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Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, located on Florida’s east coast near Cape Canaveral, is a 140,000 acre sanctuary established in 1963. It provides a diverse habitat for over 1,500 species of plants and animals, including endangered species like the West Indian manatee and bald eagle. The refuge features marshes, coastal dunes, hardwood hammocks, and lagoons, making it a prime spot for birdwatching, fishing, and wildlife observation. It’s also unique for sharing land with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Hiking
Tours that visit hereCustom group tours
View of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

The place

Why Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge belongs on the map

A closer look at the history, landscape, and character of this Florida stop.

The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, located on Florida’s east coast near Cape Canaveral, is a 140,000 acre sanctuary established in 1963. It provides a diverse habitat for over 1,500 species of plants and animals, including endangered species like the West Indian manatee and bald eagle. The refuge features marshes, coastal dunes, hardwood hammocks, and lagoons, making it a prime spot for birdwatching, fishing, and wildlife observation. It’s also unique for sharing land with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Choose the road

Tours that include Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Explore the curated itineraries that already bring this stop into a private Florida tour day.

Keep exploring

Nearby locations

More stops to add to your East Coast itinerary.

White Sands Buddhist CenterSpace Coast

White Sands Buddhist Center

Discover the White Sands Buddhist Center, a hidden gem on Florida’s Space Coast in Mims, Titusville. Nestled on 30 tranquil acres, this Vietnamese Mahayana temple showcases three of the largest granite Buddha statues in Florida each carved in Vietnam and standing up to 35 feet tall surrounded by manicured gardens, a reflecting pond, and granite meditation benches that create a peaceful retreat ideal for reflection and photography. With free admission and donation based support, visitors can tour the lush grounds by appointment, explore a small gift shop featuring handcrafted items, and experience bilingual meditation services every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Whether you seek a contemplative escape, cultural insight, or a unique tour destination, the White Sands Buddhist Center offers an unforgettable experience of serenity and spiritual artistry perfect for your next Florida itinerary.
Museum
Open field notes

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Put Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on your private route.

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