Lindsey & Ryan
Things To Do
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Welcome to the Space Coast, where the area code is 3,2,1.... as in blast off! If we're lucky, there will be a launch on Friday evening that you'll be able to see, hear and feel (yes, feel) from the beach. Either way, the KSC is a must see if you're even a little bit into space.
Rocket Launch
We'll cross our fingers for a launch that weekend and will keep you posted.
Cocoa Beach Kayaking
Tour through the Thousand Islands in Cocoa Beach and see what makes the Indian River Lagoon the most biodiverse estuary in North America, home to around 4,500 plant and animal species. Paddle along the river and through the mangroves and you'll likely encounter Florida Manatees, Bottlenose Dolphins, migratory birds and more.
Camp Holly Airboat Rides
Enjoy fresh air and wildlife in its natural habitat, while skimming the surface of the St. Johns in one of their airboats. During your tour you will have the opportunity to see snakes, herons, alligators, turtles and more.
Indian River Queen
The Indian River Queen is a triple deck paddlewheel boat that does happy hour cruises along the river at sunset. It's a great way to see the other side of the barrier island. You'll need to buy tickets in advance.
Port Canaveral
Stroll the jetty or grab a drink and some super fresh seafood while you watch the cruise ships head out and the day's catch come in. Time your visit for between 4pm and 5pm to catch both. Our favorite restaurants at the Port are Rising Tide Tap & Table and Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar. While you're there, check out the Exploration Tower and Jetty Park Beach & Pier.
Sea Leveler Sport Fishing Charters
This part of Florida has a lot of great fishing spots, both on the river and offshore. If you're dying for a big catch, we recommend using a charter service so you have better odds of catching and staying safe. There are a few companies that offer that service, this is just a place to start.
South Tropical Trail
"South Trop" is a landmark, scenic road in the area that runs along narrow Merritt Island, so it's a fun way to get around. It's a great route if you're heading to Cocoa Village, the Kennedy Space Center, or the Indian River Queen. You can hop on via Mather's Bridge on Banana River Drive in Indian Harbour Beach or via Pineda Causeway in Satellite Beach. Be sure to roll your windows down for the full experience.
Brevard Zoo
Brevard Zoo is home to giraffes, rhinos, big cats, gators and hundreds of colorful birds. Our favorite is the meerkat exhibit. They also have kayak tours that get you up close and personal with the lemurs and giraffes.
Sebastian Inlet State Park
Sebastian Inlet State Park is where the ocean meets the river and is a great saltwater fishing spot featuring three miles of beautiful beaches popular for scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing. If you're down this way and need a bite to eat, the party is at Captain Hiram's with a bar and live music.
Historic Downtown Melbourne
Downtown Melbourne is a short ride over the bridge and you'll find shops, restaurants, and bars. The Hotel Melby rooftop restaurant and bar, The Landing, is in this area and has the best view in town. The best spots for nightlife are Main Street Pub, Foo Bar, and Meg O Malley's (and Off the Traxx sells pizza out of a window after last call). The Sun Shoppe has the chai tea latte that got Lindsey through her freshman year of college and Backwater has the best Southern brunch.
The Landing Rooftop at Hotel Melby
This is a new addition to the area and it has the best view in town-- you can see both the river and the ocean from up here. It's a short ride over the bridge from the Double Tree. It's a great happy hour spot and they serve food if you want to go for lunch or dinner.
Historic Cocoa Village
Cocoa Village is home to lots of cute shops, a theatre, great food, and a river front park. It's near the Kennedy Space Center and Port Canaveral so it's a great place to get some fresh air and a bite to eat. Our favorite restaurants are Ossorio's and Paisley.
Scrambled Egg Cafe
A great diner breakfast. Hangover helper, anyone?
The Blueberry Muffin
A local breakfast staple. And yes, everyone orders the blueberry muffin.
Backwater
Stepping inside is like getting in a time machine to "old Florida" and the food is Southern, delicious and will make you take a nap after. You can make your own pancakes at the table, but we love the Okeechobee ice cream, the shrimp and grits, and the grilled mac and cheese.
Robburritos
The best burrito in town. We love the smoked fish with chipotle sauce. Trust us.
The Green Room Cafe
We eat here every single time we're in town. The wraps, smoothie bowls, and homemade salsa are the absolute best.
Long Doggers - Indialantic
Long Doggers is a local staple and this is the original location. Great for wings, burgers, and beer after a day at the beach.
Da Kine Diego's Insane Burrito
This open-air, beachside staple was founded by pro-surfer Kelly Slater and if you've never had the lizayo sauce or the spicy carrots after a full day at the beach then you're not living.
Publix Super Market
Anyone close to Lindsey knows that there is no debate-- Publix reigns superior to all grocery stores and The Pub Sub is their crown jewel. Pick one up for a picnic lunch at the beach to really do this right. White bread is the only permissible option here. If you don't like it, you're uninvited to the wedding.
The Jungle Organic Restaurant & Market
This is another one of our favorite spots for healthy food. Fun fact; It's also where Ryan asked Lindsey's parents if he could propose. The made from scratch soups are always amazing and Ryan won't ever leave town without having the shrimp burrito.
Scott's on Fifth
Scott's is our family's go-to for special occasions. The menu changes seasonally and is always excellent.
The Fat Snook
The Fat Snook is a seafood centric restaurant with a scratch kitchen, Caribbean vibe, and local ingredients.
Trend Kitchen
Intimate, upmarket spot with seasonal, high-concept dishes & a boutique wine list.
Fat Kahunas
It's delicious and everyone in town knows it, so it books up. Call to make a reservation after 3pm.
Chart House
If you're interested in dinner with a view of the river, this is a great location. It's a good spot for steak, seafood, and drinks.
Moo's Soft Serve
Moo's has been around forever and is a local staple for nostalgic orders like hot dogs and banana splits. You won't be able to miss it since it's painted in black and white cow spots.
Intracoastal Brewing Company
Our favorite is the Dragon Point IPA, which is named after a local landmark of yesteryear-- a giant, green dragon statue that was on the point of Merritt Island that juts out into the river. Crawling inside and yelling out of the dragon's mouth was said to bring good luck!
Hell 'n Blazes Brewing Company
This is another great, local brewery and they serve wine and food as well.
Lou's Blues Bar & Grill
Nightlife beachside is limited, but if you're looking for a dive bar with live music, you'll find it here. It's also close to the hotels.
Heidi's Jazz Club
If you want beachside nightlife in a spot where the floors aren't sticky and you won't have to worry about making regrettable choices, go to Heidi's.