• One of Melbourne's attractions is tours to observe Loggerhead sea turtles during their nesting season.sea turtle image by ultraman from Fotolia.com
  
  Melbourne is located on Florida's Space Coast, about an hour south of Kennedy Space Center. Disney World is 90 miles east. The majority of the city is located on the mainland, but there is an island also considered part of Melbourne. The Indian River Lagoon cuts across Melbourne to divide the two areas. There are several reasons to visit Melbourne, including many attractions.
  
  

Brevard Art Museum

• Brevard Art Museum is located in the center of the Eau Gallie Arts District on Highland Avenue. The museum opened in 1978 and features permanent collections that emphasize modern art, Asian art and cultural education. Brevard places special emphasis on women artists. One of the permanent collections is the Conill Mendoza Collection of American Industrial Design. Brevard also offers art classes for adults and children in areas, such as ceramics, drawing and painting. Brevard offers one-time admission or yearly membership. The museum is closed on Mondays.
  
  Brevard Art Museum
  1463 Highland Ave.
  Melbourne, FL 32935
  (321) 242-0737
  brevardartmuseum.org
  
  

Sea Turtle Preservation Society

• If visiting Melbourne in June or July, travelers should consider booking a spot on a turtle watch hosted by the Sea Turtle Preservation Society (STPS). The turtle watch is scheduled regularly in the evenings throughout the peak Loggerhead sea turtle nesting season and allow for up-close observation of the turtles under the supervision of a STPS guide.
  
  Sea Turtle Preservation Society
  P.O. Box 510988-0988
  Melbourne Beach, FL, 32951-0988
  (321) 676-1701
  seaturtlespacecoast.org/main/page_turtle_watch.html
  
  

Sebastian Inlet State Park

• Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the multiple activities at Sebastian Inlet State Park. The park offers saltwater fishing for several types of fish, including Spanish mackerel, bluefish and snook. Sebastian Inlet State Park is a premier surfing spot that hosts several professional competitions each year. Novice surfers can take surf lessons at the park. There are three miles of beaches at Sebastian Inlet State Park, allowing visitors to snorkel, swim, kayak and SCUBA dive. Hikers can enjoy a gentle hike down Hammock Trail. The facility has picnic accommodations and allows overnight camping.
  
  Sebastian Inlet State Park
  9700 S. State Road A1A
  Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951
  (321) 984-4852
  floridastateparks.org/SebastianInlet
  
  

Brevard Zoo

• Brevard Zoo is a popular destination for families. The zoo features a variety of exhibits and animals from all over the world, along with indigenous Florida species. Visitors can see cheetahs, dromedary camels, cranes, white rhinoceroses, tortoises, several varieties of monkeys, fruit bats, kookaburras, puffer fish and macaws among the many exhibits. Paws on Play is a special area of the zoo that has hands-on activities, including a petting zoo. There is a patio with free Wi-Fi as well. The zoo is open daily, but closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The zoo stops allowing admissions about two hours before closing.
  
  Brevard Zoo
  8225 North Wickham Road
  Melbourne, FL 32940
  (321) 254-9453
  brevardzoo.org