Palm Bay FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Palm Bay, Florida.
1. Turkey Creek Sanctuary
WILDLIFE AND BOARDWALKS
Turkey Creek Sanctuary is a 130-acre ADA-accessible nature preserve where visitors can spot manatees, otters, birds, alligators, and other wildlife. The sanctuary features nearly two miles of elevated boardwalk that winds through pristine Florida habitats alongside Turkey Creek. Visitors can also explore additional trails for biking and hiking through this natural oasis in Palm Bay.
2. Castaways Point Park
FISHING AND WILDLIFE VIEWING
Castaways Point Park offers visitors two fishing piers perfect for a day of angling in the Indian River Lagoon. The park features large shade trees for picnicking and opportunities to launch canoes or kayaks into the waterway. Visitors frequently spot dolphins and manatees while enjoying this waterfront park in Palm Bay.
3. Brevard County Tours
DOLPHIN AND MANATEE EXPEDITIONS
Brevard County Tours provides exciting dolphin and manatee tours along the Indian River Lagoon and Turkey Creek in Palm Bay. Visitors enjoy two-hour excursions aboard comfortable 24-foot pontoon boats with a maximum of six passengers, creating an intimate wildlife viewing experience. In addition to dolphins and manatees, tour participants may spot alligators and various bird species in their natural habitat.
4. Palm Bay Regional Disc Golf Club
OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL COURSE
Palm Bay Regional Disc Golf Club features a permanent 18-hole course with a mix of open to moderately wooded terrain. The course offers varied difficulty levels with lengths ranging from 180 to 630 feet and includes both DISCatcher and Mach 5 baskets. Players enjoy pro and amateur tees on 10 of the 18 holes, making it accessible for disc golfers of all skill levels.
5. Valkaria Gardens
SERENE BOTANICAL EXPERIENCE
Valkaria Gardens offers visitors a tranquil escape with beautifully maintained plant collections and walking paths. The gardens showcase Florida native plants alongside exotic specimens, creating a diverse botanical experience in Palm Bay. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while learning about various plant species and sustainable gardening practices.
6. Harris Establishment Farms
SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT
Harris Establishment Farms hosts seasonal events like their Spring Flower Festival, offering a genuine agricultural experience in Palm Bay. Visitors can enjoy animal viewing and various family-friendly activities during their scheduled opening hours. The farm provides a unique opportunity to connect with rural traditions and farming culture just minutes from Palm Bay's urban areas.
7. Stick Marsh
TROPHY BASS FISHING DESTINATION
Stick Marsh is renowned among fishing enthusiasts as one of Florida's premier trophy bass fishing destinations near Palm Bay. The marsh's waters teem with bass, bluegill, and other game fish, offering exceptional angling opportunities. Visitors come from across the country to experience the world-class fishing that has made this spot famous in the sport fishing community.
8. The Tangiers
VEGAS-INSPIRED PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Tangiers is a classic Vegas-inspired performance venue located directly across from the scenic Indian River in Palm Bay. The venue hosts a rotating cast of talented performers including vocalists, dancers, musicians, aerialists, comedians, and magicians. Though temporarily closed as of 2025, this spacious event center has been a cultural highlight offering variety arts entertainment to Palm Bay residents and visitors.
9. Brevard Zoo
INTERACTIVE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Brevard Zoo, located just north of Palm Bay in Melbourne, offers visitors close encounters with over 900 animals from around the world. The zoo features unique experiences including kayaking through animal exhibits, zip-lining over habitats, and feeding giraffes from an elevated platform. Interactive exhibits and conservation education programs make this a favorite family destination in Brevard County.
10. Kennedy Space Center
HISTORIC SPACE EXPLORATION
Kennedy Space Center, a short drive from Palm Bay, offers visitors a chance to explore America's gateway to space with authentic artifacts, interactive exhibits, and behind-the-scenes tours. Visitors can meet real astronauts, experience the Shuttle Launch Experience simulator, and view actual rockets and space vehicles. The center frequently hosts rocket launches viewable from special viewing areas, providing an unforgettable space coast experience.
11. Cocoa Beach
ICONIC FLORIDA SHORELINE
Cocoa Beach, located 25 miles north of Palm Bay, is one of Florida's most famous stretches of Atlantic coastline known for its surfing culture. The beach offers miles of soft sand, reliable waves for surfers of all skill levels, and the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier with restaurants and shops. Visitors enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching at this quintessential Space Coast destination.
12. Sebastian Inlet State Park
FISHING AND SURFING PARADISE
Sebastian Inlet State Park, south of Palm Bay, is known for premier saltwater fishing and some of Florida's best surfing spots including First Peak and Monster Hole. The park spans both sides of Sebastian Inlet and offers camping, hiking trails, and two museums exploring the area's history and ecology. Visitors frequently spot dolphins, manatees, and various bird species while enjoying the pristine beaches and natural beauty.
13. Cocoa Village
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
Cocoa Village, located north of Palm Bay in Cocoa, is a charming historic district filled with unique boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants housed in colorfully restored buildings. Visitors can stroll the brick-lined streets, enjoy waterfront views, and discover one-of-a-kind treasures in the many specialty shops. The village hosts regular events including art fairs, music festivals, and holiday celebrations that showcase local culture and community spirit.
14. Andretti Thrill Park
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Andretti Thrill Park in Melbourne offers visitors multiple go-kart tracks, mini-golf courses, arcade games, and amusement rides just minutes from Palm Bay. The park features both indoor and outdoor attractions making it an all-weather destination for family entertainment. Racing enthusiasts particularly enjoy the Super Speedway track where they can channel their inner Mario Andretti on high-performance go-karts.
15. Viera Wetlands
PREMIER BIRDWATCHING DESTINATION
Viera Wetlands, officially known as the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands, is a renowned birdwatching paradise near Palm Bay featuring man-made ponds and marshes accessible via a driving loop. The wetlands attract over 200 bird species throughout the year, along with alligators, otters, and various reptiles that visitors can observe from their vehicles or designated walking areas. Photographers especially appreciate the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the water features.