Malabar Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Malabar, Space Coast, Florida with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, activities, accommodations, and local insights.


Are you looking for a hidden gem in Space Coast, Florida? Look no further than Malabar, a charming town with a deep history, natural beauty, and plenty of outdoor adventures. In this guide, we’ll take you to the best places to visit, eat, explore, and stay in Malabar.

Introduction to Malabar

Located in the heart of Space Coast, just a few miles from the coast, Malabar is a small town with a lot of character. Founded by pioneers in the late 1800s, Malabar has preserved its rich history through its museums, historical landmarks, and cultural events. It’s a perfect destination for those who want to experience the authentic Florida lifestyle without the hustle and bustle of big cities.

List of Places to Visit in Malabar

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Malabar Schoolhouse Museum: Housed in a restored one-room schoolhouse, this museum offers a glimpse into the rural life in Malabar in the early 20th century. It features artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits.
  • Turkey Creek Sanctuary: This 117-acre nature preserve is home to diverse wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and migratory birds. Follow the walking trails and boardwalks that run through the mangrove forests and wetlands.
  • Honest John’s Fish Camp: This historical fish camp has been in operation since 1946, offering boat rentals, fishing charters, and cabins for tourists and locals alike.
  • U.S. Space Walk of Fame Museum: Located in nearby Titusville, this museum honors the history and achievements of America’s space programs, including the Apollo missions and the Space Shuttle program.

Natural Attractions of Malabar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Indian River Lagoon: This brackish water estuary is a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, and bird-watching. Its calm waters are home to dolphins, manatees, and diverse marine life.
  • Sebastian Inlet State Park: Just a short drive from Malabar, this state park offers some of the best surfing and fishing spots in Florida. It features miles of white sand beaches, camping areas, and hiking trails.
  • Malabar Scrub Sanctuary: This 390-acre nature preserve is a remnant of Florida’s coastal scrub ecosystem, home to rare plant species, including sand pines and scrubby oaks. Follow the hiking trails that weave through the sand hills and pine forests.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Malabar

  • Malabar Scrub Sanctuary Trail: This 2.5-mile loop trail offers a scenic hike through the heart of the sanctuary, featuring diverse plant life and wildlife.
  • Turkey Creek Sanctuary Trail: This 1.5-mile trail runs through a scenic wetland, offering a chance to spot wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
  • Sebastian Inlet State Park Trail: This 3-mile loop trail runs along the beach and mangrove forests, providing a glimpse into the diverse coastal ecosystem of Florida.

Best Things to Do in Malabar: Activities and Tours

  • Kayaking in Indian River Lagoon: Rent a kayak or book a guided tour to explore the tranquil waters of the lagoon, known for their diverse marine life and scenic views.
  • Fishing in Honest John’s Fish Camp: Rent a boat or book a fishing charter to catch the local fish species, including redfish, snook, and tarpon.
  • Surfing in Sebastian Inlet State Park: Catch some waves in the Atlantic Ocean, home to some of the best surfing spots in Florida.
  • Attending Malabar Art and Music Festival: This annual festival showcases the local arts and music scene, featuring live performances, food trucks, and vendor booths.

Week-Long Itinerary for Malabar

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Malabar Schoolhouse Museum and Turkey Creek Sanctuary
Day 2 Rent a boat at Honest John’s Fish Camp and go fishing or take a scenic boat tour
Day 3 Visit the U.S. Space Walk of Fame Museum and explore the history of America’s space programs
Day 4 Hike the Malabar Scrub Sanctuary Trail or take a guided nature tour
Day 5 Kayak in Indian River Lagoon and spot dolphins, manatees, and birds
Day 6 Surf or swim at Sebastian Inlet State Park or take a beach walk
Day 7 Attend the Malabar Art and Music Festival and experience the local arts scene

Food and Drink Scene of Malabar

Must-Try Dishes

  • Gator Tail: This Florida delicacy is served at several local restaurants, including the Old Fish House Bar and Grill.
  • Seafood platter: Enjoy fresh seafood caught in the nearby waters, including shrimp, oysters, and fish, served at Honest John’s Fish Camp.
  • Key Lime Pie: Taste the tart and sweet flavors of Florida’s official dessert, served at many local restaurants and cafes.

Local Beverages

  • Craft beer: Space Coast is home to several craft breweries, including Intracoastal Brewing Company and Playalinda Brewing Company.
  • Fresh fruit juice: Enjoy the tastes of Florida’s seasonal fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, and passion fruit, served at local stands and markets.

Where to Stay in Malabar: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Camp Holly Fish Camp and RV Resort: This fish camp offers cabins, RV sites, and campsites, as well as fishing charters and excursions.
  • Palm Bay Hotel and Conference Center: This hotel offers spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and convenient access to nearby attractions.
  • Airbnb: Malabar has several Airbnb options, ranging from cozy cottages to spacious homes with waterfront views.

What to Buy in Malabar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Local honey and jams: Taste the sweetness of Florida’s honey and jams made from seasonal fruits, sold at local markets and stands.
  • Handmade soaps and candles: These locally made products feature natural ingredients and refreshing scents, sold at boutiques and markets.
  • Seashells and beach-themed souvenirs: Bring a piece of Florida’s coastline home with seashells and beach-themed trinkets sold at souvenir shops and markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Malabar

Malabar has a rich history and a close-knit community that values its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visitors are encouraged to respect the local customs and traditions, such as preserving the natural environment and supporting the local businesses.

Best Time to Visit Malabar

The best time to visit Malabar is from November to April, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the local events and festivals are in full swing. The summer months can be hot and humid, with frequent thunderstorms and hurricanes.

Do’s and Don’ts of Malabar

Do:

  • Do support the local businesses, such as fish camps, boutiques, and markets.
  • Do respect the natural environment, and follow the Leave No Trace principles.
  • Do attend the local events and festivals, and experience the authentic Florida culture.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Don’t disturb the wildlife, and keep a safe distance from alligators and snakes.
  • Don’t underestimate the power of the sun, and wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.

Safety and Health

Safety in Malabar

Malabar is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors should take precautions to avoid accidents and incidents. It’s recommended to lock cars and doors at night, avoid walking alone in remote areas, and be aware of wildlife and natural hazards, such as rattlesnakes and heatstroke.

Health in Malabar

Malabar has several medical facilities, including urgent care centers, hospitals, and pharmacies. It’s recommended to bring any necessary medications and travel insurance, as medical expenses can be high in the United States.

Getting to Malabar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Malabar

The closest airports to Malabar are Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Melbourne International Airport (MLB), both of which are approximately an hour’s drive away.

Bus Stations Near Malabar

Greyhound offers bus service to nearby cities, including Palm Bay and Melbourne. The nearest Greyhound station is located in Melbourne.

Other Options

Malabar is accessible by car through Interstate 95 and State Road 1. It’s recommended to rent a car or use a ride-sharing service, as public transportation options are limited.

How to Get Around in Malabar

The best way to get around Malabar is by car, as the town is spread out and lacks public transportation options. Visitors can rent a car or use a ride-sharing service, such as Uber or Lyft.

Where to Go Next from Malabar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Kennedy Space Center: Located in nearby Merritt Island, this NASA facility offers tours and exhibits that showcase the history and future of space exploration.
  • Orlando Theme Parks: Just an hour’s drive from Malabar, Orlando is home to several world-famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
  • Cocoa Beach: This charming beach town is located just a few miles north of Malabar, offering a laid-back atmosphere, surf shops, and seafood restaurants.

Conclusion

Malabar offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventures, making it a must-visit destination in Space Coast, Florida. We hope this guide will help you plan your trip and make the most of your visit to this hidden gem.