Our romantic bed and breakfast is ideally located near all of the top activities and attractions in Melbourne Beach, Florida. We’re also lucky to be near a variety of wonderful restaurants, bars and breweries! Check them out to help prepare for your stay at Port d’Hiver. We do our best to keep our Melbourne Beach activity guide up to date, but we can’t be responsible for changes made by the organizations included.
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Top Melbourne Beach Activities
Explore Our Piece of Paradise Located Between the Atlantic Ocean & Indian River Lagoon
Sailing Charters in Melbourne Beach
Sail Cocoa Beach
Set out for a day, spot marine wildlife, or enjoy the sunset from a sailboat or catamaran cruise. If you’re looking for a more fun and unique experience, check out their Pedal Pub Cruises, available for both public tours and private charters.
Annual Events in Melbourne Beach, FL
There are a ton of wonderful events year-round in and near Melbourne Beach! Our luxury bed and breakfast, recently awarded as TripAdvisor’s #3 Small Hotel in the U.S. is a great place to stay to enjoy the festivities!
Rotary Pineapple Man Triathlon
A local favorite right here on Ocean Avenue! Swim .3 miles in the Indian River Lagoon just 3 blocks from Port d’Hiver, bike 15 miles and run 3.3 miles. After, relax at the Inn with a soak in our spa pool!
Florida Marathon and Half Marathon
The Publix Melbourne Music Marathon and Half Marathon takes place downtown and feature many musical performances along the way as well as a post-race concert with food and drinks.
Air and Space Show
Experience the thrill of aviation at this classic air show.
Military Surf Contest
Each November, we honor American heroes at this fun surf contest. Watch our veterans surf and support them on this fun adventure while you enjoy live music and yummy food!
Downtown Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
Sip, stroll and savor as this delicious event!
Melbourne Art Festival
Check out amazing artwork with shows, auctions and student competitions in Wickham Park.
Art & Craft Expo
Each October at Wickham Park, peruse 250 art and craft booths as you breathe in the fresh Florida air. Meet talented local artists while you enjoy live music, food, drinks.
Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival
Located at Eastern Florida State College, this event features seminars, workshops, exhibits and food.
Skydiving on the Space Coast
Plan the ultimate adventure when you stay at Port d’Hiver!
Skydive Sebastian
Enjoy skydiving over the Florida coastline with an incredible view of the Sebastian Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean. Tandem Skydive $195 per adult.
Golf & Tennis Near Port d’Hiver
GOLF
Spessard Holland at Melbourne Beach
Just 1.5 miles from Port d’Hiver, you can choose to take the 28-minute walk to the course or opt for the 3-minute drive. You’ll have gorgeous views of the ocean on this 18-hole course.
The Habitat at Valkaria
Less than 16 miles from Port d’Hiver and close to the Indian River Lagoon, this course offers a peaceful atmosphere with lots of wildlife and beautiful views.
Baytree National Golf Links
This Melbourne Beach area favorite is an award-winning golf course, and has been ranked as one of the top 75 places to play in Florida by Golf Digest!
TENNIS
Kiwi Tennis Club
Central Florida’s finest private tennis club. Features 13 lit courts, 9 of which are clay surfaced, casual fine dining at the Palm Café, state-of-the-art fitness facility, pro shop and more. Port d’Hiver special rate of $20 per day or $80 for the week includes full access to courts (weekdays from 11:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and weekends from 1:00 p.m.) and fitness center, complimentary ball machine use, match arranging services with 24 hours notice, 10% off all logo apparel and a can of tennis balls.
Airboat Rides & Alligators on the Space Coast
Camp Holly Airboat Rides
Enjoy fresh air and wildlife while skimming the surface of the St. Johns River in an Airboat. They offer a 35-minute airboat tour and an hour-long Indian artifact history tour, but for a more unique and thrilling experience book their eco/night tour!
Kayaking Near Melbourne Florida
Breeze along coastal waters across from Kayaking is a fun and convenient activity that’s near our Melbourne boutique hotel. Or plan an excursion to a more remote river, lagoon or nature preserve where you may have a better chance at seeing our native manatees.
Honest John’s Fish Camp
Explore the canals on your own with rented kayaks at this private boat launch area. They offer solo & tandem kayaks, sit-on-tops or sit-insides for use in the Mullet Creek and Honest John’s Canals areas, which includes a no-wake, slow-speed manatee zone. Kayak rental rates range from $20.00 per hour (two hour minimum) to $80.00 for all day use (plus tax).
321 Boat Rental
Located in Melbourne, FL, you can explore the Indian River Lagoon while you look for wildlife. Rental rates are $30 for 1 hour or $45 for two hours.
Shopping Near Melbourne Beach
An eclectic collection of local stores, shops, galleries and boutiques surround our romantic Florida Beach Bed and Breakfast. The Melbourne area offers Port d’Hiver guests a variety of shopping experiences…from familiar retailers to the truly unique.
Historic Downtown Melbourne
Home to fun bars, restaurants, cafes, antique shops, clothing boutiques, and home stores. Enhance your shopping trip with a stop in Meg O’Malley’s Irish Pub, which almost always has live music on the weekends. You can even sign up for a walking tour ($15 per person), which includes information and exploration of three haunted buildings, the Union Cypress Saw Mill, native and medicinal plants, Crane Creek’s shark, the #29 and #30 trains, the Indian Camp and more!
Eau Gallie Arts District
A small, hip area that offers an assortment of art galleries, bookstores, antique shops, restaurants and art museums near our Melbourne Beach, Florida Inn.
Historic Cocoa Village
A quaint collection of shops, restaurants and galleries, this riverside shopping district is about 40 minutes north of Port d’Hiver.
Longboard House Surf Shop
A beach side surf shop with wonderfully surprising brand selections such as Lucky Brand, Betsy Johnson, Tommy Bahama and more.
Catalyst Surf Shop
A cool, eclectic local skate and surf shop just a block from Port d’Hiver! You can rent surfboards and paddleboards here too.
Melbourne Square Mall
Macy’s, Dillard’s and 125 specialty shops near Satellite Beach.
The Avenues at Viera
A new, open air mall with a nice selection of familiar shops and restaurants.
Vero Fashion Outlets
About 45 minutes south of our romantic Inn in Melbourne Beach, FL but most of the drive is along a beautiful stretch of A1A and the beach (plus stopping for lunch in Vero is always a treat!)
Dolphin Tours in Melbourne Beach
Indian Lagoon is home to 700-900 dolphins, so you’re sure to spot a few playing in the waves or leaping out of the water!
DolFun Tours
Hop aboard their 35′ boat for a sightseeing cruise (and brief history lesson of the area!). Get an up close look at the hundreds of dolphins that live in or migrate to the Indian River. You’ll also spot local birds and manatees as you explore the most diverse estuary in North America! The 90-minute tours are subject to availability and cost $28 per person.
Birdwatching on Florida’s Space Coast
Birdwatching is a wonderful year-round activity in Melbourne Beach, FL! You’re sure to spot a few no matter which nature area you visit, but here are a couple of our favorites!
Pelican Island Refuge
Established in 1903 and located in the Indian River Lagoon, Pelican Island is the country’s first national wildlife refuge and the most biologically diverse estuary in the United States. A historic and significant bird rookery island, Pelican Island provides a nesting habitat for over 16 different species of colonial water birds and over 30 species of water birds use the island during the winter migratory season. Over 130 species of birds are found throughout the entire refuge offering some of the best birdwatching in Florida.
Sebastian Inlet State Park
As part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, this nature area boasts many types of shorebirds and migratory species. Meander under the shade of the Hammock Trail which features coastal, sub-tropical, palm/oak hammock and along the fringe of the mangroves.
Coconut Point Sanctuary
Explore this easy ocean-to-lagoon hike which covers one mile of Bervard County’s mose diverse habitats. It’s just 4 miles from our luxury boutique inn in Melbourne Beach!
Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival
Plan your visit to our romantic inn during this annual festival that’s usually held in February, to connect with other birdwatchers and celebrate some of Florida’s most beautiful and diverse wildlife.
Fishing Near Melbourne Beach, Florida
For many anglers, a fishing trip in Florida is on their bucket list. Port d’Hiver bed and breakfast provides fishing enthusiasts luxurious accommodations, so you can experience ultimate relaxation after a long day of reeling in the “big one”! You’ll find a wide variety of species, including redfish, trout, snapper, kingfish, grouper, and more!
Attitude Adjustment Fishing
Captain Eric Metcalf has a passion for fishing and became licensed in 1998. He is known for catching big fish on light tackle. Patrons can book inshore or offshore fishing trips. These range from 4-8 hours for 1-4 people depending on the trip you are interested in. Captain Eric provides bait, tackle, reels, rods, fishing licenses and ice for your fun filled trip.
Sebastian Watercraft Rentals & Fishing Charter
Just 30 minutes from our historic Melbourne Beach Inn, they offer fishing charters inshore, nearshore and offshore.
Sebastian Inlet
Experience wonderful opportunities for both beach and river fishing. The two jetties extending into the Atlantic Ocean have produces amazing catches. Make sure you get your Florida fishing license before you wet your line!
Museums & Gardens Near Port d’Hiver Inn
Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science
Traces the area’s history from the days of the woolly mammoths and saber-tooth cats to the modern era of rockets and Space Shuttles. Many of the exhibits are hands on. 40 minutes north of our luxurious Melbourne, FL Inn in Cocoa Beach.
Historic Rossetter House Museum & Gardens
Historical Tours are $5.00 per person. Tours begin 15 minutes past the hour. Last tour begins at 3:15pm.
McLarty Treasure Museum
At Sebastian Inlet State Park on the national historical landmark site of the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet survivors’ & salvaging camp.
Surfing Near Melbourne Beach
Ocean Park
Right here at Port d’Hiver on Ocean Avenue. Brevard county’s oldest beach community, Ocean Park is Melbourne Beach’s main surf break and home to the office of Eastern Surf Magazine. A great little neighborhood beach with a lifeguard, sand volleyball court and small picnic tables with grills. You can rent surfboards from Catalyst Surf Shop and Rentals right next door to our inn. Their friendly staff can help you find the right fit for your level of skill. Surf board rentals are $15 for ½ day and $25 for full day.
Sebastian Inlet
Sebastian Inlet is Florida’s most famous surf break and a popular local surfing spot with big talent. Home to one of the most prestigious surfing contests on the US East Coast and one of the top four on mainland North America, The Sebastian Inlet Pro Surf tournament, which features surfers from more than a dozen countries. Check out their surf report and live surf cam!
Spanish House
At Sebastian Inlet State Park, 15 miles south of our Romantic Florida Beach B&B, a popular spot since the heydays of early East Coast surfing. Check their surf report before you head out there.
Longboard House Surf Shop
Just a block away from Indialantic Beach, which is just north of the inn, this local surf shop features custom made boards, skate equipment and designer apparel.They offer surf board rentals for $25 per half day and $40 for a full day.
Pamper Yourselves with a Massage or Spa Treatment
In-Room Massage
At our romantic Inn in Melbourne Beach, relax in the comfort of your own room with our in-house massage therapy. $95 per person, couple massage $190. To guarantee availability, we suggest scheduling your appointment prior to your arrival.
Imperial Spa
Experience this full-service salon and boutique with private treatment rooms, tranquil spa waiting area, and separate male and female locker rooms with full amenities such as steam, sauna, showers, changing rooms and vanity areas. Enjoy your visit while sipping on an assortment of fine coffees, chai or herbal teas, biscotti, muffins, and fresh fruit. Please contact them directly for reservations.
Art Galleries & Studio Experiences Near Port d’Hiver
GALLERIES
Fifth Avenue Gallery
Located in the Old Eau Gallie across from the Brevard Museum of Art and Science.
Derek Gores Gallery
In the Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne, FL.
Art and Antique Gallery
Discover unique antiques you won’t find anywhere else.
EXPERIENCES
Painting With A Twist
Plan an evening of FUN! This unique painting class offers easy-to-follow instructions for groups, couples, & individuals. BYOB is encouraged! Class information and times are available on the website.
Get Fired Up
This paint it yourself pottery studio offers over 400 items of pottery to choose from. Everyone can find a piece of pottery they will love and on their own budget. Reservations are recommended but not required.
Board and Brush
Sip complimentary wine and enjoy painting wooden signs. These instructor led workshops provide the materials and designs for you to distress, sand, stain, and paint a personalized piece of art. Specific class information and times are available on the website.
Seagrass Pottery
This studio offers pottery wheel and sculpting workshops galore. Materials, tools, glazing, and firing are included with the cost of the workshop. Projects vary from week to week; check out the online workshop schedule for more information. Online pre-registration required.
Manatee Tours in Melbourne Beach, Florida
A third of the nation’s manatee population lives in, or migrates to our local Indian River! Known also as sea cows, these gentle giants are an imperiled species, and are a teat to see for any Florida visitor.
DolFun Tours
Hop aboard their 35′ boat for a sightseeing cruise (and brief history lesson of the area!). Get an up close look at the manatees that live in or migrate to the Indian River. You’ll also spot local birds and dolphins as you explore the most diverse estuary in North America! The 90-minute tours are subject to availability and cost $28 per person.
Brevard Zoo Near Melbourne Beach
Brevard Zoo
Explore the monkeys’ tropical rain forest, visit rhinos and cheetahs in the savannah. The zoo offers unique interactive opportunities like giraffe feedings, lorikeet and cockatiel feedings, kayak tours, hand-on aquariums, and much more! While you’re there, check out Treetop Trek with zip lines and rope obstacle courses to add to the adventure. Port D’Hiver Bed and Breakfast is only a short 25 minute drive to the Brevard County Zoo!
Sea Turtles in Melbourne Beach
Almost 90 percent of sea turtle nesting in the country happens in Florida from March through October. Loggerhead sea turtles’ nesting season peaks at our beaches in June and July! We have special flashlights (that keep turtles safe) for guests to use when doing a night-time turtle walk on our beach, which is just steps from the inn! Plan ahead for a guided turtle walk with the Sea Turtle Preservation Society.
Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge
Just south of Port d’Hiver, a twenty mile section of coastline from Melbourne Beach to Wabasso Beach. Biologists consider it the most important nesting area for Loggerhead sea turtles in the western hemisphere and the second most important nesting beach in the world.
Barrier Island Sanctuary
This 34 acre education center near our Brevard County Inn features examples of island habitats, interactive exhibits, guided hikes, information on sea turtle nesting, etc. Across the road from the center between the highway and the Indian River lagoon, a hiking trail winds through an active restoration area. They also offer guided tours and eco-experiences!
Best Beaches Near Port d’Hiver
Melbourne’s Beaches have the 2nd largest colony of sea turtle nesting areas in the northern hemisphere and some of the best surfing spots on the East Coast. With the longest beach in the State and three of “Florida’s Ten Best Beaches” as declared by Southern Living, the area near our Melbourne Beach inn offers a great getaway.
Ocean Park
Right here at Port d’Hiver on Ocean Avenue. Brevard county’s oldest beach community, Ocean Park is Melbourne Beach’s main surf break and home to the office of Eastern Surf Magazine. A great little neighborhood beach with a lifeguard, sand volleyball court and small picnic tables with grills.
Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge
Just south of Port d’Hiver, a twenty mile section of coastline from Melbourne Beach to Wabasso Beach. Biologists consider it the most important nesting area for Loggerhead sea turtles in the western hemisphere and the second most important nesting beach in the world.
Sebastian Inlet
Sebastian Inlet is Florida’s most famous surf break and a popular local surfing spot with big talent. Home to one of the most prestigious surfing contests on the US East Coast and one of the top four on mainland North America, The Sebastian Inlet Pro Surf tournament, which features surfers from more than a dozen countries. Check out their surf report and live surf cam!
Spanish House
At Sebastian Inlet State Park, 15 miles south of our Romantic Florida Beach B&B, a popular spot since the heydays of early East Coast surfing. Check their surf report before you head out there.
Longboard House Surf Shop
Just a block away from Indialantic Beach, this local surf shop features custom made boards, skate equipment and designer apparel.They offer surf board rentals for $25 per half day and $40 for a full day.
Space Encounters on the Florida Coast
Our seaside boutique hotel is located less than an hour’s drive from the Kennedy Space Center. During your Melbourne Beach getaway, sneak away for the afternoon and check “see a live rocket launch” off your bucket list! Get ready, get set, blast off! Stay up to date with the latest launches by following Kennedy Space Center’s Facebook page. Check out the different experiences available with them below.
Kennedy Space Center
Visit the home of America’s Space Shuttle and 50 years of space exploration. A Regular Admission Ticket Includes IMAX® space films and all exhibits and shows, including the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame with interactive spaceflight simulators.
Cape Canaveral Tours
Tour America’s first launch sites from the 1960s, visit the Air Force Space and Missile Museum and see today’s active unmanned rocket program. Seating is limited. Offered twice daily at 11:40 a.m. and 12:50 p.m. Each tour runs approximately 2.5 hours.
NASA Up Close – Choose from Launch Pad, Launch Control Center or Vehicle Assembly Building Tours!
Tour launch areas with an expert guide. Includes the closest viewing location of the space shuttle launch pads, the Shuttle Landing Facility, a panoramic view of all launch pads from the NASA Causeway and a stop outside the Vehicle Assembly Building. Seating is limited. The number of daily departures varies due to NASA operational requirements. The first departure is at 10 a.m. and the last departure is at 1:50 p.m. daily. Guided tours run approximately 2 hours.
Lunch with an Astronaut
Meet an astronaut and enjoy a good meal. Includes half hour interactive question and answer session.
Ziplining in Brevard County
Treetop Trek Aerial
Glide through the palms on a zipline or traverse the ropes and obstacles courses at Treetop Trek Aerial Adventures! To top off your epic adventure, you’ll also get a glimpse of some cute critters in the Brevard Zoo while you’re high up in the trees. This special activity is currently utilizing timed tickets to ensure social distancing. Located at the Brevard Zoo, just 25 minutes from our boutique inn.
Biking in Melbourne Beach
Casual Biking
Port d’Hiver has four beach cruiser bikes for guests to use during their stay. Breeze by the beaches or tour the town!
Mountain Biking
Three bike trails are located in Sebastian Inlet State Park. The trails are a combination of off-road and paved trails which start/end at the State Park Inlet Marina. Also, Wickham Park offers various nature trails. Soft sand in parts makes it harder for beginners, but there are many loops to explore and something for everyone.
Boat & Jet Ski Rentals in Melbourne
Power up your time in paradise with a boat or jet ski rental!
Hayley’s Jet Ski & Boat Rental
Just 10 minutes from our romantic getaway in Florida, jet skis are $89 per hour or $300 for 4 hours. Tubing, wakeboard and ski packages are also available.
321 Boat Rentals
Hit the water for some fun, fishing, or to just get a view of the coast. 321 Boat Rentals offers Deck Boats, Pontoon Boats, and Center Console Boats. Rental rates range from $299 for a half day to $559 for a full day, depending on the vessel you choose.
Sebastian Watercraft Rentals and Fishing Charter
30 minutes from our historic Melbourne Beach Inn, they offer boat rentals, wave runners and fishing charters.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding Near Melbourne Beach
Stand-up paddleboarding is an emerging global sport with roots as an ancient Polynesian form of surfing. Flat water stand-up paddleboarding allows individuals to see fish swimming beneath them, stingrays flying across the sandy bottom and manatee and dolphin swimming nearby.
Catalyst Surf Shop and Rentals
Rent a SUP from Catalyst Surf shop next door to Port d’Hiver. Their friendly staff can help you find the right fit. Paddleboard rentals are $30 for a ½ day and $50 for full day.
321 Boat Rental
Located in Melbourne, FL, you can explore the Indian River Lagoon while you look for wildlife. Rental rates are $30 for 1 hour or $45 for two hours.
Fun Indoor Activities in Melbourne Beach
Even though our average temperature doesn’t dip below 72˚, it’s great to have a few rainy day activities in Melbourne Beach available!
Adventure HQ: The Backyard Games & Activities
Plan a day of games, food, & fun! The Backyard offers many fun activities including indoor axe throwing, bocce ball, corn hole, darts, billiards, and more. Reservations are recommended but not required.
On The Edge Rock Climbing Gym
Spend the day hanging around on the rock walls at this indoor gym. On The Edge offers rock climbing for all ages and with a team of knowledgeable instructors no experience is necessary. Check out their website for gym and class details.
Frog Bones Shooting Range
No matter if you are new to firearms or an expert, this indoor shooting range offers classes and activities for all to enjoy. Also, once you’ve worked up an appetite check out their onsite bar & grill, the Double Tapp Grill!