Constructed in 1889 and restored in 1985, the Melbourne Beach Pier was originally built by the Melbourne and Atlantic Railroad company as the gateway to the barrier island. Serving as a port facility for tourists, residents, freight, and mail, it supported a standard gauge railroad from the west end of the pier to the Atlantic Ocean one half mile to the east. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 12, 1984, and its restoration was assisted by funds contributed by the Florida Department of Natural Resources, the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program, and local citizens.