Discover the unique lifestyle of Brevard County, Florida, famously known as the Space Coast. With 72 miles of stunning Atlantic coastline, a thriving economy, and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s no wonder this region is a top choice for everyone from young professionals to growing families and active retirees. Experience a superior quality of life where world-class innovation meets classic Florida relaxation.
A Glimpse into Space Coast History
Source: Wikimedia
Brevard County’s story is as rich as its ecosystem. Before becoming a hub for space exploration, the land was home to Indigenous tribes like the Ais. Formed from land that was previously part of the historic Mosquito County, Brevard County was officially named in 1855 after Theodore Washington Brevard, a former Florida Comptroller. The county’s identity was forever transformed with the establishment of the Kennedy Space Center, earning it the iconic “Space Coast” nickname and even inspiring its distinctive 321 area code.
But beyond the space age lies an even older story. Just south of Brevard lies Florida’s legendary Treasure Coast, named for its history regarding real sunken treasure. In the 17th century, a fleet of Spanish ships carrying gold, silver, and jewels sank off these shores during a hurricane. For centuries, those treasures remained hidden. Then, in the 1050’s, a hurricane revealed shipwrecks near Melbourne’s Sebastian Inlet, allowing residents to recover millions in gold and artifacts. Today, that history lives on, with coins still occasionally washing up on our beaches.
Brevard County, FL at a Glance
Brevard County is a dynamic and growing Floridian community. Titusville serves as the county seat, while Melbourne acts as a major cultural and economic hub in the south. The local economy is powerfully driven by aerospace and defense, with the Kennedy Space Center and Port Canaveral as major employers. The county is also home to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. While Florida is known for hurricanes, Brevard’s central-east coast location often experiences weaker storm intensities than other coastal regions.
Top-Tier Education
Families are drawn here for the highly rated Brevard County Public Schools system, one of the largest and most respected school systems in Florida. Palm Bay Magnet Senior High and Stone Magnet Middle School rank among the highest performing in the state. For higher education, the county is home to Eastern Florida State College and the Florida Institute of Technology, a top-tier research university specializing in STEM fields.
A Lifestyle of Endless Discovery
Fox Lake Sanctuary. Source: brevardfl.gov
Life on the Space Coast is defined by a perfect blend of recreation, entertainment, and natural beauty.
Recreation and Nature
From surfing at Cocoa Beach and kayaking the Thousand Islands to hiking Wickham Park, outdoor adventures abound. The Brevard Zoo in Melbourne protects more than 900 animal species, and offers kayaking tours, animal encounters, and a Treetop Trek zipline. Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures offers seven climbing and zip-lining trails along the Banana River for all ages.
Entertainment and Dining
The culinary scene thrives with fresh local seafood. Florida’s Fresh Grill offers calamari, coconut shrimp, and lobster bisque. The Tiny Turtle offers Caribbean favorites, while The Fat Snook and Dixie Crossroads remain local seafood staples. At the Cocoa Beach Pier, the Rikki Tiki Tavern serves tropical drinks, including the iconic Pieradise, while offering visitors amazing ocean views. For a cool treat, Oasis Shaved Ice in Cocoa Beach hits the spot.
Shopping Destinations
The Historic Cocoa Village features the Antilles Trading Company with pirate-themed antiquities, From Olives and Grapes for oil and vinegar tastings, and local bakeries. Downtown Melbourne offers The Shoppes on Strawbridge, an artisan marketplace with jewelry and home décor, and VinnieLu’s Beachside Chocolates, where you can get chocolate covered potato chips. The Indian River Antique Mall hosts over 100 dealers offering furniture, vinyl records, and pottery. Melbourne Square features over 125 retailers including Macy’s and JCPenney, plus dining and a kids’ play area. The Avenue Viera combines national retailers with local sellers, an AMC Theater, and restaurants like Bonefish Grill.
Iconic Attractions
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex remains the crown jewel of the Space Coast, offering an awe-inspiring look into America’s space program. Don’t miss witnessing a rocket launch, a breathtaking spectacle that defines life here.
The Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral features seven floors of exhibits about the port’s history, indoor and outdoor observation decks, and rooftop rocket launch viewing. Historic Cocoa Village hosts craft fairs and cook-offs year-round, while the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse presents affordable community performances. The Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum displays vintage aircraft, and the Melbourne Beach Pier and Cocoa Beach Pier offer classic Florida coastal experiences.
Treasure Hunting on the Space Coast
Given the rich history of shipwrecks, treasure hunting remains a popular pastime. Today’s technology has made it more accessible, though a good metal detector can be equally efficient.
Melbourne Beach
Melbourne Beach is great for novices. In 2015, treasure hunters discovered over $4 million in coins and artifacts from the 1715 Spanish Fleet here. In 2019, a headdress from a burial site dating to 100-700 A.D. was uncovered. Please be aware that private properties along the beach prohibit metal detecting.
Sebastian Inlet State Park
Sebastian Inlet State Park sits on the boundary between Indian River and Brevard counties, home to the McLarty Treasure Museum. Treasure seekers have found a significant amount of loot at the high-tide line. In 1988, $300,000 in treasure was found here; in 2013, a group found $200,000 in gold coins. Remember that finds in state parks or dunes belong to the government.
Lori Wilson Park
The Lori Wilson Park at Cocoa Beach is a lesser-known spot with amenities including outdoor showers, a dog park, and playgrounds. You can rent metal detectors from Time and Treasures, a nearby clock repair shop.
Wabasso Beach
Wabasso Beach, north of Vero Beach, yielded 22 silver coins worth over $6,000 in 2020. Items from the San Martin, a Spanish ship that sank in 1618, have also been salvaged here, including a solid gold bird statue worth approximately $885,000.
Tips for Treasure Hunting
Before you go treasure hunting, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. First, confirm that you’re on public beach and not on private property, so you avoid getting into trouble. The best time to hunt is after a storm. Start at the high tide mark in soft sand and look for thick shell deposits indicating strong currents. Proper equipment includes a metal detector, sand sifter, pail, and garden scoop. Swing slowly, lay out a path like mowing the lawn, and always refill your holes.
Find Your Home on the Space Coast
Ready to experience the best Brevard County has to offer? Your adventure begins at Harvard Apartments in Melbourne, FL. Discover a premier community where modern living meets prime location, creating the ultimate launchpad for your Space Coast life.
Find Your Home in Brevard County, FL