Just a short 30-minute drive from New Smyrna Beach, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge spans 140,000 acres of diverse habitats, from marshes to coastal dunes. It’s a sanctuary for Florida’s native wildlife, including over 500 documented species and 330 species of birds, along with several threatened and endangered species. The scenic Black Point Wildlife Drive, a 7-mile loop with numbered stops, is perfect for spotting animals and taking in the serene landscapes. Trails and observation decks offer even more opportunities to explore. For the best wildlife sightings, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

During the 9th century this was the largest church in Spain and although now dwarfed by later and greater buildings, it remains of great significance in the history of Spanish religious architecture. The church is well worth a visit, especially for its magnificent array of gorgeously coloured murals.

The natural beauty of this tremendous forest area is breathtaking. Tiny mountains pop up out of the flat landscape and forests of unusual trees and plants cover the mountains like fur. Among all the mountains, the Moon Mountain is the most distinguishable with its giant and perfect round hole in the middle. Changing with the seasons, the landscape in this lush nature park is the ideal place to relax a tired body and mind while listening to the melody of nature.