Just a short 30-minute drive from New Smyrna Beach, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge spans 140,000 acres of diverse habitats, from marshes to coastal dunes. It’s a sanctuary for Florida’s native wildlife, including over 500 documented species and 330 species of birds, along with several threatened and endangered species. The scenic Black Point Wildlife Drive, a 7-mile loop with numbered stops, is perfect for spotting animals and taking in the serene landscapes. Trails and observation decks offer even more opportunities to explore. For the best wildlife sightings, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

This one-kilometre-long boardwalk stretches from the Estación Marítima (Ferry Station) to Puerto Chico and features several points of interest including the Palacete de Embardadero and sculptures of the raqueros–children who used to dive naked into the sea to gather coins thrown by passers-by.

Few places evoke the spirit of the Scottish highlands as poignantly as Dunnottar Castle, a ruined fortress perched atop rugged rocky cliffs overlooking the North Sea, just 3 kilometres away from the town of Stonehaven. The buildings that remain date from the 15th and 16th centuries, and the combination of ruins and setting make for a memorable feeling and experience.

This Gothic building was restored after the 1941 fire and now, it welcomes visitors to its renovated interior. Relics include the skulls of Santander's patron saints and the tomb of legendary local writer Marcelino Menéndez y Pelayo.