Brevard Veterans Memorial Center - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Cocoa Village, is a charming and eclectic cluster of stores and restaurants located by the Indian River. This hip haven offers plenty of activities for everyone in the family; the kids will love shopping at one of the unique little shops or riding the vintage carousel while parents enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many cozy cafes. Just around the corner lies nearby Cocoa Beach which offers miles of pristine coastline, excellent surfing opportunities and loads of sun-drenched fun.

A group of natural, modified, and spoiled islands in the Banana River Lagoon are known as the Thousand Islands. Florida acquired the Thousand Islands in 1988. It leased them back to Cocoa Beach in 1991 under the condition that they are used for recreation and conservation.

The Helen & Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary is a scenic oasis of serenity and beauty. It spans 15 acres of coastal uplands with wetlands, scrub jays, gopher tortoises, and other wildlife thriving amongst its tall pines, oaks and palms. Visitors to the sanctuary can explore various trails that meander through a diverse ecosystem of aquascapes, longleaf sandhill, mesic flatwoods -- as well as boardwalks and bridges that make for an docile sightseeing journey.

Lori Wilson Park offers a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts. The park includes boardwalks, lookout towers and bike/walking trails that become home to different species of birds and other wildlife. Enjoying a sunny day on the beach can include strolling along the sand and soaking up the peacefulness of waves crashing onto 350 feet of crystal-clear shoreline. A highlight of this Florida beach paradise is an area for hand launch boating and fishing within Indian River Lagoon.

In the 1960s, Cocoa Beach began its rapid growth. As a result of the U.S. space program, there was a 1000% increase in population from 1950 to 1960. NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center is located about 24 kilometers north of town. A lot of people moved to Cocoa Beach in search of new opportunities and because of jobs related to the space program.

The Wizard of Oz Museum is every fan's dream come true. Located in the heart of Central Florida, it houses an incredible assortment of memorabilia from the classic 1939 movie that continues to captivate multiple generations. Within its three stories, visitors can explore full-size sets and period costumes, see a treasure trove of rare artwork and vintage props, discover Judy Garland's original silver slippers, and even satiate their taste buds at Auntie Em's cafe.