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Around the Area at HGTV Dream Home 2016

By: Dana Dalrymple

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From white sandy beaches to the Kennedy Space Center, there's an adventure around every corner in Merritt Island, Florida, home of HGTV Dream Home 2016.

Photo: Space Coast Office of Tourism

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Cocoa Beach Shoreline

Located on the Atlantic side of Florida, Merritt Island rests between the Indian and Banana Rivers and is the largest barrier island in the state.

Photo: Space Coast Office of Tourism

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Beach at Jetty Park

4.5 acres of pristine sandy beach and a 1,200 foot fishing pier await at the mouth of Port Canaveral, the second largest cruise passenger port in the world.

Photo: Space Coast Office of Tourism

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Observation Tower at Port Canaveral

A seven story exploration tower at Port Canaveral features interactive displays on each floor and an observation deck for viewing rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center.

Photo: Space Coast Office of Tourism

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Atlantis Space Shuttle

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex holds a special exhibit for the Atlantis space shuttle, which carried more than 350 people into space and traveled more than 500 million miles.

Photo: Space Coast Office of Tourism

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Brevard Zoo Touch Tank

Located about 20 minutes from Merritt Island, the Brevard Zoo is home to more than 650 animals and provides loads of family fun.

Photo: Space Coast Office of Tourism

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Cocoa Beach Pier

Newly renovated by Westgate Resorts, the world-famous Cocoa Beach Pier spans 800 feet in length and is home to five restaurants and bars, along with several gift shops.

Photo: Space Coast Office of Tourism

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Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral

Besides providing the perfect spot to observe rocket launches, the Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral features seven stories of interactive exhibits such as Port Canaveral maritime history, military battles, space, eco-tourism and beach culture.

Photo: Space Coast Office of Tourism

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Cocoa Beach Country Club

Three nine hole courses wind along the Banana River and welcome locals and visitors alike. Fun Fact: the Cocoa Beach Country Club has named each of its 27 golf holes after one of the predominant species of birds seen on the golf course.

Photo: Space Coast Office of Tourism

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Cocoa Beach Dinosaur Store

Step back in time and explore the largest in-stock selection of fossils and minerals in the world at The Dinosaur Store in Cocoa Beach.

Photo: Space Coast Office of Tourism

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Tree Top Trek

The Brevard Zoo in Melbourne offers thrilling aerial adventures on the Tree Top Trek zip line course and obstacle course.

Photo: Space Coast Office of Tourism

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Cocoa Beach Sunrise

Known as the quintessential beach town, Cocoa Beach offers the best of fun in the sun, as well as the perfect venue for relaxing sunrise strolls.