40+ Fun Things to Do in Melbourne, FL For Couples

Having lived in Melbourne for over a decade now, Andrew and I have had countless dates around the Space Coast. Today I want to share all my ideas for couples looking for romantic things to do in Melbourne, Florida. This includes everything from an adventurous day in the jungle to a relaxing picnic on the beach.

I have broken my list up into outdoor, active, cultural, and relaxing things to do. No matter your budget or the weather, there is something on this list for everyone. If you are a couple looking for romantic things to do in Melbourne, Florida read on for plenty of inspiration!

Romantic Things to Do in Nature

For those who want to get some fresh air, there are so many outdoorsy options in Melbourne! For cool winter and spring days, I have found all sorts of nature trails and places to paddle. And though many prefer to stay inside on hot summer days, I have listed my favorite ways to cool off.  Here are the best dates I have for couples to spend time outside in Melbourne.

1. Explore Turkey Creek on foot, bike, or board

Turkey Creek is a gorgeous park with so many trails to explore. Andrew and I love walking through the Creek Overlook Trail and around the Hammock trail. We have even seen manatees here before!

For a relaxing date, pack a picnic and enjoy it mid-nature walk. However, for a more adrenaline-pumping thing to do together, couples can go mountain biking or paddle through the Indian River here. There are a few places nearby to rent a kayak or paddleboard and you can launch from the sanctuary or nearby. Expect to see manatees, turtles, alligators, birds and if you are lucky, dolphins.

2. See Gators on a Camp Holly Airboat Ride

On the opposite side of Brevard County, you can take a different kind of boat tour through the swamp!  Camp Holly Airboat Rides takes you through the St. Johns River on a guided alligator-centric experience. This is a fun way to experience Old Florida, without going all the way to the Everglades!

3. Go for a Leisurely Bike Ride at Linear Park Trail

One of my favorite trails in Melbourne is Linear Park trail in Suntree. This is a nice shady path ideal for walking or biking. The trail is 5.2 miles out and back on a boardwalk through the lush vegetation and wetlands. Though it is near the Brevard Zoo, the most exotic animals you will see are birds and gators. It still makes for a relaxing and scenic activity for couples in Melbourne, Florida.

4. Discover Local Nature at Rockledge Gardens

A walk through the Rockledge Gardens offers a botanical setting for a date. In addition to seeing tropical plants in the garden center, there is also a farmers’ market daily with snacks and drinks. Be sure to check the schedule ahead of time for unique events like gardening seminars, art walks, yoga, and holiday parties.

5. Relax by the Ocean at Spessard Holland Beach

I love spending a day at the beach for an easy and relaxing date and Melbourne has plenty of options! Our favorite beach is Spessard Holland, where there is free parking and a food stand with snacks.

For more quiet and tranquil beaches, you can also head south to Coconut Point Park and Juan Ponce de Leon Landing beach.

6. Meet Your Favorite Animals at the Brevard Zoo

Seeing animals and learning about them can be one of the most fun and romantic things to do in Melbourne! The Brevard Zoo is home to giraffes, kangaroos, sloths, crocodiles, and more, which can be viewed at any time of day. Along with learning about the different animal species, there are also unique exhibits like taking a kayak tour through the zoo or feeding the tropical birds.

7. Watch the Stars at Hightower Beach

Any beach will do, but we have had a great time star gazing at Hightower Beach. Come in the evening with a beach blanket on a clear night and see what stars you can see. Make sure to watch for shooting stars!

8. Take a Hike through Viera Wetlands

Up in Viera, the wetlands are another biologically diverse spot worth exploring. The Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands is a 200-acre spot home to many birds, gators, and other creatures. You can drive around, but I prefer to take a leisurely hike ride or a bike ride.

9. Go Fishing at Sebastian Inlet State Park

The Sebastian Inlet State Park is a beautiful spot just south of Melbourne with all sorts of ways to explore. You can wade in the inlet, check out the museum, or even camp here! If you want to go fishing somewhere in Melbourne, this is one of the best spots. There are two long jetties that are perfect for fishing or just admiring the views. Make sure to get a saltwater fishing license before you go!

10. See Nesting Turtles on a Turtle Walk

Every summer, hundreds of turtles come to the beaches of Brevard County to lay their eggs. If you are here from June through August at night, you may get a chance to see them! The Sea Turtle Preservation Society hosts turtle walks where you can learn all about the turtles and get a few glimpses of them. If you are especially lucky, you might see some sea turtles hatch! I can’t think of anything more romantic than a moonlit stroll on the beach looking for sea turtles!

11. Find a Plant at Frida’s

Another thing for couples to do in Melbourne, Florida is to visit my favorite plant store. Frida’s has so many gorgeous plants to purchase and you can learn about how to grow them. If you find one you like, you can work together to keep this plant baby alive! Afterward, stop by Apocalypse Coffee next door for a coffee or snack to have the ultimate cozy date.

12. Take Your Four-Legged Friend to Canova Dog Beach

If either of you has a dog, couples can enjoy a day of taking their dog to the beach. Canova Beach is the only dog beach in Melbourne, Florida and dogs have a blast running around. There are also a few local dog parks that also make for an entertaining date, including the Pieloch Dog Park and the Satellite Beach Dog Park.

13. Explore the Jungle in Coconut Point Sanctuary

For couples that like to explore, Coconut Point Sanctuary is a great place to do so. This is a natural trail in Melbourne Beach that offers a glimpse of what this coastal island looks like in its native form. The trail is about a mile long, but provides all sorts of interesting sights like pelicans and saw palmetto.

14. Go Sightseeing with Good Natured River Tours

Another great way to see the local wildlife on the water is a river tour. Good Natured River Tours offers both eco tours and sunset cruises along the Indian River. The boat has both indoor and outdoor seating, ideal for any weather. With most tours getting sightings of dolphins, manatees, and all sorts of coastal birds, it’s a date idea that is sure to impress!

15. Take a Moonlight Stroll at Erna Nixon Park

Another park offering unique things to do in Melbourne for couples is Erna Nixon Park. This has an elevated boardwalk where you can stroll during the day and look for birds, tortoises, and plants. However, they also offer a moonlight stroll evening a few times per year. Be sure to mark your calendars for this, where you can visit at night and enjoy live music and telescopes to see the night sky for only $4 per person.

Cultural Activities for Couples in Melbourne Florida

It’s always fun to see the creative side of your partner, whether it’s making art together or experiencing a unique show. This next section has both artistic date ideas to try in Melbourne, Florida, as well as some cultural activities that you cannot experience elsewhere.

16. Catch a Show at the King Center

Melbourne has some excellent theater with a variety of acts frequently performing at the King Center. Take your significant other to see a Broadway show like CHICAGO or standup comedy from the likes of Jerry Seinfeld for an unforgettable night.

17. Laugh Your Ass Off at Funky Dog Improv

If you are looking for a laugh, Funky Dog Improv is the best place to go in Melbourne for comedy. They have weekly shows where you can see the wild things these comedians come up with when improvising. For those who rather try out comedy themselves, there are also drop-in classes on the last Thursday of every month for a unique date night.

18. Cook Together at the Gathering Table

Cooking is one of the most romantic things a couple can do together and Downtown Melbourne provides the perfect opportunity for it. The Gathering Table has weekly classes where you can learn a number of cooking techniques from making homemade pasta to rolling your own sushi. At the end, you get to eat your creation as well and leave with the knowledge to cook it at home in the future!

19. Make Candles at This Little Light of Mine

Another fun craft to do on a date is candle making. This Little Light of Mine has candle-pouring classes every week on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. It takes a couple of hours and you will have a unique candle that will remind you of this memorable experience each time you light it!

20. Do Some Painting at Get Fired Up Pottery

For a more hands-on art experience, painting some pottery is sure to be a romantic experience for couples. You can try it downtown at Get Fired Up Pottery. For less than $20, you can pick a piece of ceramic to paint and spend as long as you want designing! Then they glaze it to preserve your piece and you can pick it up shortly after.

21. Take a Village Food Tour

Either you can plan your own progressive dinner date or take a guided food tour through Cocoa Village. With so many unique cuisines, this is a tasty and romantic way to indulge together. I recommend trying at least a few out-of-the-ordinary spots like the Village Biergarten and Tapas!

22. Go to the Mansion for a Tasting

There are also some great places to experience a guided tasting. The Mansion is one of my favorites. This restaurant also has a cellar where they feature weekly tastings of different spirits and wines. It’s the best way to find out exactly what you like to drink.

23. See a Rocket Launch

The Space Coast is one of the few places in the world where you can watch a rocket launch and they occur quite frequently here! Check out the schedule at SpaceFlightNow and plan a date to watch the next launch together. You can have a picnic on one of the Patrick Air Force beaches while you wait or drive closer and watch from the river.

24. Go Head-to-Head at Game Over Arcade Bar

For adults that want to relive their arcade days, Game Over offers all your favorite games to enjoy in a bar setting. You can sip on cocktails, beer, and mocktails while playing games like Ms. Pac-Man, Air Hockey, and Donkey Kong Junior. It’s open every night for a retro way to have a date night in Melbourne, Florida.

25. Blast off at the Kennedy Space Center

One out-of-this-world date idea for couples is a visit to the Kennedy Space Center. Here you can see rockets, and space shuttles and learn about the space race. Though it is north in Cape Canaveral, this is a unique experience perfect for couples to enjoy together.

26. Solve a Mystery at an Escape Room in Downtown Melbourne

Brevard County is home to many escape rooms, each with unique puzzles and challenges! One favorite is Escape Room Entertainment where you must figure out how to take down a mafia. Even if you have done one before, there are always new challenges (and even a seasonal Christmas one!) that make it worth checking out an escape room for a romantic experience.

Relaxing Things to Do in Melbourne, Florida

For those that want a low-key date that can bring couples closer together, these next seven ideas provide just that. Whether you want a physically relaxing experience like a spa day or a mentally relaxing one like watching a movie, Melbourne has lots of options. Here are my ideas for a relaxing date.

27. See an Outdoor Movie in Wickham Park

A variety of local parks host outdoor movie nights, but Wickham Park is the most consistent. This park hosts a free car under-the-stars movie night once a month with fun, family-friendly movies. Though they might not be the most exciting movie choices, it’s a great excuse to cuddle up during a movie night.

28. Pamper Yourselves at Space Coast Massage & Spa

Even though it’s not a big city, Melbourne still has a few spas to visit. For relaxing and romantic things to do in Melbourne, visit Space Coast Massage & Spa for a day of pampering. You can get a massage, facial, or treatment and then enjoy a mimosa after!

29. Take a Drive on Scenic A1A

For a simple date night, take a scenic drive down A1A. Once you go past Spessard Holland Beach, the area starts to get more remote. You can marvel at the beachfront mansions and drive over Sebastian Inlet for some bird’s eye views of the water. We do this frequently and always stumble upon something new!

30. Photograph Each Other on an EGAD Mural Tour

If you like art, the Eau Gallie Arts District is the number one place to go! Not only do they have a variety of colorful and creative murals, but there are also art galleries and creative shops. I love coming here to walk around and take pictures in front of the murals.

31. Take a Stroll in Downtown Melbourne

Downtown Melbourne is another historical spot in town that also has a lot going on. You can come here for nightlife and dining or enjoy a romantic stroll by the harbor and riverside. Other sites to check out include the Henegar Center built in 1919, the Green Gables House, and even Hell ‘n Blazes brewery. This brewery is located in a building that burnt down multiple times before turning into a bank! They left the old bank vault for a little slice of history within the brewery.

32. Enjoy a Beach Picnic Together

For a picturesque date by the water, couples can pack a beach picnic or even better, hire a luxury picnic to do the work for you! Picnic companies like Picnic By The Water will set up a beautiful seating area and provide food and drinks. This makes for a special experience for couples, but you can easily set it up yourself too for a more spur-of-the-moment date.

33. Have Date Night at Premiere Oaks

Going to a movie theater is an obvious date idea, but Melbourne has the gorgeous Premiere Oaks Theater, which makes it more of an experience. In addition to seeing movies of any genre, you can have a meal or drink at Hemingway’s afterward. 

Exciting and Active Date Ideas

Another way to have a fun date with your partner is to get your adrenaline going with a thrilling activity! There are so many romantic things to do in Melbourne that can add some excitement to your life. Between trying water sports, playing a game together, or climbing to new heights, here are my favorite active date ideas.

34. Do Aerial Yoga with the Yogi Perogi

For a unique indoor date idea, try aerial yoga. Though it may look intimidating, it is actually relatively easy and freeing to hang from silk ropes. The Yoga Perogi offers aerial yoga classes every day of the week for any skill level.

35. Take a Swing at Crane Creek Reserve Driving Range

There are lots of options for golfing on the Space Coast. Of course, you can play a game at one of the many public courses, but I prefer the driving range for a casual date. Head to the Crane Creek Reserve Driving Range and see who can hit their golf ball the furthest!

36. Paddle through Melbourne with Go Kayaking Tours

For an adventurous couple looking for things to do together, a kayaking tour through the mangroves is a treat! Go Kayaking Tour offers locations for a guided paddle adventure through Turkey Creek, Crane’s Creek Honest John’s Fish Camp, and more. This is a great way to see all sorts of wildlife! If you rather explore on your own, they offer rentals as well.

37. See Bioluminescence with BK Adventure Tours

I’ve talked a lot on the blog about how the Space Coast is one of the few places in the world you can experience bioluminescence. For optimal results, you should probably head up to Titusville to see it, but there are a few spots in Melbourne to find it too. Expect at least a half an hour’s drive, but the tours with BK Adventure are worth it for finding the best bioluminescence.

38. Do a Free 5K at a Brewery

If you are a pair of “sole-mates”, there are plenty of opportunities for a running date here. Both Hell ‘n Blazes and Intracoastal Brewing host free 5K’s on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. You can go for a run and then enjoy a pint or a bite after!

39. Start off the Day Right with Live Sunrise Yoga on the Beach

For an extra peaceful yogi experience, head to the beach Saturday’s at 8 AM for practice there. There is usually one going on at James Nance beach and it is donation-based. Check out this page to make sure it’s happening!

40. Go Gokarting and more at Adrenaline Warehouse

For a go-kart experience unlike any other in Brevard County, visit the Adrenaline Warehouse for some go-kart races. It’s an indoor course with elevation changes and banked turns. Speed Demons will love trying this and you can test your strength at the Ninja Course afterward.

41. Fly Through the Trees on a Treetop Trek

Another one of the best romantic things to do in Melbourne for daredevils is to take a treetop trek. The Brevard Zoo has ziplines, canopy walks, ropes courses, and all sorts of climbing for an epic date.

42. Go Rock Climbing at On the Edge

If you are looking for a unique workout, rock climbing gyms are a great way to test your upper body strength and do some climbing. On the Edge has both rock walls and bouldering walls that offer a variety of challenges. If you really want to test out your trust in each, you can take a belaying course together here too!

43. Play a Game of Bowling at Bowlero

For a fun indoor game, head to Bowlero for a few games of bowling. Not only do they have glow bowling lanes and upbeat music playing, but you can also eat and drink while playing! Couples can challenge each other to see who gets the highest score.  

Know Before You Go: Romantic Things to Do in Melbourne, Florida for Couples

I hope this guide helped you find some new and exciting things for couples to do together! This city has a little something for everyone and personally, I don’t buy into the town nickname of “Mel-boring”. Whether you are a local or visiting, here are some things to keep in mind when experiencing these romantic things to do in Melbourne, Florida.

• Keep an eye on the weather when planning a date in Melbourne. Florida weather can change quickly, especially in the summer with storms popping up.
• Parking is free at most places in Melbourne, with the exception of Downtown. Even here, you can usually find free parking unless there is a big event.
• There is not a lot of nightlife here, besides Downtown Melbourne. It’s much more of a relaxing town! You can find live music at a lot of bars on weekends though.
• If you are looking for a hotel, my favorite hotel is Hotel Melby. It is right in the center of downtown and close to all the best things to do in Melbourne, Florida
• To find out some restaurant options to grab a bite before or after your date, check out my guide to romantic Melbourne, Florida restaurants! This has over twenty options for any budget.

What’s the best date you have been on in Melbourne? Our go-to is a beach picnic, but we also still reminisce about a kayaking tour we took a few years ago! For more ideas for Melbourne, Florida activities, check out this guide for Indoor Things to Do and my list of Central Florida Day Trips.