Canaveral National Seashore is a sliver of paradise sandwiched between the urban areas of Daytona Beach and Cape Canaveral. The park bills itself as the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in Florida.
Where is it?
Canaveral National Seashore is on the Atlantic Coast of Florida, an hour east of Orlando and a bit south of Daytona Beach.
Best Things to Do
The obvious highlight is the beach! The park has miles of undeveloped shoreline.
On the north is Apollo Beach. The visitor center is up here along with a few trails that weave through the mangrove forests to the Mosquito Lagoon.
To the south is Playalinda Beach.
On the inland side of the park, there are a couple short trails leading to the intercoastal. Right off Kennedy Parkway by Haulover Canal is a manatee observation deck!
The park borders Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which has the lovely Black Point Wildlife Drive.
It’s a great place for birdwatching and even has observation decks for spotting manatees!
For more animal life, turtle nesting season runs from April through October.
My Favorite Trails
It isn’t technically part of the park, but the adjacent Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge has the Blackpoint Wildlife Drive with the Cruickshank Trail jutting off of it.
Inside Canaveral National Seashore are a few trails, but they’re quite short as the island isn’t wide.
My Favorite Parts
- The park protects 15 species of endangered/threatened wildlife, including five sea turtles and the West Indian Manatee. This makes it the park protecting the second most number of endangered animals in the NPS system.
- The coastline of the Atlantic is on display in its natural splendor
- Canaveral National Seashore is known for having excellent fishing
- Since Kennedy Space Center is super close, you can view rocket launches from the seashore
My Least Favorite
- Mosquitos
- The park is HOT in the summer, but you are right next to the ocean sooooo…
- New Smyrna Beach, just north of the park, has one of the highest concentrations of human shark attacks in the world. Be careful when in the water!
Essential Details
- Entrance Fee: $25/car
- Car needed: Yes
- Closest Airport: Daytona Beach Airport
- Closest City: Daytona Beach
Turquoise Skies 