Adjacent to the Canaveral National Seashore [1] and next door to Kennedy Space Center [2], Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (entrance at east side of Max Brewer Causeway Bridge, Titusville, dawn–dusk daily, visitor center 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun. Nov.–Mar., free) is blessed with abundant activities for hikers and nature watchers.
Although there’s no beach access here, the well-marked trails (pick up a map at the park gate) provide plenty of chances for spotting endangered turtles, scrub jays, or any of the other hundreds of species of birds, mammals, and plants within the refuge’s boundaries. Strictly regulated fishing and hunting opportunities are also available.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/florida/north-atlantic-coast/the-space-coast/new-smyrna-beach/canaveral-national-seashore
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/florida/north-atlantic-coast/the-space-coast/titusville-and-cocoa-beach/kennedy-space-center