Canaveral National Seashore

Canaveral National Seashore is a national park located on a barrier island in Florida, USA. It stretches along the coast for 24 miles and encompasses a diverse range of natural and historical features. The park's history dates back thousands of years and is tied to Native American tribes and Spanish explorers.

The national seashore is situated on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mosquito Lagoon, providing visitors with pristine beaches, dunes, and marshes. It is renowned for its abundance of wildlife, including several endangered species such as the West Indian manatee, Florida scrub-jay, and sea turtles. Visitors can explore the park's diverse ecosystems through hiking trails, bird watching, fishing, and even camping.

One of the notable historical features within Canaveral National Seashore is the Eldora State House. This historic house was built in 1913 and served as a post office, community center, and voting location for the Eldora community. The historic Eldora Store and Museum, located nearby, offers insights into the area's past.

Another historical attraction is the Apollo Beach Visitor Center. It provides information on the park's history, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. This center also serves as a gateway to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is known for its bird-watching opportunities and NASA launch viewpoints.

In addition to these historical sites, Canaveral National Seashore offers various recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, picnicking, and beachcombing along its pristine beaches. They can also take part in boating, fishing, and canoeing in the Mosquito Lagoon. The park provides opportunities for camping, with both primitive and developed camping areas available.

Nearby attractions to Canaveral National Seashore include the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where visitors can learn about space exploration and even witness a rocket launch if timing permits. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is also worth exploring, with its extensive network of hiking and biking trails, as well as excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Overall, Canaveral National Seashore offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Whether visitors are interested in exploring its diverse ecosystems, learning about its rich history, or simply enjoying the stunning beaches, this national park has something to offer for everyone.

Canaveral National Seashore is located on the eastern coast of Florida, extending along a significant portion of the state's Atlantic shoreline. Nestled within both Brevard and Volusia counties, this stunning coastal destination encompasses an impressive 57,662 acres. The park's geographical location showcases a diverse range of landscapes, including pristine beaches, vast dunes, coastal hammocks, lagoons, and marshes. Positioned just a stone's throw away from the bustling Kennedy Space Center, this seashore benefits from its proximity to Cape Canaveral, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness both natural wonders and technological marvels. With its idyllic location along Florida's breathtaking coast, Canaveral National Seashore beckons visitors with its unparalleled beauty and tranquil ambiance.

Address & Contact

Apollo Visitor Center,
7611 S Atlantic Ave
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Driving Directions
Phone: 3864283384
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Canaveral National Seashore would be during the months of January, February, and March. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 70°F to 77°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during this timeframe ranges from 2.3 in to 2.9 in, indicating relatively low rainfall. These months also attract fewer crowds. Overall, visiting Canaveral National Seashore during January, February, or March would offer favorable weather conditions and a more serene experience.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Canaveral National Seashore are: Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Gift Shop and Souvenirs Camping Backcountry Camping Hiking Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Paddling Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Swimming Group Camping Saltwater Swimming Surfing

Topics

Learn about these topics at Canaveral National Seashore: Animals Tortoises and Turtles Wetlands

Visitor Centers

Apollo Beach Visitor Center

Canaveral National Seashore's visitor center is located at 7611 S. Atlantic Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169. Pick up a brochure or a Junior Ranger book. Get information about where to visit in the park. For more information call 386-428-3384.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Apollo Beach Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Canaveral National Seashore

Canaveral National Seashore Backcountry Island Camping

Natural and spoil island campsites provide a variety of access and capacity options to those visitors who have their own boat, canoe or kayak. Please see the attached map for location and site numbers/names. Reservations and a permit are required for island campsites. Canoe rentals are available for sites one through five. Canoes are reserved by calling (386) 428-3384 extension zero, after you have made your camping reservation. Sites 6-14 may only be reached with a personal boat, canoe or kayak.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Backcountry Camping), 25.00 (Canoe Rental)
Total Campsites: 14
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Hotels within or near Canaveral National Seashore

Ramada by Wyndham Titusville/Kennedy Space Center

Located in Titusville, Ramada by Wyndham Titusville/Kennedy Space Center is within a 10-minute drive of Enchanted Forest Sanctuary and Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3500 Cheney Highway, I-95 exit 215, Titusville, Florida 32780
Web: Link

Executive Garden Titusville Hotel

When you stay at Executive Garden Titusville Hotel in Titusville, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Space View Park and Emma Parrish Theatre. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and ATM/banking services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3480 Garden Street, Titusville, Florida 32796
Web: Link

Three Oaks Motel

With a stay at Three Oaks Motel in Titusville, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Pritchard House and Emma Parrish Theatre. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 707 South Hopkins Ave, Titusville, Florida 32780
Web: Link

Budget Motel

Located in Titusville (Le Barons Of Titusville), Budget Motel is within a 15-minute walk of Space View Park and Spell House. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 612 S Washington Ave, Titusville, Florida 32796
Web: Link

Bay Towers Titusville

With a stay at Bay Towers Titusville in Titusville, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Indian River City and Spell House. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2825 S. Washington Avenue, Titusville, Florida 32780
Web: Link

Casa Coquina Del Mar Bed and Breakfast

Located in Titusville, Casa Coquina Del Mar Bed and Breakfast is within a 15-minute drive of Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and luggage storage. For a surcharge, guests may use a roundtrip airport shuttle (available on request) and a cruise ship terminal shuttle.
Address: 4010 Coquina Avenue, Titusville, Florida 32780
Web: Link

Vacation Villas

Located in Titusville, Vacation Villas is a 2-minute drive from Indian River City and 7 minutes from Enchanted Forest Sanctuary. Featured amenities include a computer station, laundry facilities, and a water dispenser. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3795 Vacation Villas Lane, Titusville, Florida 32780
Web: Link

Cedar Island Club E204 Apartment 2

When you a stay at this apartment in New Smyrna Beach, you'll be near the beach, just steps from Canaveral National Seashore and Bethune Volusia Beach. The front desk is staffed during limited hours.
Address: 6544 Engram Road, New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32168
Web: Link

Ashley Vacation Home

Located in Titusville, this vacation home is within a 5-minute drive of Spell House and Indian River City. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and ATM/banking services. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 151 Harrison St, Titusville, Florida 32780
Web: Link

Lathrom's Mosquito Lagoon Fish Camp

Located in Oak Hill, Lathrom's Mosquito Lagoon Fish Camp is within a 15-minute drive of Canaveral National Seashore and Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 311 River Rd, Oak Hill, Florida 32759
Web: Link