A1A Life

When travel was slower family and friends stopped to enjoy the scenery and explored off the beaten path.

Grab your flip flops we’re going “beach’n”

Space Coast Beaches

The sandy coastline stretches 72 miles stretching from the northern region of the National Seashore South to the Sebastian Inlet State Park with beaches to suit every adventures style. A road trip down Hwy A1A showcases the many unique beaches and what is better than sharing time at the beach with family and friends.

Port Canaveral’s Jetty Park

The freshest catch of the day arrives at the port as well as passenger and cargo ships. The jetty is world renowned for fishing and enjoying pure Florida sunshine. The National Seashore encompasses 14 miles of restored sand dunes with a natural habitat for birds, sea turtles, and other ocean life. The national park is a true gem and well worth a day trip to explore.

Fun at the Tavern

Rikki Tikki Cocoa Bach Pier

Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Indialantic

After a quick stop in Ron Jon’s Surf Shop (the iconic Cocoa surf store) to acquire the requisite T-shirt spend time enjoying the Cocoa Beach Pier. We recommend walking the length of the pier and enjoying the sights and sounds at Rikki Tiki Tavern. Try the Pier Burger or Grouper Sandwich with a Tiki Beverage and you’ll feel like you crossed the 7 mile bridge to Key West. The tavern is the perfect location to watch a Space-X launch from near by Kennedy Space Center.

Continue your adventure winding your way south through the many beach towns. The towns have a wide variety of beach parks, open pavilions and public restrooms. Many of the beaches post lifeguards during season and include nature walks and playgrounds. Canova Beach Park is the local dog friendly beach.

Indialantic is the last stop before A1A turns east and winds down to Sebastian Inlet State Park. Stop by Long Board House for the best beach wear. For the surfer the shop includes a full service board repair center as well as great deals on new and gently used boards. Sign up for a Paddle Board lesson next door at the Paddle Board House. Bizzaros Pizza at James Nance Park is a local favorite - grab a slice and stroll the Indialantic boardwalk - perfect for people watching and catching some rays.

The South Beaches - Old Florida Style

Honest John’s Fish Camp

Melbourne Beaches

On the trek south you’ll notice a change in scenery. The hustle and bustle slows and the pace changes. The south beaches include: Coconut Point, Spessard Holland and Juan Ponce de Leon Landing. The beach parks provide a habitat for nesting sea turtles, the Great Florida Birding Trail and Wildlife Trail and opportunities for hiking and exploring the Hammock Sanctuary. The area is located within the Archie Carr Wildlife Preserve and spans the Ocean to Indian River Lagoon.

Honest John’s Fish Camp (closed Tuesdays) is located on the original homestead of the Smith family; early A1A settlers. Located at the end of Old Florida Trail it’s a great place to launch a paddle board, kayak or canoe and explore the Indian River Lagoon. Be sure to say hi to the resident pig and chickens. Stay away from the rooster.

Sebastian Inlet State Park

Swim, Surf, Fish, Camp

Sebastian Inlet State Park

A trip to the South Beaches wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Sebastian Inlet State Park. Located on the very south end of the Space Coast where the surfing is sensational and the waters are emerald clear. The park beaches stretch three miles for swimming, surfing, scuba diving, boating, fishing and camping. Campers will find 50 full facility campsites with areas for primitive-style camping. Additional camping is available on the Indian River side of the barrier island at Long Point Park. Be sure to stop in Whitey’s for fresh bait and definitely eat breakfast at the Long Point Cafe.

Essentially HWY A1A has something for everyone. From lively trendy beach towns to the “get back to nature” Old Florida beach experience. Our cottage has her own place in history. Located on A1A since 1949. We are proud to be her guardians and care takers keeping the Old Florida traditions alive and well. Come experience A1A and build your own “beach’n” story.