Visiting Melbourne Florida – What you need to know 2024
So you’ve just found out about Melbourne Florida? Melbourne is an up-and-coming vacation destination and also a great place to live. In this blog, we will cover exactly what to expect when visiting Melbourne Florida, and why people from all over the country are moving HERE… Let’s get started!
The Vibe of Melbourne, Florida
Melbourne has a much different feel than a big city. There are only a few buildings with heights over 10 stories, the landscape feels long and vast, unlike a large city. Melbourne is bordered to the east by the Indian River with fantastic views of the water and some great casual waterfront restaurants.
When visiting Melbourne Florida, it’s not just the city of Melbourne you’ll want to see. Just over the causeways are the beachside towns that offer easy access to public beaches and great dining and drinking options. Nightlife is casual in this laid-back seaside town. For many people, the nightlife starts at happy hour which can begin at 11:00 am in some bars! It’s always five o’clock somewhere!
In this blog, we’ll focus on 3 areas, Historic Downtown Melbourne, Eau Gallie Arts District, and the beachside towns just across the river. ‘Us locals’, group the beachside towns of Indialantic, Melbourne Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, and Satellite Beach and simply refer to them as. ‘Beachside’. Let’s talk about the best things about each of these three areas.
Historic Downtown Melbourne
Historic downtown Melbourne is a 1-mile stretch with shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s a charming street with multi-colored 2-story buildings, palm trees, and even a few murals. Not to be missed is the newly constructed Melby Hotel offers amazing views from its rooftop bar and restaurants. Our favorites include Hell n Blazes Brewery, The Mansion, Whiskey Business, Main Street Pub, and the nearby Ichabods Dockside. Don’t forget to check out the locally owned shops like Olives and Grapes where you can sample custom curated olive oils and vinegars. The Tuscan pesto olive oil and the Sicilian lemon vinaigrette are an amazing combo and a staple at our house!
Eau Gallie Arts District
Located just 4 miles north of historic Downtown Melbourne is the Eau Gallie Arts District. This area has undergone a revitalization in the last few years! The cornerstones are the Intracoastal Brewer, Squidlips on the water, and Pineapples. It is the arts district, so there are dozens of murals painted on the outside of the buildings by local artists. It’s a ton of fun to spend a day walking through and trying to find them all!
Like Downtown Melbourne this area also has all locally owned shops and restaurants. We’ll throw out a couple of our favorites to try like FM Pizza and Cottage Rose Irish Pub. Also, there are 2 hidden speakeasy bars (you’ll have to find those on your own or send us a message and we’ll spill the beans!)
Read More>>> Five things you must do on Vacation
Beachside Towns
Just over the Melbourne Causeway is the beachside town of Indialantic. Keep going straight and you’ll run into Indialantic’s largest beach park, Nance Park. This is a great place to spend a day at the beach enjoying the Atlantic Ocean. Two other great beach options are Paradise Beach to the north and Melbourne Beach to the south. There are many great restaurants and bars to check out beachside. Some of our favorites are Bunkys, The Monkey Bar, Haru Sushi, and Oceanside Pizza. If you’d like to stay at the beach, The Doubletree, Crown Plaza, Madison, and Hilton are all excellent choices!
Location of Melbourne
Melbourne Florida is located on the east coast of Central Florida known as Florida’s Space Coast. About an hour directly west is Orlando and just across the Indian River to the east are some of Florida’s best beaches and beachside communities. Neighboring Melbourne are the Brevard County towns of Palm Bay, Sebastian, Rockledge, Titusville, and the Viera Communities. The total population is approximately 600,000 residents covering an area north to south of 72 miles!
How to Get to Melbourne Florida
If you’re from out of state, the Melbourne International Airport(MLB) could be the easiest way to get here. Airlines that fly to our lovely little airport are Delta, American Airlines, Sun Country, Allegiant, Avelo, and the British airline TUI. The airport is well-run, super convenient and it’s right in the middle of town. It’s a quick ride to the beach, Historic Downtown Melbourne, and the Eau Gallie Arts District. Once you land, rent a car on-site or hop in an Uber to get to your destination.
Melbourne is just over an hour from Orlando. Many visitors fly into the Orlando International Airport (MCO). If you’re taking a cruise out of Port Canaveral, it’s about 45 minutes to the Port from MCO. The Melbourne Airport is only about 25 minutes south of the Port.
Life in Melbourne Florida
We hope you have a great time visiting Melbourne Florida! Maybe you’re interested in moving here?
Most residents here in Melbourne are transplants from other areas across the United States. In our opinion, this is one of the reasons people seem so happy here.
Compared to larger cities, there is much less congestion traffic, and crime. We live in the beachside town of Indialantic and it feels like an area of ultimate convenience. It’s only a short golf cart ride away to the grocery store, produce market, restaurants, and the liquor store. We even have Walmart and Lowes just a couple of miles away.
Like many others, we’ve made a home here and couldn’t imagine living in a larger city again! If you’re feeling a little tired of the “rat race” come give this area a try!
frequently asked questions
Where is Melbourne Florida Located?
Melbourne Florida is located on the east coast of the State, in Brevard County. It’s situated about 70 miles SE of Orlando.
What is the Population of Melbourne?
The population of Melbourne Florida is approximately 95,000 people.
How far is Melbourne from Orlando?
Melbourne is located approximately 70 miles southeast of Orlando. A little over an hour drive time, depending on traffic and time of day.
What is the weather like in Melbourne?
Melbourne enjoys a subtropical climate, characterized by hot and humid summers and mild winters. Average high temperatures range from the low 70s °F (around 21 °C) in winter to the mid-90s °F (around 35 °C) in summer. Before your arrival, check the forecast!
Are there any beaches in Melbourne?
Yes and no, Melbourne is known for its beautiful nearby beaches. You’ll find some popular beach areas just over the causeways include Indialantic Beach, Melbourne Beach, and Satellite Beach. Enjoy sunbathing on the beach or take a surf lesson!
What are some popular attractions in Melbourne, Florida?
Melbourne offers a variety of attractions to explore. Some popular ones include the Brevard Zoo, the historic downtown area with its quaint shops and restaurants, the Andretti Thrill Park, and the Eau Gallie Arts District. Nature enthusiasts can also visit the Turkey Creek Sanctuary, take a kayak tour along the Indian River Lagoon, or take a Dolphin Tour!
Are there any shopping centers or malls in Melbourne?
Yes, Melbourne has several shopping centers and one mall. The Melbourne Square Mall is a popular destination with a decent selection of stores and some dining options. Other shopping centers include The Avenues at Viera which offer a mix of popular retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Are there any annual events or festivals in Melbourne?
Yes, Melbourne hosts various annual events and festivals. Some notable ones include the Melbourne Art Festival, Oktoberfest, Indiafest, and the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival. These events showcase art, culture, music, and local talent, providing a vibrant atmosphere for residents and visitors.
Is Melbourne a family-friendly city?
Melbourne is definitely a family-friendly city. It offers numerous parks, recreational facilities, and family-oriented attractions like the Brevard Zoo and the Andretti Thrill Park. The city also has highly-rated schools and a safe community, making it an appealing place for families.
What are some outdoor recreational activities available in Melbourne?
Melbourne provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. You can explore many beautiful beaches, go fishing or boating in the Indian River Lagoon, hike or bike along the nature trails in the nearby parks, or play golf at one of the many golf courses in the area. Additionally, water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing are popular in Melbourne.
Is Melbourne a safe city to visit?
Melbourne has a reputation as a very safe city to visit. However, it is always advisable to take standard safety precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and securing your belongings.
What are the transportation options in Melbourne?
Melbourne has various transportation options, including Melbourne International Airport for air travel. The city is well-connected by major highways, and there are taxi services, ridesharing apps (Uber is a popular option), and car rental agencies available. Additionally, Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT) operates public bus services within the area.
Are there any notable universities or colleges in Melbourne?
Melbourne is home to several universities and colleges. Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) is a private research university located in Melbourne, offering various undergraduate and graduate programs. Eastern Florida State College, provides a range of educational opportunities.
Does Melbourne have a vibrant nightlife scene?
While Melbourne is not known for its vibrant nightlife like larger cities, it still offers a variety of bars, pubs, and live music venues where you can enjoy a night out. The downtown area has some popular spots for drinks and entertainment, and occasional events and festivals also contribute to the city’s nightlife.
Can you recommend some hotels or accommodations in Melbourne?
Some of our top pick hotels and accommodations in Melbourne include Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront, Radisson Suite Hotel Oceanfront, and the beautiful Melby Hotel in Historic downtown Melbourne.
If you prefer a more homey feel, consider booking an Airbnb. We own and operated two highly rated Airbnbs in the area. The Eau Gallie Arts District 457 Loft and Moderno Azul, located on the harbor in downtown Melbourne.
What to do in port canaveral cruise stop
