Canaveral National Seashore

There are two points of access to the Canaveral National Seashore: the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge to the south and New Smyrna Beach to the north.

You have a chance to explore 24 miles of an undeveloped barrier island of Florida's east coast. The park boasts a variety of habitats, including beaches, salt marshes, sand dunes, a hammock of ancient oaks and a lagoon, giving you plenty of places to explore.

The wildlife you may observe here include dolphins, manatees, alligators, turtles, pelicans, ducks and other species. In fact, we were very lucky one time to see alligators, manatees, and dolphins in the wild, on the same day, when we visited the area.

There is much to do at this park, including fishing, swimming, surfing, camping, boating and hunting.  

There are several hiking trails available, including the Cruickshank Trail, which winds through vast marshes and has an observation deck.  Other trails include Castle Windy, Turtle Mound, Eldora Hammock, Oak Hammock, and Palm Hammock.  Trail information is available at the Information Center or other stations throughout the park.

While visiting, make sure to stop by the Kennedy Space Center, from where NASA regularly launches space shuttles.

The park is open year round from 8:00am to 6:00pm during the winter, 8:00am to 8:00pm during the summer.

For more information about the park including entrance fee go to: www.nps.gov/cana/