Why Families Love the Space Coast

By David Cable, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Elite

With a decade of experience helping families find homes in Brevard County, David Cable brings a personal and professional perspective on everything this coastal community has to offer. He and his family have spent years enjoying the same beaches, restaurants, and local gems that visitors rave about. It’s why David is always excited to help others discover what makes Brevard County so special: the mix of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and family-friendly experiences that turn a vacation into a lasting memory – and, for some, into a new home with David’s help.

Brevard County on Florida’s Space Coast is more than just a launchpad for rockets and beach days. The area is home to towns nestled between the river and the ocean, like Melbourne and Indialantic. It’s rich in local culture and filled with family-friendly things to see and do - from wildlife encounters to eclectic eateries and artsy downtowns.

Brevard Zoo: A wild adventure for all ages

A standout destination is the Brevard Zoo. More than an animal exhibit, it offers interactive experiences like giraffe feedings, ziplining, guided kayak tours, and a splash pad for younger kids. The zoo blends entertainment and education for all ages.

“This is hands down THE BEST zoo we have ever stepped foot in. The animals seem very happy; volunteers are abundant and quick to help/guide you. Plenty of shade for the visitors everywhere.”  — Brevard Zoo visitor

From seafood to treats: Must-try restaurants

Foodies will love the range of dining options - many of which use fresh, local ingredients. Families will appreciate the mix of upscale and casual spots.

Seafood fans flock to Indialantic Seafood Company for no-frills, flavorful fare.

"Freshest seafood around! The grouper wrap was amazing. So much fish I couldn’t finish it. Great place for a quick, delicious meal."  —Visitor review

For Italian, try Villa Palma in Indialantic for a cozy atmosphere and classic dishes.

"Wonderful dinner, with impeccable service. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. Highly recommend the veal dishes."  —Visitor review

Prefer casual? With several locations around the island and in town, Long Doggers is a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy hot dogs, burgers, and fish sandwiches in a fun, laid-back setting.

"Fun, casual outdoor seating & fabulous food with friendly service made our lunch great. Hot dog, fish sandwich, surf salad and bacon burger were all hot, fresh & delicious. Great value for great food and can't wait to return."  —Visitor review

And for dessert, MOO's in Indialantic is always worth a visit. This local favorite offers soft serve and hard ice cream, shakes, and plenty of topping options. Loved by adults and kids alike, it’s perfect for cooling off after a day in the sun or grabbing dessert after dinner.

"The ice cream at MOOs was absolutely delicious! We visited twice during our stay. It was the perfect treat after a day at the beach."  —Visitor review

Beyond the beach: culture and charm

Explore the area’s creative and cultural side with a visit to Downtown Melbourne (DTMB) or the Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD).

DTMB blends historic charm with vibrant shopping, art, and dining. Live music and local events keep the area buzzing year-round.

"We absolutely loved the town of Melbourne during our vacation and highly recommend this quaint town! Town was loaded with great little shops, friendly people, and awesome restaurants!"  —Visitor review

EGAD is known for its murals, galleries, and colorful arts scene. Events and festivals showcase the district’s creative vibe.

"We recently visited an Arts Festival here, and it was fun! The area is charming with its historic buildings and vibrant art scene."  —Visitor review

Families can also enjoy the Downtown Melbourne Farmers Market, held Saturdays at Riverview Park. Or head north to Titusville for the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum, where aviation enthusiasts can explore vintage aircraft and interactive exhibits.

Theme parks just a day trip away

Want to mix beach time with big thrills? Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, or SeaWorld are all within easy day-trip distance. Many visitors enjoy spending a day at the parks, then returning to the peaceful beaches of Florida’s Space Coast to unwind.

"Fantastic views, beautiful beaches, clean beaches, very easy to get to. Family vacation was a blast."  —Visitor review

Where to stay

Tuckaway Shores Oceanfront Suites in Indialantic offers spacious, suite-style accommodations with kitchenettes and direct access to the sand. No streets to cross, no crowds to navigate. A true beachfront escape just steps from the waves, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure. Book direct and save. Visit Tuckaway Shores Oceanfront Suites or call 321-723-3355 to reserve your stay.

"We absolutely LOVED this adorable hotel and its perfect spot on the beach! The kitchen was stocked with everything we needed. The staff were all very nice, and the interiors were recently renovated. We can’t wait to come back to this quaint piece of paradise that we found!"

—Tuckaway Shores guest

When you’re ready to turn your vacation into something more permanent, reach out to David Cable, local Realtor with RE/MAX Elite. Call or text 321.615.0099 or visit DavidCableProperties.com to explore homes across Brevard County.

For more insights on buying, selling and living on Florida's Space Coast, visit my blog page.

This article may not be reproduced or edited without the written permission of the author.

Written in collaboration with Wendy Cable, contributing writer. With over 20 years of content writing experience, Wendy helps small businesses tell their stories with clarity and warmth.

Email: [email protected] 
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wendycable