Florida - Central East around Space Coast Attractions
This area contains the so-called "Space Coast," named for its role as the eastern headquarters of the country's space program. It is home to Cape Canaveral, the site of the first rocket launches.
The region first gained recognition for the fertile citrus groves of Captain Douglas Dummitt who settled here in the early 1840's. His Indian River oranges are still today, one of the most popular and sought after varieties.
Another tourist destination in central east Florida is Cocoa Beach, one of the major surfing beaches in the region.
The Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts in Barberville is the site of buildings from the early 1900s - part of the settlement including houses, stores and barns. Many of the historically significant original Florida buildings were relocated to the Pioneer Settlement. Various historical trades and lifestyles are highlighted: Print Shop, Wheelwright Shop/Carriage House, Woodwright Shop, Blacksmith Shop, and Timucuan-Myacca and Seminole Villages.
Address: Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts, Box 6, Barberville, FL 32105, United States
Phone: 1 (386) 749-2959, Fax: 1 (386) 749-2087
In 1821, Major Charles Wilhelm Bulow acquired 4,675 acres of wilderness. Using slave labor, he cleared 2,200 acres and planted sugar cane, cotton, rice and indigo. In 1836, a band of raiding Seminole Indians looted and burned the plantation. The history of the Bulow Plantation is presented through a scenic trail that leads to the ruins of the sugar mill and an interpretive center. The coquina walls and chimneys of the sugar mill remain standing as a testament to the rise and fall of the plantation.
Cassadaga is a spiritualist community that was established in 1894. Services include psychics, palm and card readers, tarot readings, and handwriting analysis.
Grant House was built in 1916 and has been completely restored. It houses a collection of antiques and furniture, some original to the home, that capture that period in time.
Lake Okeechobee is the second largest freshwater lake in the continental U.S. A lighted pier allows for day and night fishing. A hiking and biking trail wind around the lake.
McLarty Treasure Museum is located on the survivors' campsite, over 700 people lost their lives when the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet shipwrecked. The historical displays include artifacts and a diorama of the Spanish Plate Fleet. An observation deck overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
Address: McLarty Treasure Museum, 13180 Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951, United States
Phone: 1 (772) 589-2147, Fax: 1 (321) 984-4854
Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area is located on both sides of the bridge crossing the Indian River. Wading birds such as great blue, little blue and tri-colored herons, and great and snowy egrets can be found on both sides of the inlet.
Tips: Adult cost refers to pedestrians, bicyclists.
New Smyrna Beach was named after the hometown of the founder's wife - Smyrna, Turkey. There are numerous cultural and historical sites such as Sugar Mill Ruins State Historic Site, which is the ruins of a large plantation's sugar mill.
The Atlantic Center for Arts is an educational facility and an art gallery that features performances and exhibits by resident artists.
Fishing and relaxing at New Smyrna Beach.
Street scene in New Smyrna Beach.
Address: New Smyrna Beach Chamber of Commerce, 115 Canal Street, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168, United States
Phone: 1 (386) 428-2449, Fax: 1 (386) 423-3512
Enjoy a wonderful 2 hour narrated scenic cruise along our stunning local rivers aboard The Manatee. See the Ponce DeLeon lighthouse, beautiful riverfront homes and boats and gently cruise through the protected wetland and mangroves looking for Dolphin and Manatee (seasonal) and all manner of aquatic birds.
Tips: Three departures daily, year round - 10am, 1pm, 4pm. Reservations required.
Okeechobee was originally called Tantie after the local schoolteacher. The name was changed to Okeechobee in 1912. Today visitors enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, and air boat rides. The town is also a commercial center for cattle, making it an ideal location for several rodeos each year.
The area now known as Ponce Inlet was explored by Ponce De Leon in 1513. The name of Mosquito Inlet changed to Ponce de Leon Inlet in 1928. The town itself was incorporated in 1963.
This 175 ft restored brick structure, Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, was the guiding light for mariners from 1887-1970. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and view the Daytona Beach area. The lightkeepers cottages are now museums.
Address: Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, 4931 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127, United States
Phone: 1 (386) 761-1821, Fax: 1 (386) 761-3121
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Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Station
Ponce Inlet - Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, Ponce Inlet
Ponce Inlet
Cocoa Beach, Cocoa
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Titusville
Mel Fisher's Treasure Museum, Sebastian
New Smyrna Beach
