Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge offers bird and wildlife lovers plenty of opportunities for using their cameras. First, we stopped by the Refuge Visitor Center on FL 402 where we paid a fee which gave us access to Black Point Wildlife Drive and Playalinda Beach. Black Point Wildlife Drive is a six mile long self-guided drive through the island where marshes and pine forests abound with birds and wildlife. We visited the Refuge in late January when many migratory birds are present. Alligators and armadillos were spotted in several places, too.
We also made a stop at the Haulover Canal which has the nearby Manatee Observation Deck. Manatees enjoy the warmer waters of Mosquito Lagoon. Unfortunately, we were unable to see any. Whether they were already gone for the season or the morning sun glaring on the water prevented us from seeing them, we don’t know, but it’s worth the effort of stopping there to check.
From I-95 visitors can take Exit 220 to Highway FL 406. Travel east to FL 402.
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