Despite the name, Merritt Island is not actually an island—it’s part of a peninsula. Misnomer aside, Merritt Island is a tranquil, coastal community with a small-town atmosphere. Residents enjoy the peace of a predominantly residential area along with the convenience of numerous suburban shopping centers, which offer plenty of familiar chain restaurants and national retailers. The popular Merritt Square Mall is a prime local destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
The natural environment functions as a large part of life in Merritt Island. Residents enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking the trails in Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary to kayaking in the Banana River Aquatic Preserve. Merritt Island is also just a short distance from a host of beautiful Atlantic Coast beaches and vibrant beach towns like Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral.
Merritt Island is also convenient to several area attractions, such as Andretti Thrill Park, Brevard Zoo, and NASA's John F.
