Space Coast Bucket List
Florida Tech is a one-of-a-kind school in a one-of-a-kind locale. Whether you’re here for a visit, for your college career or for life, here are few must-dos to add to your Space Coast bucket list.
1. Visit the Joy and Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden.
A stream bordered by a shady hammock abounding in palm trees and other tropical growth winds through the heart of Florida Tech’s campus and is the setting for a 15-acre botanical garden.
Take a stroll, and see what wildlife you can spot!
2. Kayak one of our waterways.
With the Indian River Lagoon spanning over 150 miles and branching off into various streams and creeks—such as the always beautiful Turkey Creek—kayaking around Melbourne is a must-do.
3. Hike our nature trails.
What’s the best way to experience Florida’s flora and fauna? Exploring nature trails, of course. Luckily for those in Melbourne, there are many choices. Just minutes north of Florida Tech’s campus awaits Erna Nixon Park, which is great for a light walk. Ten minutes south of campus, you’ll find the popular Turkey Creek Sanctuary, which boasts a 1.85-mile boardwalk that floats above the mystical Florida hammock, and around 1.5 miles of jogging trails that take you through the native forest, not to mention 8-plus miles of mountain biking trails.
4. Explore Sebastian Inlet.
Want the ultimate beach day? Look no farther than Sebastian Inlet State Park. A short 30-minute drive south of campus, Sebastian Inlet is a great spot for beautiful beaches, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling and surfing—plus grills for barbecuing!
5. Tour Brevard Zoo.
The Brevard Zoo is an absolute must-do! This gem on the Space Coast provides education, fun and entertainment for everyone. With lush, open-air habitats that are home to over 900 animals, the fun continues with animal feedings, kayak tours, train rides, aerial adventures and more.
Bonus: Be on the lookout for the Dr. Mary Helen McCay Research Shed in the Primate Cognition Center. There, you’ll find School of Psychology associate professor Darby Proctor working with some pretty cute spider monkeys!
Looking for more? You should also check out:
- Brevard Beaches
- Cocoa Beach
- Canova Dog Beach
- Indialantic Beach
- Melbourne Beach
- Satellite Beach
- Theme Parks
- Walt Disney World
- Universal Studios
- SeaWorld Orlando
- Andretti Thrill Park (walking distance from campus)
- Route 7 Adrenaline Warehouse (20-minute drive from campus)
- Arcades/Cafes/Entertainment
- Arcade Monsters (short drive from campus)
- Historic Downtown Melbourne
- Eau Gallie Arts District
This piece was featured in the spring 2023 edition of The Pursuit.
