An unincorporated barrier island in Brevard County on the Florida Atlantic Coast, it owes its name to a generous King of Spain, who granted the land to a nobleman by the name of Merritt. The island started growing with cultivation of citrus fruits during the mid 1900s. The arrival of the space age triggered a building boom during the 1950s, and now most of south and central Merritt Island is developed, with many NASA employees living there. Only historic churches and street names remain of the old island towns.
The north side of the island is occupied by the NASA Kennedy Space Center, which was originally known as Cape Canaveral. The gigantic Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge covers about 140 thousand acres, providing a buffer around the NASA complex. The island was cut in two by a barge canal connecting the Atlantic coast with the intracoastal waterway, and some farming continues on the north side of Merritt Island.
Toward the east end is Port Canaveral, the home port of Disney Cruise Lines and a busy intermodal cargo port. Marinas and public boat ramps are also here. Nearby is the town of Cocoa Beach, departure point for deep-sea fishing charters and wildlife boat tours along the Banana River. Kayaking and kite surfing are also popular.
North Courtenay Parkway, also known as State Road 3, runs through Merritt Island north-south. State Road 528 and State Road 520 bridges connect with the Florida mainland and both U.S. Highway 1 and I-95.
The Merritt Island Airport is south of the NASA space center, with a single paved runway about 3600 feet long. Kit plane maker Comp Air is based here, plus aircraft charter, pilot training, and repair operators. Melbourne International Airport is the closest airline service.
For a truly awesome experience, hop aboard a vintage biplane operated by Florida Biplanes, on a low altitude ride over the entire island if you want.
The Merritt Island Mall and the Merritt Square Mall are the top shopping venues on the island. Causeway Diner and Bruno’s are highly recommended restaurants on Merritt Island, a great Florida paradise.