Florida covers over 1,300 miles of coastline so no matter where you’re leaving from, you can certainly find a beach within not only one day, but even a few hours. I recently did a Florida Indialantic trip and wanted to share with you today. Indialantic is a small beach town on the east coast of Florida in Brevard County. It’s located about 15 miles from I-95 exit 180 (Hwy 192) in Melbourne. Head east and take a quick trip over the Melbourne Causeway. Be on the lookout for dolphins! Once you’re over the bridge, you’ll actually come to a stop facing the Atlantic Ocean in Indialantic. You’ll know you’re there by the welcome sign that faces you. You can also find this beach town by traveling north on A1A from Ft. Pierce or south from Cocoa Beach.
Florida Indialantic Trip Begins
Indialantic is an ocean town nestled in the Melbourne Beach area. It is located south of Cocoa Beach and just north of Melbourne Beach. It’s a popular beach hang out for locals and tourists alike. The beach itself has a quaint boardwalk and a beautiful, white sanded beach. There is an available parking lot or individual parking spots along the beach. The beach is a pay-for-parking beach that offers payment through the Passport App. At the time of this writing, parking was $3.50/hour. Facilities are also available for restrooms and changing rooms. Within walking distance (literally across the parking lot), there is quick access to surf shops, boutiques, and a variety of eateries. The beach is open from sunup to sunset.
For the Fun of It
Of course, the main feature of Indialantic is the beach. During peak days and times, the beach can be peppered with beach umbrellas and beach goers. This beach does provide a lifeguard stand from the early morning hours until sunset. Please refer to the beach safety flags that will be up during open beach hours. So, grab a beach towel, a favorite beach bucket, and your sunscreen. Go enjoy a wonderful day at the beach catching some Vitamin D, building sandcastles, trying your hand at surfing or wakeboarding, or walking along the beautiful Atlantic waters.
Sea Turtle Society
An often-overlooked hidden treasure of Indialantic is the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. It’s located within walking distance of the beach right on Miramar Avenue. It is a combination of sea turtle gift shop, museum, and turtle rescue. If you are looking for local keepsakes that also help to support efforts to protect the sea turtle population, this shop is for you. Come in to find a book, calendar, key chain, stuffed animal, or other sea turtle find. Take some time inside this location to visit the sea turtle museum. It might be small, but it an amazing wealth of sea turtle information. You can stand next to actualreplicas of the sea turtles.
You will be amazed! Find out how sea turtles lay their eggs at the actual same place they were hatched, and discover the current count turtles returning to the shores of Brevard County for the nesting season. If you are visiting during the month of June or July, you are lucky to be visiting during sea turtle nesting season. You may be interested in a nighttime sea turtle walk. It is an amazing experience as you walk the beach with a knowledgeable volunteer who can help to guide you to actually see turtles coming ashore. Remember, sea turtles are extremely protected. There are state rules and regulations against disturbing sea turtle nests and hatchlings.
Munchies
After taking in some of the glorious Florida sun, it might be time to feed the troops. Some of the eateries available are literally feet from the beach. This includes the “local famous” original Bizarro Pizza. This is where you’ll find the best pizza in the area. The eatery serves freshly made pizzas and salads. These can be eaten at the in-house tables or to go. Be aware that this is a CASH ONLY restaurant.
If you are looking for a healthy stop for breakfast or lunch, you might want to check out Café Surfinista. This small surf eatery offers a variety of coffees, juice blends, bagels, acai bowls, smoothies, sandwiches and wraps. This is a fan favorite because of the variety of vegan and gluten free offerings. While you come out to enjoy the sunrise, you can visit this eatery as it opens at 7 AM. It is a great stop and offers great merch for those that visit. My personal favorite is the Acai Buddy Bowl with added strawberries and gluten-free granola. It’s a small version of their bowls and is perfect for a refreshing snack or morning breakfast.
Autumn Meets Mediterranean
Are you in the mood for mediterranean? Lily’s Mediterranean is calling your name. Like all of the eateries here in Indialantic, it is a small eatery that has seating inside and out. While you are enjoying the last few daylight hours, make a stop at Lily’s to grab some authentic Mediterranean. They offer a variety of platters and starters that are made with fresh ingredients. As a family, we love to share the family meal. We get to enjoy a starter of humus and pita (veggies for me!), a variety of meat skewers, rice, potatoes, and salad. With a group of us, there is still food to take home to enjoy the next day. Although the eatery seems small and might be overlooked, the staff is friendly and the food is delicious.
Time For Icecream
Dessert Time! What doesn’t wrap up a wonderful beach day better than a creamy scoop of your favorite dessert… ice cream. Make a quick trip to Cold Stone and enjoy your favorite scoops in a waffle cone! They offer numerous flavors, mixtures, and add-ins to make a dessert that is unique and wonderful. It is a must stop when at the beach.
Last but not least is a brand new late night bar and grill just a quick walk from the shore. Boardwalk Bar and Grill offers evening hours from 4-10 Wednesdays through Sundays. They offer an elevated seafood experience with a raw bar, indulgent starters, and locally sourced seafood cuisine. They have a full bar and a beautiful view of the Atlantic as the sun sets. If you are looking for a great wind down to the day or a fun hot spot to enjoy your beach vacation, check them out. Be aware that Boardwalk is a cashless bar and grill.
Time To Shop
Forgot your swim suit? Ready for a new board? Check out one of the surf shops available near the beach. Mike Mann’s Longboard House has been a staple since 1961. The shop has suits, boards, lounge wear, and other ocean inspired goods. Surf Syle is a newly renovated surf shop offering local and visiting beach goers new styles and comforts for the ocean.
The eateries and shops listed above are located immediately within walking distance of the beach, but there are a variety of breakfast diners, restaurants, and boutiques along fifth avenue to satisfy the cravings of everyone in your crew.
If you are looking for a quick beach day along the eastern coast of Florida, this easy jaunt to Indialantic won’t disappoint.
Remember to make memories, share laughs, and visit Florida.
