308 Julia Street, Titusville, FL 32796-3521
Phone: 407-267-1110 or 407-823-0634
Open All Year
Overview. For 24 miles of Florida's sunny coastline, undeveloped dunes face down the pounding Atlantic surf. Sea oats and and seagrape ensnare blowing sand, gradually building the barrier behind which palmetto, cactus, and yucca find shelter from the salty breezes. On the other side of the dunes, fresh and salt waters combine to form estuaries such as the Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River. Together with the dunes, protected waterways, wetlands, and hammocks of oaks provide fertile shellfish grounds and shelter over 300 species of birds and 1,000 species of plants, many of them threatened or endangered species.Timucuan Indians were among the first human beings to take advantage of the area's rich natural resources. After shucking the clams and oysters they found aplenty in the shallow waters, they tossed the shells in large heaps, which are still seen today and known as middens. Spanish explorers claimed these beaches for themselves, followed by the British, and then United States claimants. The seashore's name gives away some its history: "canaveral" is Spanish for "place of canes." In the late 1950s, the space age took root just south of the area, and it was set aside as a buffer for NASA. Today 57,600 acres include portions of the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge and the National Seashore, with which the Refuge is closely associated. Established in 1975, the Seashore offers many opportunities to observe numerous species of wildlife and enjoy pristine beach settings. What to see and do. Before you plan your visit, call ahead to see whether the south portion of the park will be closed due to NASA launch activities. If so, spend a day at the northern end of the park. Stop by the visitor information center, where you can see exhibits of archaeological artifacts gleaned from the sites of Native American and colonial activities. Both districts offer ranger programs or talks. For example, you can watch a ranger demonstrate proper marine netting technique in Mosquito Lagoon. Kids and adults alike may squeal at the wriggly creatures caught in the net. If you're staying overnight close by, consider reserving a spot in the "Turtle Watch" program. Reservations are taken on May 15 and fill the same day. Reservations are not available on short notice. Late at night, during June and July, a ranger will lead you onto the beach to observe sea turtles coming ashore to bury their eggs in the sand. In the north district, canoe programs are also available. Close by, you'll want to walk the Turtle Mound nature trail. A midden awaits you along the boardwalk, and in the meantime you can keep your eyes open for wading birds, such as white ibises or an alligator. Two other trails also offer wildlife-watching opportunities. This northern section consists of many small islands on the lee side of the dunes. Overnight backcountry camping is possible with a permit, and a boat launch encourages putting in your own craft. If you fish, bring the proper licenses and your gear for great saltwater angling. Three beaches attract many visitors. They're undeveloped, so you won't find showers, but shore birds skirt along the surf, while ospreys and gulls soar overhead. There are 2 sections of the beach that have lifeguards--one in the North District and one in the South District. You can reach Apollo and Playalinda by car. To enjoy Klondike, you'll have to hike or horseback ride in. Keep in mind that horses are allowed on the beaches only between Nov. 1 and April 30 to protect sea turtle nests. Beachcombing yields colorful pails of seashells. At the southern end of the park, stop by the Wildlife Refuge information center. Exhibits detailing habitat and species preservation efforts introduce you to the refuge's mission. Don't miss the Black Point Wildlife Drive. This six-mile loop affords plenty of opportunity to catch glimpses of herons, coots, or other marshbirds, as well as seasonal migrating species. Live oaks hung with Spanish moss give way to watery marshes along the route. At the Cruikshank observation tower, bring out binoculars to better see wading birds such as reddish egrets. From this end of the park, you can most easily reach the Playalinda beach and State Road 3 that runs up the isthmus between Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River. Limited waterfowl hunting is permitted. Check with rangers for regulations. Beach backcountry camping is not allowed during summer months. The Seashore is open from 6 AM until 8 PM summers, and until 6 PM winters.
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