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Sea Turtles, Surfboards & Sky Rockets
Florida's Space Coast beaches have got it going on
By Aaron Walton (teenage surfer) and Chelle Koster Walton (his travel writer mom)

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Who's


Stop in Cocoa Beach at the first and biggest Ron Jon Surf Shop in Florida

the most popular "babe" on the beach this summer along Florida's Space Coast? Well, she only comes out at night and weighs in at about 300 pounds.

She's the mama sea turtle, thousands of which lumber up on the coast's luxuriously long stretch of sands in the stealth of dark to dig their nests and deposit a cache of some 125 eggs. Witnessing this "oh my gosh" miracle is one of summer's most unforgettable experiences.

By day, visitors ply the same sands to enjoy the Space Coast's other miracles – occasional space shuttle launches, some of Florida's gnarliest surf, dependable sunshine, fishing, wildlife galore and an unparalleled spirit of summer abandon.

Catch a wave...or a fish

The first thing that comes to mind when our family thinks of Sebastian Inlet is the impressive break that it consistently offers. But there is a lot more going on at this surfer's dreamland: Sebastian Inlet State Park also features two rock jetties that are ideal for fishing. The area is known for the large number of snook landings that take place here.

Conveniently, there's also a bait and tackle shop located near the north jetty that sells fishing licenses, and there's a great snack bar for pigging out after an awesome surf session or long day of reeling 'em in.

On turtle patrol

Head north and you'll end up at another great surf spot, Melbourne Beach. If you make reservations before your visit in June or July, you can join the Sea Turtle Preservation Society in observing sea turtles laying eggs, a breathtaking event to witness.

After a brief overview of the three types of local sea turtles – loggerhead, leatherback and green – you next assemble at the beach well after dark and enact full blackout (no flash photography permitted). You're practically guaranteed to see a gigantic mother turtle trudge her way up the beach (more than 6,000 do each summer) and commence nature's wonder. Spectators watch from behind as she scoops sand to excavate her nest, drops her eggs, then laboriously covers the hole and returns to the sea in a ritual as old as the beach itself.

Meet me at the pier

The "surfari" isn't over yet! As you head farther north, you'll hit Cocoa Beach, a favorite surf spot on the East Coast, made famous


Hit the waves on Florida's Space Coast

by its 24-hour Ron Jon Surf Shop (the first and biggest in Florida), the surfing tournaments at the Cocoa Beach Pier and world champ Kelly Slater, who grew up here.

The pier's the place to hang, and not just ten. You needn't be a surfer to enjoy the beach fun, volleyball games and the shops, bars and restaurants along the pier. It's pure Cocoa Beach fun to watch the surfers, fishermen and swooping pelicans as you munch fresh seafood and quaff a cold drink.

Cruise ships and spaceships

Another favorite family surfing destination takes us to Cape Canaveral, home to the Ron Jon Cape Caribe Resort. This resort has everything you need for a family trip to Florida's East Coast: a huge pool with a lazy river and slide, a decked-out arcade room with all the fixings and beachfront rooms so you can get an early surf session in to beat the crowds.

The resort is located adjacent to an inlet similar to Sebastian with a jetty on each side perfect for nabbing the fish that stream through them. Jetty Park allows access to this stretch of beach, where you can watch cruise ships sailing in and out of the inlet to Port Canaveral. It's also a popular vantage point for watching space shuttle launches from NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and unmanned rocket launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Take refuge

The Space Coast's 72 miles of toasty-sand beach ends on a natural note at Playalinda Beach, part of the Canaveral National Seashore. The only sign of civilization you'll spy from this protected dunes-edged beach is a launch pad off in the distance. The crowds thin way down at this off-the-beaten-sand spot. Preserved as a buffer zone to KSC, it provides sanctuary for sea turtles, bald eagles, wood storks and the human spirit.

For more information on planning your in-state getaway to Florida's Space Coast, call 877-572-3224 or visit
www.space-coast.com.

Chelle Koster Walton has authored nine Florida guidebooks and countless travel and food articles for national publications.


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