What’s a vacation without a roadside attraction sighting or two? My family has become accustomed to me seeking out these fun and quirky attractions when we travel. Sadly, I’m the one who seems to derive the most amount of pleasure from these stops. My kids compare the experience as something more akin to torture. I really don’t know how they became so dramatic. My hope is that when they are older they will look back on all the stupid attractions this mom used to drag them too in fondness.
On a recent trip to Florida, I used my Roadside America app on my iPhone to seek out an attraction when we were just south of Melbourne at a beach near Sebastian Inlet. My son had invited his girlfriend to join us on this trip and it was her first roadside attraction. I wish I could report that she loved the experience, but her reaction was similar to my 20-year old son who didn’t bother to exit the vehicle and may have muttered something about it being lame. I may have encouraged, umm…forced… her to pose with me for a photo. I won’t horrify her by posting that photo here for all to see. I’m sure it’s an experience she doesn’t want to repeat. Could it be the age?
Thankfully my husband enjoys roadside attractions. Not as much as I do, but he seems to humor me.
Anyhoo, back to the Giant Orange.
This giant orange roadside attraction was built in 1967 of steel and concrete. Fifteen feet in diameter, the Chamber of Commerce originally served tourists orange juice out of it. Restored by the Melbourne Rotary Club, the orange shaped building is located on property owned by the Disabled American Veterans and now bears a sign stating such.
And if you’re wondering, no this isn’t the largest orange in Florida. But I’ve seen the one that holds that title on a previous trip. If I remember correctly, my kids’ didn’t mind that one so much.
Where to find the Giant Orange of Melbourne.
It’s located on Route 1, part of the Dixie Highway, just north of the light with CVS. For GPS directions use this address: 2265 N. Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne, Florida 32935. The orange sits right along the road, you really can’t miss it.
Ample parking is available.
Have you seen the Giant Orange roadside attraction of Melbourne? Do you torture your children by forcing them to visit roadside attractions? Do tell…
Jeni
Friday 6th of October 2023
Lol, born and raised in Melbourne, got OJ from the stand in its hey day. Never expected it to be on a site for roadside attractions, you made my day! Thank you! Just a side note, the road is known as US1 by the locals and thank you to the DAV for preserving our orange.
Tonya Prater, Owner
Thursday 19th of October 2023
Thank you so much for sharing! What a fun memory. I'll update my post with the correct road name.
Kathryn R
Thursday 30th of April 2020
Have you seen the gigantic lobster in the Keys?
Tonya Prater
Thursday 30th of April 2020
I have not! And now I'm REALLY disappointed because I was in the Keys last February! How many are there?
Diana Luedtke
Friday 22nd of March 2019
Where is orange world located at ?
Tonya Prater
Friday 22nd of March 2019
The orange in this post can be found at: 2265 N. Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne, Florida 32935. But Orange World is near Orlando and can be found at 5395 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746.
Shelly
Sunday 10th of January 2016
I have visited Mebourne many times and have never seen this. We are heading back next month and will have to check it out!
Tonya
Wednesday 13th of January 2016
It's a fun stop. If you have an iPhone, you can download the Roadside America app and find stops like this on the go. I use this app on every single trip I take. Have fun!
Mel @ Adventures of Mel
Monday 13th of July 2015
See, I love the retro roadside attractions like this. Who knows how many people have stopped at this very spot down through the years? I like just thinking about that. And it's fun! Adds a little variety to a trip. Thanks for sharing at Inspire Me Wednesday. Featuring you in this week's issue.