As locals, were often asked what are the best things to do in Melbourne and Melbourne Beach, and what are the best Melbourne hotels, restaurants, shops and places for culture and nature? Timed for peak season, were sharing our curated guide about one of Floridas hidden gems. Read on to see what its residents and visitors have known all along.
Melbourne and Melbourne Beach Hotels
From old-time beach getaways to VRBO and Airbnb home rentals, Melbourne and Melbourne Beachs hospitality scene was quietly coming along until Hotel Melby opened in April. Part of Hiltons Tapestry Collection of unique properties, the $42-million, 11-story, 180-room addition is making a loud splash with its hip dcor and amenities. After working out on Peloton equipment, guests can grab a coffee at Foxtail Coffee Co.s lobby outpost. The hotels Landing Rooftop serves incredible views with vacation vibe dishes like conch fritters with harissa aioli. Time your visit for Meaningful Mondays to benefit Brevard County nonprofits. For a Key West vibe steps from the sand, check into Port DHiver across from Ocean Park. The secluded, 12-room bed and breakfast combines restored historic structures including the original carriage house with new, era-appropriate buildings. Guests enjoy complimentary breakfast and happy hour, tropical gardens lined with brick pavers and amenities such as a pool, fire pit and fitness center.
Melbourne and Melbourne Beach Restaurants
One could easily get lost in The Mansion, a sprawling former private residence dating to the turn of the 20th century. Amid the grandeur of oak beams and stained glass, tuck into a seafood-centric menu of ahi tuna tacos and lobster rolls. Old-fashioned ice cream sandwiches come with the house Guinness fudge, while libations are taken just as seriously. Sample exclusive fine whiskeys from barrel picks as well as nearly 70 beers on tap from regional to rare brews (and hard ciders) from North Carolina and Wisconsin. Restaurateur Djon Pepajs influence is everywhere here, and his diverse establishments address every mood. Wear your swimsuit to his Sand on the Beach for umbrella drinks and casual bites like coconut shrimp. Surf n turf is the star of the show at his refined Djons Steak & Lobster House. Modeled on Eataly, Djons Village Markets 18,000-square-foot food hall and market marks his opus. Its overwhelming selection offers gourmet groceries, farm-to-table, prepared meals, wines on tap, Asian specialties, butcher cuts, baked goods, tacos, cocktails, bubbles, coffee drinks and cigars. A Brevard native is behind 28 North Gastropub, but his forward ingredients and plate work would be right at home in major cities. (Tip: Call 48 hours in advance for gastro board dinners served family style.) Other gems are Crydermans Barbecue for upscale Q, Simply Bread for sourdoughs to baguettes, and Apocalypse Coffee Roasters, whose healthy bowls and salads go beyond coffee drinks like the lavender and chocolate Purple Utopia.
Melbourne and Melbourne Beach Culture
The communitys strong affinity for dance is obvious, and its access to top global talent impresses dance world insiders. The Melbourne City Ballet Theatre and The Space Coast Ballet Company stage productions like Swan Lake with local dancers and visiting principals or entire companies. Catch them at The King Center for the Performing Arts, a spacious theater that presents a variety of shows from Broadway musicals to concerts of all types to the 68th season of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra directed by conductor Christopher Confessore. Housed in La Galerie downtown, The Melbourne Civic Theater entertains crowds with its mix of classic and contemporary plays. Its new rom com-heavy season includes an adaptation of Sense and Sensibility by Wall Street Journals 2017 Playwright of the Year Kate Hamill. The Henegar Center is another popular choice for local theater in an intimate setting. One could also spend the day wandering Eau Gallie Arts District for its offbeat galleries, colorful murals and hip shops and eats. EGADs current improvement project will introduce a tree-shaded promenade to the waterfront and hotel in the former Foosaner Art Museum.
Melbourne and Melbourne Beach Outdoors
Its all about getting outside here, whether exploring nature or having an active lifestyle. Golfers have their pick of 18-hole courses such as Spessard Holland and Crane Creek Reserve, or they can enjoy the fauna-filled side show at Aquarina Country Club within the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge. Water sports reign supreme, too. Wait for new moons to make the most of kayak-led Florida Bioluminescence Tours, or attend Cocoa Beach Surf School to channel your inner-Caroline Marks, a hometown prodigy who went from riding waves off Melbourne Beach to competing in the 2020 Summer Olympics. Good Breeze Kiteboarding also gives hydrofoil lessons for one of the fastest growing board sports. Nonstop events add to the outdoor action. Participate in the 25th annual Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival from February 2-6, the 2022 Publix Florida Marathon on February 13, and the Downtown Melbourne Botanical Fest on March 5.
Melbourne and Melbourne Beach Shopping
Makers have a hero in Kristina Grimm who launched Thrive Local to celebrate small-batch craft. Her airy boutique showcases lifestyle wares that make great gifts and souvenirs such as Sunshine Style hair accessories, Sahara Rose plant-based body care products, Southern Caramel chews and 321 area code ball caps. In the same center, The Shabby Loft is a lifestyle wonderland for home accessories, art supplies, chic repurposed furniture and more. Its creative founders also host craft workshops. Located among tons of indie shops and restaurants along downtown Melbournes East New Haven Avenue, Downtown Divas stands out for its stylish womens collections. Repeat customers appreciate its selection of Lucky Brand, Free People, For Love & Lemons and Veronica M. A plant lovers paradise, Melbournes thriving green scene includes Native, whose mobile pop up named Juniper can be found parked outside local businesses like Apocalypse Coffee, and Rockledge Gardens, a local institution since 1960 that began as a roadside stand and grew into an award-winning nursery and farmers market. While browsing Rockledge's plant matter, look for Little Bugs Clubs kid-friendly activities and Cypress Tables roving food truck for fancy doughnuts and real-deal Cubanos.
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