Dark-Sky Spots
Darker places to look up, with the official hours and rules for each.
Where to See a Darker Sky in Brevard
Canaveral National Seashore (Playalinda Beach)
Dark ocean horizon to the east. Day-use only: gates close in the evening and the park closes for some launches. Check the NPS hours page before you go, and don't plan to stay after closing.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Very dark, but refuge roads, trails and boat ramps are open only from sunrise to sunset (USFWS), so it isn't a night-viewing spot. Only the Bair's Cove and Beacon 42 ramps allow night boat launching.
Sebastian Inlet State Park
One of the darkest beach spots in south Brevard. The North entrance is open 24 hours. The South entrance keeps 8 a.m. to sunset hours, with after-hours access only for registered campers or annual-pass holders with a permit (Florida State Parks). $8 per vehicle.
Viera Wetlands (Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands)
Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily (Brevard County), so in fall and winter you can catch twilight and the evening planets before closing. No unauthorized vehicles on the berms: park in the lot and walk or bike.
Three Forks Conservation Area (Three Forks Marsh)
Wide-open marsh west of Palm Bay, far from city lights. St. Johns River Water Management District lands are open 24 hours unless posted otherwise (SJRWMD), with primitive camping only at designated sites. Watch for alligators, and check hunting-season notices.
← Tonight's sky over Brevard · Sources: how we use them