From Wikitravel

Canaveral National Seashore [1] is a United States National Seashore located in Brevard County and Volusia County in East Central Florida.

[edit] Understand

Canaveral National Seashore is situated on a barrier island between New Smyrna Beach, Titusville, and Cape Canaveral, along Florida's Central East Coast. The park's 24 miles of shoreline is the longest stretch of undeveloped public beach on the east coast of Florida. Inviting park highlights include pristine, undeveloped beach, dunes and lagoon offering sanctuary to an abundant blend of plants and animals. Year-round recreation includes fishing, boating, canoeing, surfing, sunbathing, swimming, hiking, camping, nature and historical trails.

• Canaveral National Seashore Visitor Information Center, 7611 S. Atlantic Av., New Smyrna Beach, (386) 428-3384 ext 10.
• Park Headquarters Canaveral National Seashore, 212 S. Washington Avenue, Titusville, FL 32796, (321) 267-1110.

[edit] History

[edit] Landscape

[edit] Flora and fauna

[edit] Climate

Summers are hot & humid with temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90's.

Winters are mild with day-time temperatures in the 60-70 degree range. Short periods of cold weather dipping down to the freezing mark can be expected in January & February.

Hurricane Season runs from June thru November, and is normally most active between August & October.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

• Orlando International Airport in Orlando.
• Space Coast Regional in Titusville.

[edit] By car

The national seashore and the wildlife refuge, located midway on Florida’s east coast between Daytona Beach and Melbourne, are accessible via U.S. 1, I-95, and Fla 528 (Beach Line Expressway). The northern access, Apollo Beach, is on Fla A1A at the southern-most end in New Smyrna Beach.

Seminole Rest is located east of US-1 in Oak Hill on River Road. In Oakhill, turn east onto Halifax Avenue, which is located by the flashing caution light on US-1. Take Halifax Avenue east to River Road. Turn north on River Road. Seminole Rest is two tenths of a mile on the east side of River Road.

The southern access, Playalinda Beach in Titusville, is on Fla 406/402. Playalinda Beach is reached via Fla 402 (also known as Beach Road). From I-95, the exit number for our north district (Apollo Beach) is 249. For the south district (Playalinda), the exit number from I-95 is 220. At both exits, go toward the east & follow the signs.

[edit] Fees/Permits

• Daily Use Fee: $5.00 per person.
• Annual Park Pass: $35.00 (valid at Canaveral National Seashore only).
• Individuals on foot or bicycle; $3.00 per day.
• You may leave the park and return the same day by presenting your valid entrance fee receipt.

[edit] Get around

• There is no public transportation in the park. The park visitor may tour the park via private vehicle, bicycle, or on foot.
• Horseback riding is available in the North District by reservation. A permit is required and the visitor must provide their own horse.

[edit][add listing] See

• Eldora State House, 7611 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach, (386) 428-3384. Sa,Su 10AM-4PM. The Eldora State House is a Museum & Manatee research center, located within Canaveral National Seashore.

• Black Point Wildlife Drive. A six-mile self-guided scenic drive in the refuge winds through pine flatwoods and impounded marsh and provides excellent views of many species of wildlife.

• Turtle Mound. Located along Mosquito Lagoon in the north end of the park, this archeological site was built by Native Americans between 800 AD and 1400 AD, it consists of 1.5 million bushels (52.86 million liters) of oyster shells. At 35 feet above the surrounding landscape it yields a panoramic view that extends for miles. It is a favored spot to watch for migrating hawks and oceanic birds moving along the coast. The mound is also the northernmost known location for several species of subtropical plants.

• Seminole Rest, River Rd., Oak Hill (From Route 1 in Oak Hill, turn east at light on Halifax Avenue, then north on River Road to the entrance (about 1.5 miles from Route 1)). Open every day 6AM-sunset. An ancient Native American Mound with a half-mile wheelchair accessible trail with wayside exhibits. The site has parking and rest room facilities. Seminole Rest consists of several prehistoric shell mounds dating from 2,000 BC to 1565 AD. Snyder's Mound, the largest mound at this site, is unique because few structures this large remain intact today. Two turn of the century buildings occupy the mounds and have aided in their preservation.

• Turtle Watch During June and July after hours when the seashore is closed to the general public. These programs give park visitors an opportunity to learn about sea turtles and the role that the National Park Service plays in their conservation as well as the possibility of watching turtles nest and lay eggs. Open to persons eight years of age and older. Programs are limited to thirty people per night and a maximum of six persons per reservation. Reservations for the 2007 Turtle Watch programs began in May 2007. $14.00 per person.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Pontoon Boat Tours, Reservations required: (386) 428-3384 ext. 10. National Park Rangers offer two-hour tours on the pontoon boat, Tortuga del Sol from the Visitor Center on most Sundays, weather permitting. $20.00 per person.
• Beaches, 321-867-0677. The seashore has undeveloped beaches and limited services. There are no designated picnic areas, phones, food, or drinking water.
  • Lifeguards are on duty from May 30 to September 1st at both Playalinda and Apollo. These beaches have restrooms and boardwalk access.
  • Visitors with disabilities will find beach access points at Playalinda Beach: Eddy Creek and Parking Area No. 8; and at Apollo Beach: Areas No. 1 and No. 5.
  • First aid and drinking water are at information centers.
  • Surfing is permitted in the park.
  • Klondike Beach can only be reached by foot (a back country permit is required).
  • Naturists park in the northernmost Playalinda lot, No. 13, and head northwards past a signpost to a clothing-optional beach area well away from the parking. It is not officially sanctioned by the park service, but posting this keeps beachgoers aware so they can plan accordingly.
  • Seashore areas may be closed if parking lots are filled or during shuttle launches at the Kennedy Space Center. For recorded information on launch closures at Playalinda Beach, call 321-867-0677.

• Hiking The seashore and refuge offer short self-guided trails. Castle Windy and Turtle Mound trails have shell middens left by Timucuan Indians. Turtle Mound Trail boasts a view of the ocean and Mosquito Lagoon. Eldora Hammock, Oak Hammock, and Palm Hammock trails wind through densely vegetated hammocks. Cruickshank Trail has an observation tower and marsh views.

• Hunting Seasonal hunting of migratory water fowl is allowed in the seashore and refuge and is part of the refuge’s waterfowl management. Display or use of firearms, other than for authorized hunting activities, is prohibited.

• Boating Launch sites in the refuge and seashore provide access to Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River. Airboats are prohibited. Canoe rentals, but not kayak rentals, are available.

• Fishing Freshwater, saltwater, and commercial fishing are subject to size and possession limits and may require a license or special use permit; inquire at information centers.

[edit][add listing] Buy

The Information Center has an Eastern National Sales area offering books, t-shirts, bug spray and educational items pertaining to the seashore.

[edit][add listing] Eat

There are no concessions in the seashore which sell food or sundries. A soft drink machine is available in the Apollo District at the Information Center. The Center also has an Eastern National Sales area where you may purchase books, tee shirts, bug spray and other educational items pertaining to the seashore. We encourage you to bring what you need with you. You may leave the park and return the same day by presenting your valid entrance fee receipt.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Alcohol is permitted, but glass containers are prohibited on the beach.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Lodging

There are no motels or lodging in the park. Try New Smyrna Beach or Titusville.

[edit] Camping

• Camping is not allowed in the refuge. Private campgrounds are available in nearby communities.

[edit] Backcountry

Limited backcountry camping is permitted on designated islands all year, by permit only.

[edit] Stay safe

Rip currents and rough surf conditions may be encountered when swimming or surfing. The presence of stinging jelly fish on the beach is also common.

Sunburn can occur even on cloudy days. Re-apply sunblock regularly.

Carry ample drinking water with you & protect yourself from the bright sun and biting insects.

Afternoon thunderstorms with frequent lightning occur often during the summer. Wait out storms in your vehicle or under shelter.

[edit] Get out

East Central Florida has many other attractions.

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