The Canaveral National Seashore is a national park located on the northern end of Merritt Island. Located just north of the Kennedy Space Center and 1.5 hours from Orlando, it is the longest stretch of undeveloped shoreline on Florida’s East Coast. It is a tranquil, secluded treasure that includes 24 miles of beach along the Atlantic Ocean. It runs south of New Smyrna Beach down to Titusville on the barrier Merritt Island. The Canaveral National Seashore includes beaches, hiking trails, boating, and camping areas.
According to the National Parks Service Website: “Since ancient times, this barrier island has provided sanctuary to both people and wildlife. Many threatened and endangered species find refuge here, including sea turtles who nest on its shores. Like first natives and early settlers, you too can find tranquility. Stroll down a wooded trail. Reflect on a pristine undeveloped shoreline – the way things used to be.”
Canaveral National Seashore History
The Canaveral National Seashore became a National Park on January 3, 1975 as part of the creation of Kennedy Space Center. It is a natural, undeveloped shoreline. We like to call areas like this “The Real Florida”.
The first people to settle this land long ago discarded the shells of oysters and clams in the large mounds that still exist today at Seminole Rest, Turtle Mound and Castle Windy. From 1513 to 1821, Spain and Britain gained control of the area. First with Ponce de Leon claiming the area for Spain in April 1513. While orange groves were introduced in the 1830s, they were eventually abandoned because of storms, isolation, and occasional frosts.
Operating Hours
The operating hours vary by the season.
There is often a line at the entrance to enter the park. We visited on a summertime Sunday and waited approximately 45 minutes.
Fees
There are fees to get into the national park, and they may vary based on the time of year or the park’s discretion.
Family Friendly Guide to Key Largo, Florida
There are several entrance and pass options: Pedestrian, Vehicle, Canaveral National Seashore Annual Pass, the Nationals Parks Pass, etc.
It is good to note that if you buy the Canaveral National Seashore Annual Pass, it is also valid at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge is conveniently located on Merritt Island as well.
Beaches
The Canaveral National Seashore includes three beaches: Apollo Beach, Playalinda, and Klondike Beach.
Apollo Beach District
The entrance to Apollo Beach is located off I-95 at Exit 249. Apollo Beach is accessed through the more populated shoreline area of New Smyrna Beach. This area includes a fishing dock, Turtle Mound, the Eldora House, and several hiking trails.
Klondike Beach
Klondike is a true wilderness 20-mile beach between Apollo Beach and Playalinda Beach. It is not reachable by car. It is only reachable from the other two beaches by hiking or biking on the beach. You will need to obtain a backcountry permit from the entrance station for an additional fee. There are no facilities or signs of civilization. It is truly undeveloped! Make sure to bring plenty of water and protection from the Florida sun.
Playalinda Beach District
The entrance to the Playalinda Beach side is located off I-95 at Exit 220. There are 13 parking lots beyond the entrance. Three miles past the entrance is the first parking area. Parking Area 1 is the closest to the Kennedy Space Center. This beach has the best views of the rockets and any rocket launches. Each parking lot has its single-stall bathrooms, but no foot wash stations or showers. Beware: the northernmost beach access point, at Boardwalk 13, is known as a nudist beach.
Outdoor Activities
We went specifically for the beach, but there is so much more available to do outdoors at the National Seashore! This area includes a boat launch, manatee viewing area, kayaking, hiking, and camping.
Camping
There are 14 available backcountry campsites. Your own water vessel is necessary to access most of the sites. However, rental canoes are available for sites 1-5. Reservations are necessary and available up to six months in advance.
Hiking
Hiking permits allowing access to Klondike Beach are issued at entrance stations from Apollo and Playalinda Beach. There is a limited number of permits issued per day with an additional cost. Hiking is permitted on the beach side of the dune only.
The other hiking trails inside the Canaveral National Seashore are only located on the Apollo side of the park.
On the wider Playalinda side, the trails are located inside Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which requires a separate entrance fee (or the Canaveral National Seashore Annual Pass, or Nationals Park Pass). This area includes Black Point Wildlife Drive and an Observation Tower.
Park Map
Pets
Dogs are not permitted on any of the main beaches, but they are allowed on the lagoon-side trails and beaches.
What We Loved Most About Canaveral National Seashore Playalinda Beach
- The undeveloped beaches.
- The feel of the old-time “real” Florida.
- No houses or condos on the beach.
- Miles of beach to walk with relatively few people.
- Plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the beach and water.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, many buildings and activities may not currently be available. Please check the website before arriving.
