I recently had the pleasure of exploring Black Point Wildlife Drive in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and let me tell you — it’s one of my favorite places I’ve visited in recent months! The adventure begins with a $10 entry fee that grants you access to this winding, scenic road through pure Florida wilderness.
Right from the start, we were greeted by an incredible array of birds. If you plan to go, I definitely recommend bringing binoculars — or, if you’re like me, a camera works great too! I managed to capture some amazing shots through my lens. The diversity of birdlife there was unbelievable. I saw herons, egrets, ducks, and quite a few species I’d never even heard of. I used the Merlin Bird ID app to identify them by sound, then matched them up later with my photos — it made the whole experience even more fun and interactive.
Along the drive, there are a couple of observation towers where you can stop, stretch your legs, and take in the sweeping views of the wetlands. As we got closer to the end of the drive, we started spotting alligators — lots of them — lounging in the sun or gliding quietly through the water (thankfully at a safe distance!).
We spent hours just taking it all in — the birds, the gators, the serenity of the landscape — and I loved every minute of it. If you’re looking for a peaceful yet exciting glimpse of Florida’s wild side, this drive is an absolute must.
Plan your visit at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge website: Merritt Island Refuge
