Palm Bay Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, and eat in Palm Bay, Florida with this comprehensive travel guide. Learn about local culture, transportation options, safety tips, and more.


Introduction to Palm Bay

Palm Bay is a city located in the southern region of Brevard County, on the east coast of Florida. Known as the “Gateway to the Space Coast,” Palm Bay is just minutes away from the Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, and other exciting attractions that make the Space Coast a popular vacation destination.

Palm Bay is a great place to relax and enjoy outdoor adventures. The city boasts over 29 parks, 55 miles of bike trails, and numerous waterways for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back getaway or an action-packed vacation, Palm Bay has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Palm Bay

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Turkey Creek Sanctuary - This nature reserve is home to several species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Visitors can explore the trails and boardwalks that wind through the wetlands and hardwood hammocks.
  2. Andretti Thrill Park - This family-friendly amusement park features go-kart racing, mini-golf, batting cages, and more.
  3. Liberty Bell Memorial Museum - This museum houses one of the largest collections of relics from the Revolutionary War, as well as exhibits on the history of Brevard County.

Natural Attractions of Palm Bay: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Indian River Lagoon - This estuary system is home to a variety of marine life, including manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. Visitors can explore the lagoon by kayak, paddleboard, or boat.
  2. Palm Bay Regional Park - This park features sports fields, a dog park, and a playground, as well as a lake for fishing and boating.
  3. Sebastian Inlet State Park - This park offers excellent surfing, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities, as well as nature trails and picnic areas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Palm Bay

  1. Turkey Creek Sanctuary Trail - This 1.5-mile trail winds through wetlands and hardwood hammocks, and offers opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
  2. Fred Poppe Regional Trail - This 7-mile paved trail passes through parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas, and is popular with runners, cyclists, and hikers.
  3. Malabar Scrub Sanctuary Trail - This 2.5-mile trail offers a meandering route through scrubby flatwoods, and is an excellent spot for birdwatching.

Best Things to Do in Palm Bay: Activities and Tours

  1. Airboat Rides - Take a thrilling airboat ride through the wetlands and waterways of Palm Bay.
  2. Dolphin and Manatee Sightseeing Tour - Enjoy a scenic boat tour of the Indian River Lagoon, and spot some of the area’s resident dolphins and manatees.
  3. Fishing Charter - Book a half-day or full-day fishing charter, and try your luck at catching snook, redfish, and other local species.

Week-Long Itinerary for Palm Bay

Day Activity
1 Visit Turkey Creek Sanctuary and Andretti Thrill Park
2 Take an airboat ride and explore the Indian River Lagoon
3 Tour the Kennedy Space Center and watch a rocket launch
4 Spend the day at Sebastian Inlet State Park
5 Take a fishing charter and try your luck at catching a big one
6 Explore the shops and restaurants of downtown Melbourne
7 Relax at Palm Bay Regional Park and enjoy a picnic by the lake

Food and Drink Scene of Palm Bay

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Florida Rock Shrimp - These small, sweet shrimp are a local delicacy, and can be found on many menus around Palm Bay.
  2. Grouper Sandwich - Fresh Florida grouper makes for a delicious sandwich, often served with fries and coleslaw.
  3. Key Lime Pie - A tart and sweet dessert made with Florida’s famous key limes.

Local Beverages

  1. Orange Juice - Florida is known for its delicious oranges, and no trip to Palm Bay is complete without a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice.
  2. Craft Beer - The Space Coast is home to several craft breweries, including Intracoastal Brewing and Playalinda Brewing Company.
  3. Wine - Florida is home to several wineries, including the nearby Island Grove Wine Company.

Where to Stay in Palm Bay: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Quality Inn Palm Bay - This budget-friendly hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms, as well as a pool and hot tub.
  2. Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront - This upscale hotel offers oceanfront rooms, a pool, and a restaurant.
  3. Bed and Breakfasts - There are several charming bed and breakfasts in the area, including the Windemere Inn by the Sea and the Port d’Hiver Bed and Breakfast.

What to Buy in Palm Bay: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Seashells - Palm Bay is just minutes away from several beautiful beaches, and seashells make for a great souvenir.
  2. Citrus - Florida is known for its delicious oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits, which make for a tasty and healthy souvenir.
  3. Space-themed souvenirs - With its close proximity to the Kennedy Space Center, Palm Bay is a great place to pick up space-themed souvenirs and memorabilia.

Local Culture and Customs of Palm Bay

Palm Bay has a laid-back, friendly culture, with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends. Visitors should be prepared for hot, humid weather, and should dress appropriately for outdoor activities.

Best Time to Visit Palm Bay

The best time to visit Palm Bay is between November and April, when the weather is mild and sunny. Summer months can be hot and humid, with frequent thunderstorms.

Do’s and Don’ts of Palm Bay

Do:

  1. Explore the parks, trails, and natural areas of Palm Bay.
  2. Try the local seafood and citrus fruits.
  3. Watch a rocket launch from the Kennedy Space Center.

Don’t:

  1. Leave trash or litter in the parks or natural areas.
  2. Feed the wildlife or interfere with their natural habitats.
  3. Swim in the Indian River Lagoon, as it may contain harmful bacteria.

Safety and Health

Safety in Palm Bay

Palm Bay is a relatively safe city, but visitors should take common-sense precautions to avoid theft and other crimes. Be sure to lock your car and your hotel room, and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. Avoid walking alone at night, and stick to well-lit areas.

Health in Palm Bay

Palm Bay has several hospitals and medical facilities in the area, including the Palm Bay Hospital and the Holmes Regional Medical Center. Visitors should take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses, such as the Zika virus, by wearing insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing.

Getting to Palm Bay: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Palm Bay

The nearest airport to Palm Bay is the Orlando Melbourne International Airport, located about 10 miles from the city center. Other options include the Orlando International Airport, about 70 miles away, and the Palm Beach International Airport, about 140 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Palm Bay

Greyhound and other bus lines have stations in nearby cities such as Melbourne and Orlando.

Other Options

Uber/Lyft, Taxi, renting a car.

How to Get Around in Palm Bay

Hiring a car would be the best option to travel around Palm Bay. There are several car rental agencies in the area, as well as taxis and ride-sharing services.

Where to Go Next from Palm Bay: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Orlando - About an hour and a half drive, Orlando is home to several theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
  2. Cocoa Beach - About a 20-minute drive, Cocoa Beach is known for its beautiful beaches and surfing.
  3. St. Augustine - About a 2-hour drive, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the US, and features historic architecture, museums, and art galleries.

Conclusion

Palm Bay is a beautiful and welcoming city that offers something for every type of traveler. From the natural beauty of the Indian River Lagoon to the excitement of the Kennedy Space Center, Palm Bay has plenty to see and do. Visitors can relax and enjoy the local cuisine, or take on the many outdoor adventures the city has to offer.

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