Merritt Island is, well, an island located just off the East Coast of Florida from approximately Melbourne to Tittusville. On the very northern part of the island, you’ll find the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Although I grew up pretty close by, I’d never even heard of the refuge. Thankfully, my parents knew all about it and took us there our second full day in town.

We chose to do the wildlife drive which takes about 30 minutes if you don’t stop. We, of course, made lots of stops so it took about an hour overall. You see all sorts of different habitats and animals, guided along by a free guide available at the trail head.