Basics
- Location:
- This Byway follows Route 1 along the eastern shores of central Florida.
- Length:
- 150 miles (241 km)
- Time:
- Four hours to drive or two days to enjoy the Byway
- Fees:
- Some of the State and Federal lands charge park fees.
Description
The Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway is the sort of scenic drive that appeals to naturalists and pleasure-seeking sportsmen with a bit of brine in their blood. This 150-mile long stretch of river road cuts through three national wildlife preserves, numerous state and local parks, the Kennedy Space Center, and the most biologically-diverse estuary in North America.
The Byway runs through small sections of Routes A1A as well as 3, 405, and 528; but, it is mainly formed by Route 1 which creates a loop along the eastern shores of central Florida.
Things to do along the the way include surfing some of Florida's best swell, wetlands trail hikes and salt-water fishing from shore. Also on offer in the general area are activities like biking, swimming, beachcombing, history hunting, and even moonwalking at the Space Center!
Tourism Resources
Helpful Links
Tourism Resources
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (FL)
The Archie Carr Refuge preserves some of the most productive sea turtle nesting habitats in the Western Hemisphere and is open for beach activities.
Brevard Zoo (FL)
The Brevard Zoo is home to over 460 animals, representing 119 species from Latin America, Florida, Asia and Australia. The zoo also has exhibits on the wetland and estuarine ecology of east central Florida.
Directions
From Highway 1 in Melbourne, turn west on Suntree Boulevard. Continue until the junction of N. Wickham Avenue, turn right onto N. Wickham Avenue. Make a U-turn at Sheriff Avenue and continue eastward to the entrance of the Brevard Zoo.
Canaveral National Seashore (FL)
Canaveral National Seashore is situated on a barrier island and includes ocean, beach, dune, hammock, lagoon, salt marsh, and pine flatland habitats. The barrier island and its waterways offer a blend of plant and animal life. Records show that 1,045 species of plants and 310 species of birds can be found in the park.
Endangered species include loggerhead, green and leatherback sea turtles, West Indian Manatee, Southern bald eagle, wood stork, peregrine falcon, eastern indigo snake, and Florida scrub jay.
The park has two districts and the Seminole Rest Site. The North District is in Volusia County, near New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Seminole Rest is also located in Volusia County in Oak Hill,Florida. The South District, in Brevard County,is near Titusville,Florida.
Visitors may enjoy walking the nature and historical trails during the cool winter months. Throughout the year opportunity for recreational activities include; lagoon and surf fishing, boating, canoeing, surfing, sunbathing, swimming, hiking, and backcountry camping.
Cocoa Beach (FL)
Soft sands, affordability, and proximity to both the Kennedy Space Center and the Merritt Wildlife Refuge make Cocoa Beach the ideal vacation spot for those who want to experience a lot without spending a lot.
Enchanted Forest Sanctuary (FL)
The flagship site of the Brevard Environmentally Endangered Land Program is found on SR 405, just west of US 1. The site features a nature trail through a hammock of ancient oaks. Part of this trail is a remnant of the historic Hernandez-Capron trail built by Brigadier General Joseph M. Hernandez of the U.S. Army in 1837.
The road, stretching from St. Augustine to Ft. Pierce, was meant to connect and provide supplies to forts and support colonization of south Florida. Most of the trail was built along the prehistoric dune line known as the Atlantic Coastal Ridge, within a mile of US1. The same trail was used by Seminole Indians for 100 years before that, and previously by generations of Ais and Temucuan Indians. The trail was used to drive cattle to market up until the 1940s.
Environmental Learning Center (FL)
Environmental Learning Center is a not-for-profit environmental educational center located on the 51-acre Wabasso Island, offering hiking trails, guided nature walks, an elevated boardwalk, a lending library, a gift shop and hands on activities for all ages.
Grant Historical House (FL)
This home was bought as a "catalog" house, making it similar to many of the other homes that were built in the early 1900's. This particular home has survived over 80 years; originally erected in 1916, it has been restored complete with a collection of antiques and furniture that capture the time when it thrived. Today the Grant Historical House stands as a monument to the early pioneer days and as a tribute to the history of the Florida community.
Indian River Lagoon (FL)
This estuary, the most biodiverse estuary in north America, is encompassed by the entire Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway.
Kennedy Space Center (FL)
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex provides an exhilarating and educational experience of the space program.
Whether touring the Rocket Garden, or boarding a full-scale replica of the Space Shuttle Explorer, visitors are guaranteed to gain a new perspective on the incredible feats accomplished by the space program.
Lagoon House (FL)
The Lagoon House is a two story building which showcases turn-of-the-century Florida vernacular style architecture. The building houses a visitors center, historical center, and an environmental learning center for the Indian River Lagoon.
