Walking and biking in Melbourne: the Southwest Trail, Crane Creek Promenade, Erna Nixon Park's 3,000-foot boardwalk, and the new U.S. 1 bike lanes.
Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. Sources: the City of Melbourne’s Southwest Trails project page and parks page, Brevard County’s Erna Nixon Park page, Melbourne Main Street’s downtown directory and FDOT’s project pages.
Melbourne is flat and warm, and most of its walking is along the water: the Crane Creek Promenade downtown and the riverfront parks on the Indian River. For a longer, shaded nature walk, Brevard County’s Erna Nixon Park in West Melbourne, about four miles west, has a 3,000-foot boardwalk. Cyclists get a new canal-side trail in the southwest and buffered bike lanes being added on U.S. 1.
Who to call
- City Parks, Recreation and Golf: 321-608-7400
- City Engineering (Southwest Trails): see the project page
- Erna Nixon Park (Brevard County): 321-952-4525
- Wickham Park ranger station (Brevard County): 321-255-4307
At a glance
| Trail | Where | Length and surface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Trail | Along a drainage canal, Florida Avenue to University Boulevard | 0.5 mile, 10-foot asphalt | Plus 1.34 miles of wider sidewalks |
| Crane Creek Promenade | Downtown along Crane Creek, 990 E. Melbourne Ave. | Wooden boardwalk | Downtown, near Front Street Park |
| Erna Nixon Park boardwalk | 1200 Evans Road, West Melbourne (Brevard County) | 3,000-foot elevated boardwalk | Nature center and pavilion |
| City park paths | Many city parks | Paved paths | Park hours 7 a.m. to sunset |
Southwest Trail
The City of Melbourne’s Southwest Trails project built a 10-foot asphalt trail along the east side of a drainage canal from Florida Avenue to University Boulevard, about half a mile. The same project added 1.34 miles of sidewalks:
- An 8-foot sidewalk on the east side of Dairy Road from Eber Boulevard to Florida Avenue, replacing a 5-foot one.
- A new 6-foot sidewalk on the north side of Florida Avenue from the Southwest Canal to Fan Palm Boulevard.
- A new 6-foot sidewalk on the north side of University Boulevard from Carlson Circle to Leonard Weaver Boulevard, and an 8-foot sidewalk from Leonard Weaver Boulevard to Lipscomb Street.
Two rectangular rapid flashing beacons mark crossings on Florida Avenue, including one at Meadowridge Drive in front of the Melbourne Sportsplex. The city said construction would start in summer 2025 and take about five months.
Crane Creek Promenade
The Crane Creek Promenade, listed by Melbourne Main Street at 990 E. Melbourne Ave., is a wooden boardwalk along Crane Creek just south of East New Haven Avenue. Claude Edge Front Street Park, with a fishing pier and boat launch, is nearby on Front Street. Park downtown in the City Hall garage or the public lots listed on our getting around page.
Erna Nixon Park
Brevard County’s Erna Nixon Park, 1200 Evans Road, West Melbourne, has a 3,000-foot elevated boardwalk winding through a natural Florida hammock, a small nature center, restrooms and a picnic pavilion, according to the county. Call 321-952-4525 for nature center hours, events or a tour. The boardwalk is a walking trail.
Paths in city parks
The city says many of its parks have “hike and bike trails” along with picnic areas, pavilions and playgrounds; the full list is in the city’s parks directory. City code opens listed parks from 7 a.m. until sunset. Leashed dogs are allowed unless posted; see our dog-friendly guide.
Bike lanes on the roads
- U.S. 1: FDOT’s resurfacing project from Myers Drive to the Crane Creek bridge adds buffered bike lanes, sidewalks and new signals; it is estimated to finish in fall 2026.
- Ellis Road: FDOT’s widening project between west of John Rodes Boulevard and west of Wickham Road adds sidewalks and bike lanes; it runs from fall 2026 to spring 2029.
Closures are on our road construction page.
Tips
- Start early on summer days and carry water.
- Check the National Weather Service in Melbourne’s forecast for storms before a long ride.
- Use the flashing beacons at the Florida Avenue crossings on the Southwest Trail.
What this means for you
- Downtown stroll: the Crane Creek Promenade.
- Nature walk: Erna Nixon Park’s boardwalk in West Melbourne.
- Bike commute in the southwest: the canal trail and new sidewalks around Florida Avenue and University Boulevard.
More: parks and trails, getting around Melbourne and free things to do.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I walk or bike in Melbourne, Florida?
The city’s half-mile Southwest Trail runs along a canal from Florida Avenue to University Boulevard, the Crane Creek Promenade boardwalk follows the creek downtown, and Brevard County’s Erna Nixon Park in West Melbourne has a 3,000-foot boardwalk. Many city parks have hike and bike paths.
How long is the Erna Nixon Park boardwalk?
Brevard County describes a 3,000-foot elevated boardwalk through a natural Florida hammock at Erna Nixon Park, 1200 Evans Road, West Melbourne. Call 321-952-4525 for nature center hours.
What is the Southwest Trail in Melbourne?
A city project that added a 10-foot asphalt trail along the east side of a drainage canal from Florida Avenue to University Boulevard, plus 1.34 miles of 6- and 8-foot sidewalks on Dairy Road, Florida Avenue and University Boulevard.
Are there bike lanes on U.S. 1 in Melbourne?
FDOT is adding 7-foot buffered bike lanes on U.S. 1 from Myers Drive north as part of a resurfacing project estimated to finish in fall 2026, and bike lanes are planned on Ellis Road.
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