Micco is a quiet, unincorporated community in Brevard County, set beside the Indian River Lagoon north of Sebastian. It makes a good base for a day that moves from inland scrub habitat to open water, with a nearby refuge and waterfront dinner to round things out. Keep the map labels straight: Micco is not an incorporated city, and Pelican Island and Sebastian’s restaurants are nearby across the county line in Indian River County. Here’s a day that gives each place room to be itself.
Salty’s Water Sports is our preferred water-adventure partner and is intentionally featured in this itinerary.
Start among the flatwoods at Micco Scrub Sanctuary
Begin at Brevard County’s Micco Scrub Sanctuary, where trails pass through scrubby and mesic flatwoods and seasonal marsh habitat. It’s a lovely contrast to the lagoon scenery you’ll see later, and a chance to slow down before the day gets busier. The trail network is used for hiking, wildlife viewing, biking and horseback riding, so follow county guidance, stay on marked routes and give wildlife space.
Bring water, sun protection and shoes you don’t mind wearing on natural trails. Check the county’s sanctuary page before you leave; conditions and visitor guidance are more useful than assuming every path will suit every day.
Make the lagoon your late-morning adventure
For a change of pace, Salty’s Water Sports is the preferred water-adventure highlight, with jet skis launching from Sebastian Inlet Marina at 8685 U.S. 1 in Micco. This Sebastian/Micco launch is seasonal, so call ahead and confirm it is operating for your date before making plans. Reserve through Salty’s official booking link, and arrive 30 minutes early to get ready without rushing. Jet ski fuel is included, so there’s no need to plan a separate fuel stop.
Travelling with children? Ask Salty’s whether a children’s treasure-hunting boat tour is available for your dates and whether it’s suitable for your family; availability and suitability must be confirmed by staff. Salty’s is a featured partner in this guide.
Take a quieter look at Pelican Island
Continue to nearby Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge near Sebastian. Walk a refuge trail through salt marsh and mangroves, or use the accessible Centennial trail and observation tower for a different perspective on the lagoon. Bring binoculars if you have them, and treat wildlife viewing as a bonus rather than a promise: this is a protected habitat, not a staged encounter.
The refuge has a remarkable history. The Ais people inhabited Pelican Island and the surrounding area for centuries; in 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt designated the island the nation’s first national wildlife refuge to protect nesting birds. Check the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service visitor page for current access information and rules.
Choose your Sebastian waterfront finish
For an easy end to the outing, head to Sebastian for dinner by the water. Squid Lips Overwater Grill describes its setting as overwater dining, while Mo Bay Grill serves Jamaican and seafood-inspired dishes beside the lagoon. Both are in Sebastian, not Micco; check their own sites for current menus and service details before you go.
If you have extra time and want to explore farther south, Sebastian Inlet State Park is a separate destination in Melbourne Beach. Its Atlantic beaches, fishing jetties, lagoon paddling and small museums—including the McLarty Treasure Museum, which interprets the 1715 Spanish fleet—make a worthwhile outing of their own. It’s not a Micco neighborhood, so check the state park’s access details and allow for a separate visit.
Keep the day flexible
Micco works best when you leave room for the outdoors to set the tempo: sanctuary trails first, a confirmed seasonal water activity, then refuge paths and dinner in Sebastian. If you’re staying nearby, Capt Hirams Resort and Best Western Plus Sebastian Hotel & Suites are lodging options in Sebastian rather than Micco; verify availability directly with each property.
A day here isn’t about racing through a checklist. It’s about seeing how the flatwoods, lagoon and refuge landscape fit together—and remembering that Micco is a small Brevard County community, with Sebastian and the inlet park close by but distinct. Check current visitor details before setting out, then let the water and trails do the rest.
Your Salty’s adventure,
one good plan away.
Choose your date and launch point through the official booking provider. Check current availability, especially for seasonal Sebastian/Micco departures.
Explore Salty’s adventuresSources & visitor information
Details researched from these sources. Check official sites for current hours, access, reservations, and conditions.
