River Fly-in

4.5 out of 5
715 Pilot Lane Merritt Island FL
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Merritt Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Cocoa Beach and Cobb Theatres-Merritt ...
River Fly-in
See all properties in Merritt Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Merritt Island attractions

A NASA space shuttle logo, a rocket, and a building with palm trees in the background.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

9.4/10 (1,046 reviews)
You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Merritt Island. Wander the beautiful beaches and waterfront in the area.
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Things to do

2 Hr Guaranteed Dolphin, Melbourne, ,Cocoa Beach.1030 am

2 Hr Guaranteed Dolphin, Melbourne, ,Cocoa Beach.1030 am

$35
per adult
2 Hr Guaranteed Dolphin, Melbourne, ,Cocoa Beach.1030 am
Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Eco Activity

Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Eco Activity

$43
per adult
Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Eco Activity
Picture 1 for Activity Cocoa Beach/Merritt Island:Bioluminescent kayak tour

Cocoa Beach/Merritt Island:Bioluminescent kayak tour

$51
per adult
Cocoa Beach/Merritt Island:Bioluminescent kayak tour
Picture 11 for Activity Cocoa Beach/Merritt Island: Guided Dolphin and Manatee Tour

Cocoa Beach/Merritt Island: Guided Dolphin and Manatee Tour

$54
per adult
Cocoa Beach/Merritt Island: Guided Dolphin and Manatee Tour
2 Hour Tiki Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Cocoa Beach

2 Hour Tiki Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Cocoa Beach

$65
per adult
2 Hour Tiki Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Cocoa Beach
Adventure in the air with 49 obstacles to choose from!

Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket

$56
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket
See all activities in Merritt Island

Frequently asked questions

Is Merritt Island worth visiting?
Merritt Island is worth visiting for its standout attractions, including the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and the scenic Black Point Wildlife Drive. Travelers can also enjoy diverse dining options, with North American and Italian cuisine available, offering dishes like pasta.
When is the best time to visit Merritt Island?
The best time to visit Merritt Island is from November through March, when the weather is typically mild and comfortable for exploring. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the warmer months of June through September are a good option, offering a different pace and often lower rates.
What is Merritt Island known for?
Merritt Island is known for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, offering travelers a unique look into space exploration. Travelers can also explore the Black Point Wildlife Drive and enjoy a round at the Savannahs Golf Course. The area also features a North American food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Merritt Island?
A good itinerary length for Merritt Island is two to three days to experience the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and enjoy a bioluminescence kayak tour. An extended stay of four to five days allows time to explore Black Point Wildlife Drive and play a round at Savannahs Golf Course, offering a fuller experience. See Merritt Island Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Merritt Island?
Merritt Island offers space exploration, wildlife viewing, and unique outdoor adventures:


How do I plan a trip to Merritt Island?
To plan your trip to Merritt Island, search for flights, hotels, and rental cars on Expedia. Book activities like the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex or a Bioluminescence Kayak Tour in advance. Plan outdoor activities, such as visiting Black Point Wildlife Drive, for early morning or late afternoon to make the most of your visit.
What cuisines can you find in Merritt Island?
In Merritt Island you can find Caribbean cuisine, with dishes like jerk chicken, rice and peas, and plantains. Travelers also have options for North American, Italian, and Asian fare, including Japanese and Chinese. Additionally, there are Latin American choices such as Mexican dishes, and a variety of fresh seafood.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Merritt Island?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Merritt Island by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Merritt Island with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Merritt Island trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Merritt Island?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Merritt Island can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Merritt Island trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Merritt Island trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Merritt Island trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Merritt Island trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Merritt Island?
If it's your first trip to Merritt Island, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Merritt Island hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Merritt Island hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Merritt Island

A pathway through a tropical garden with palm trees and bamboo.

Melbourne

A large building with an American flag and a NASA logo.

Cape Canaveral

A beach with people sunbathing, umbrellas, and chairs.

Cocoa Beach

A pier extending into calm waters, a flag fluttering, and a distant building.

Cocoa

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