Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida.

© Thomas Kelley/Shutterstock

Brevard Zoo

Top choice


For more than 22 years this community-built zoo has set standards for imaginative design, immersive wildlife experiences, education and conservation. Since hammer-holding locals came out in force in March 1994 to start construction, the zoo’s landscape has evolved via winding boardwalks through hardwood hammocks into distinct geographical zones featuring wildlife from Florida, South America, Africa and Australia. Specially designed enclosures merging with the undergrowth and free-flight aviaries give a real sense of wandering through a wilderness.

The zoo's best experiences are the kayak tours past gangling giraffes down the Nyami Nyami river and the Tree Top Trek, an aerial adventure course incorporating ziplines over wetland ponds and alligator pools.

Once you’ve got over the enjoyment of wandering around the zoo’s unique environment, you’ll begin to notice its dedication to the serious work of conservation and wildlife education. The Paws On children's area invites kids to build, explore and splash around on a real sand beach, engage in hookless fishing and pet the resident pygmy goats and alpacas. Volunteers work tirelessly to create oyster mats for the oyster-reef-regeneration project in Indian River, and the Wildlife Detective Training Academy encourages curiosity and inquiry in older kids through self-guided mystery tours designed around the zoo.

In addition, there are night hikes, a Junior Zoo Keeper’s Club, summer camps, animal-adoption programs and well-attended community events, including the popular Boo at the Zoo Halloween celebration. For kids and animal lovers this may well outshine the Space Center.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Lori Wilson Park

9.99 MILES

A 32-acre, coastal park with a mellow vibe and facilities including wheelchair access, a playground, picnic tables and grills and a small dog-play area…

2. Sidney Fischer Park

10.44 MILES

The closest beach to downtown Cocoa Beach, Fischer Park is crowded with surfers and cruise-ship visitors.

3. EFSC Planetarium & Observatory

11.41 MILES

Discover new galaxies and constellations in this 70ft domed planetarium that projects the night skies in startling detail, enhanced with laser effects and…

4. Cocoa Beach Pier

12.01 MILES

Souvenir shops, restaurants and bars stretch along this 800ft pier built as a family attraction in 1962. It remains the focus of annual events such as the…

5. Ryckman Park

14.1 MILES

Located in Melbourne's historic district, this family-friendly park features a large playground, bocce and basketball courts, and the nationally…

6. Melbourne Beach

14.46 MILES

Backed by Ocean Park with its boardwalk, gazebo and showers, Melbourne Beach, along with its neighbor, Indialantic Beach (to the north), offers miles and…

7. Jetty Park

14.47 MILES

Facing the distant Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, this 35-acre coastal park is a prime spot for sunbathing, fishing and watching cruise ships set sail. Chairs…

8. Kennedy Space Center

20.64 MILES

Within this 140,000-acre campus, the dreams of some of the greatest scientific minds of the 20th century took flight all the way to the moon and back…