Merritt Island is located along the central Atlantic coast between Cocoa and Cocoa Beach. Also known as Florida’s “Space Coast,” this area has miles of pristine white beaches and a wide array of activities to choose from. Swim in the ocean or spend a day searching for seashells and sunning on the sugar soft sand. Go surfing, water-skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, boating or sailing. You can rent a boat for deep-sea fishing, or fish right off the pier. For non-beach activities there’s golf, tennis, horseback riding, hiking and biking. Nearby historic Cocoa Village has tree-lined streets full of quaint shops and art galleries. Plus the whole area surrounding Merritt Island boasts one-of-a-kind shops where you’ll find art, pottery, crafts, unique jewelry, home accents and clothing. Spend a day visiting the Kennedy Space Center and Astronaut Hall of Fame, which is just a short drive from Merritt Island. At the end of the day, treat your taste buds to succulent seafood caught in local waters at a gourmet restaurant, or join the locals at a family-style eatery.