Anybody been to Melbourne Beach?

[Susie Dismom]

Just looking for comments good and bad about this area. Thanks!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I live in the area, what do you want to know?

 

[Boots]

It has been a while, but I remember that I liked the beach quite well!

 

[cdntowdw]

We are also considering this area for 5 days over Christmas vacation. Is the ocean warm enough for swimming at this time of year? We prefer to stay in small lodgings, such as Superior Small Lodgings and wonder if you can suggest any Mom and Pop style hotel/efficiency places right on the beach. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thx.

 

[Susie Dismom]

We're headed there (I think) post Disney. Wondered if the beaches are kept up well - kids want waves and shells - I know these things are determined by the tide, so I'll need to learn when its best to shell hunt. Don't really plan on "swimming" in the ocean, but would like to wade if not freezing! We're looking at the Hilton and Quality Suites - having trouble finding other resorts that are right on the beach. Anything you can add would be great - thanks!

 

[Susie Dismom]

Forgot to ask also - restaurants and shops? My AAA book only lists about 2 restaurants. Thanks again

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Sorry it has taken me so long to answer this thread...busy days... anyway

My favorite branded hotel is the Radisson Oceanfront: http://www.radisson.com/hoteldirect...ctory&backURI=/reservation/hotelPreference.do

This hotel is not actually in Melbourne Beach which is south of this. The hotel borders Indian Harbour Beach and Indialantic.

There are plenty of restaurants and shops along A1A, mostly they are mom and pop and that is why you are not seeing them.


Every time I go walking on the beach there are tons of shells.
The beaches are really nice.

December in Florida can range anywhere from the 80s to the 40s. It just depends. Usually the water is still pretty warm, but I do not go in the ocean much, so I am not so sure on this.


cdntowdw, I stayed in a smaller hotel in Melbourne Beach once, I can't remember the name right now, I have the paperwork at home, so I will post it either later today or tomorrow. As I recall it also had a website. The rooms were nice, had kitchenettes and were reasonably priced (we stayed for free thanks to a friend, but I had checked out the rates).

 

[Disney845]

Hi! I lived in the area before moving to Indy this spring. The beach is ok. I am not exactly sure where you are planning to stay but most restaurants (that are not located in a hotel) are to be found over the causeway in Melbourne. They have all the normal chains (TGI Fridays, Olive Garden, etc...). Any specific types of resturants you are looking for in particular I might be able to give you a heads up on if you tell me what you like. My absolutely favorite Japanese restaurant happens to be in Melbourne. It is called Makotos. It is a hibachi grill restaurant where the cook makes your food in front of you. I like it better than any Japanese place I have eaten at anywhere else. This is located not far from Melbourne Beach. You would go west over the Melbourne causeway, make a right (north) onto US1, and the a left (west) onto NASA Blvd. It is in the plaza on the right of the intersection of Babcock St. and Nasa Blvd. The Melbourne Sq. mall is also close by. This is not a grand mall, but I have seen worse. Main shops include JC Penneys, Dillards, Burdines, and Belks. There is a fairly new stadium seating movie theater located on the same road as the mall (New Haven/192). Closer to the beach (on the Melbourne boardwalk) there is a very yummy pizza place called Sabaro's (could be wrong on the name). If you are looking for finer dining, Djon's is nice and in Melbourne Beach, so is the Strawberry Mansion (located just on the west side of the causeway), the Chart House (Front St) and Sweetwaters (located on Wickam Rd. in Melbourne, but easily accessible from the beach). If you happen to drive further north towards Ron Jon's if that interests you or Cocoa Beach, I would suggest The Mango Tree (N Atlantic Ave.) this is also fairly close to the Merritt Island mall or The Black Tulip (Brevard Ave). If you are looking for attraction type things to do in the area, there really aren't too many. Andretti Speed (sp?) Park is located in Palm Bay and has arcade games, mini golf, and go-carts. There is a zoo in Viera, but it isn't much. A few bowling alleys, and some fairly nice golf courses can be found. A fairly entertaining comedy club can be found at Makoto's on a Friday or Saturday night.

Any specific questions and I would be glad to answer if I can!

Edit to add: oops found out I was wrong about the pizza name. It is actually called Bizzaro's (which I guess does sound like Sabaro's....)

 

[Susie Dismom]

Great replies - thanks you guys! We are not looking for too much action - just basic veg out post Disney. I'm concerned about our dining options as we will be there on Thanksgiving. The hotels all seem to have some buffet or meal planned but not sure if we will do that or not. We do like TGI Fridays but don't know if that would be open. One thing that I'm wondering is one of the girls said there is a large coral reef around that area which could be dangerous for the youngsters - I don't really know where she meant - I don't even know how big a coral reef would be. We won't really do actual "swimming", but I know we will walk along the coast. Pardon me as I'm not near any oceans, but what is the best time to hunt shells? Thanks for your help!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

cdntowdw, here is the small resort I stayed in, I was incorrect in saying it was in Melbourne Beach as it is located on the south end of Indialantic (however most people consider Melbourne Beach to Indian Harbour Beach to all be Melbourne Beach). http://www.tuckawayshores.com/

My absolute favorite pizza place (outside of New York City of course) is Petrillo's, and it is located in Indialantic on A1A. Actually it is a wonderful Italian restaurant, I have never had a bad meal there. If you are willing to try local restaurants there is no reason to ever leave beachside. Also a great mexican restuarant is Cantian Dos Amigos. They also have a great margarita there . Anyway, I live on mainland but I can try to answer whatever questions.

As for the best time to get shells, I'm not really sure but whenever I go I do find shells. I guess it would depend on the tide.