Stretching along the banks of the Indian River, Melbourne features kilometres of picturesque beaches along the Atlantic Coast. It’s home to historic mansions and patriotic monuments and is one of the most important nesting areas for loggerhead turtles in the United States.
Things to do in Melbourne
Explore the contemporary and modern art exhibitions at the Foosaner Art Museum in the riverfront Eau Gallie Arts District. It’s home to the Enrique Conill Mendoza Collection of American Industrial Design and an extensive collection of works by German Impressionist painter, Ernst Oppler.
Also in the neighbourhood of Eau Gallie is the whitewashed 19th-century mansion of William H. Gleason House. Admire its impressive Queen Anne-style architecture, with a gabled roof and decorative trusses, as well as a sweeping verandah and several hooded brick chimneys.
Delve into the history of the United States at the Liberty Bell Memorial Museum, which includes the Freedom Hall and the Rotunda of American History. Peruse the patriotic exhibits detailing the evolution of the nation and military artefacts relating to its major conflicts, then photograph the replica Liberty Bell that was cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry.
Animal lovers should visit the outstanding Brevard Zoo, located a short drive north of the city centre. Cruise past giraffes, white rhinos and gibbons on the Expedition Africa kayaking tour and see river otters, alligators and red wolf while paddle boating through the wetlands of Wild Florida. Afterwards, interact with miniature horses, deer and chickens at the Paws On exhibit.
Getting around Melbourne
Orlando Melbourne International Airport is five minutes’ drive from the downtown area, which is just over one hour’s drive from Orlando. Buses are the main means of getting around Melbourne, which is also a popular area to explore by bicycle.