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.


Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Address: 1 S Castillo Dr
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: 904-829-6506
Fax: 904-823-9388

Overview. In 1672, the Spanish began building Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine to protect their Atlantic shipping routes from the British, who were contesting Spanish claims in eastern North America. Finished in 1695, the Castillo was never taken by force, but it did change hands by way of treaties. It was Spanish, then British, then Spanish again, until the United States acquired Florida in 1821. Today the Castillo and grounds occupy about 25 acres of downtown St. Augustine's waterfront.
What to see and do. There is no visitor center to greet you at the Castillo, which is open from 8:45 AM until 4:45 PM daily except for Christmas, but inside the fortress walls you will find historical exhibits and tour information. A self-guided tour takes you through the Castillo's 29 rooms. Ranger programs are offered throughout the day. The first floor and grounds are handicapped-accessible, but the upper level is not. As you walk through the passageways and rooms, be sure of your footing on the old, uneven floors. Walking shoes are a good idea. On weekends throughout the summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day Weekend, living history programs enliven the stone walls by depicting Spanish colonial life in the early 18th century. From the top of the 32-foot walls, you get a splendid view of the barrier island and the Atlantic Ocean.
Kids will enjoy Junior Ranger programs and special school programs, which can be arranged in advance by calling the school reservation number, 904-829-3099. Call ahead for details on the park's special events, held throughout the year. Pets are not permitted.


De Soto National Memorial
Address: 75th St NW PO Box 15390
Bradenton, FL 34209-5390
Phone: 941-792-0458
Fax: 941-792-5094

Overview. In 1539 the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto landed on the Florida coast. Searching for legendary gold, he and his small army of conquistadores spent four years marching through the southeastern section of the present-day United States. Eventually they took the Mississippi south, ultimately reaching Mexico with only 300 men. This park commemorates the first extensive European expedition through the southeast states.
What to see and do. Both indoors and outdoors you get a taste of the conquistadores' life during their journey. Inside the visitor center (open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.), browse through museum artifacts such as a suit of armor and weapons. Exhibit panels explain the importance of de Soto's expedition, its route, and its impact upon Native Americans. After watching a film about the expedition, catch the living history programs from mid-December through mid-April; these demonstrations give you an idea of how the Spanish lived in their new and sometimes hostile environment. Outside, walk along the half-mile nature trail. Along the way, you'll see the same kinds of birds and animals de Soto and his men would have encountered in the southeastern wilderness. Plaques describe the vegetation, and you'll recognize the pelicans and herons. Plan on spending an hour or two at this park. Leashed pets are permitted. Handicapped-accessible facilities are available.


Dry Tortugas National Park
Address: PO Box 6208
Key West, FL 33041
Phone: 305-242-7700
Fax: 305-242-7711

Overview. In 1513, Ponce de Leon first came upon a group of islands about 70 miles west of Key West. Plentiful turtles refilled his larder, but the islands held no fresh water, so he named them the "Las Tortugas," which means "turtles" in Spanish. Today the largest of these coral reef and sand islands almost resembles a turtle because the enormous six-sided Fort Jefferson ruins sit atop it. In the early nineteenth century, the United States decided to fortify the Gulf of Mexico approach to the Mississippi River. In 1846, construction was begun on the country's largest coastal fortification. Though it was never finished, it did serve as a Union military prison for captured deserters during the Civil War. Abandoned in 1874, it briefly became a coaling station, from which the ill-fated USS Maine departed.

Designated a wildlife refuge in 1908 to preserve a sooty tern rookery, the area has since grown more valuable as a relatively undisturbed sanctuary. Blue-green shallow waters just cover coral reefs teeming with underwater life. Loggerhead, hawksbill, and green sea turtles frequent this 100-square-mile area, whose recent 1992 designation as a national park provides for even more protection of marine resources. Visitors take advantage of the well-preserved marine life by snorkeling around Garden Key and fishing for dinner off the dock. These seven islands and their surrounding waters attest to the continuing efforts of the park service to preserve both natural, recreational, and historical resources for future generations.

What to see and do. Getting to the remote Tortugas takes some planning. Several commercial ferry and float plane companies service the islands. Call the park for appropriate phone numbers. You may also take your own boat. Pick up nautical charts, indispensable for safe boating in the tricky coral reef waters, at marinas. Moorings are available, but talk to a park ranger about details. Once on the island, head for the visitor center, which is open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM daily. Rangers lead programs throughout the year, so check about schedules. If you'd like to camp at the primitive campsite, stake out your place right away, for there are only ten sites, and they're first-come, first-served. At the center, look through the exhibits and watch a slide show on the island's varied history. Then take the self-guided tour through the fort ruins. You'll see several prison chambers on the lower levels, then head up to the second floor. The archways are particularly attractive. From the roof, you may see brown pelicans or frigate birds as you scan the distant horizon. Perhaps the most interesting fort feature is the moat. Walk along the moat walls, peering into the clear water to glimpse jellyfish, lobster, and starfish.

Don't miss a chance to snorkel in the shallow waters of the north and northwest sides of the fort. Even if you don't have equipment, you can borrow some from the visitor center. Often the commercial transportation services will offer it for free or loan it for a small fee. Schools of small, jewel-like fish surround you, only to scatter when a larger predator fish slips by. If you're lucky, a turtle may loom in the distance. Snorkeling may be the best way to appreciate the park's underwater treasures. On the surface, anglers enjoy excellent saltwater sportfishing in the waters surrounding the seven keys. Between the coaling stations, you can drop a line in from the shore or docks. Grills in the picnic area await your catch.

Campers should be aware that there are no supplies of any kind on the island. All equipment, water, and food must be packed in and out. If you'd like a longer stay, consider boating to Loggerhead Key, where you'll find a lighthouse built in 1856. Several more distant coral reefs offer great scuba diving. If you visit between March and September, you'll witness the spectacle of 100,000 sooty terns nesting on Bush Key. Landings are prohibited, but the key is easily visible with binoculars from the fort.


Everglades National Park
Address: 40001 SR 9336
Homestead, FL 33034
Phone: 305-242-7700
Fax: 305-242-7718

Overview. Brown pelicans and Florida panthers are but two of the many species of birds, animals, and plants, some endangered, that live in Florida's Everglades. Water is the key ingredient here. It nourishes six distinct ecosystems, which provide habitats for the varied flora and fauna. Flowing through the park is the slowly creeping "River of Grass," a huge waterway 50 miles wide, but only one to three feet deep. Saw-grass prairie disguises this fresh water slough, home to an entire interdependent chain of creatures, from algae to fish to great white herons. A prime wildlife watching destination, the Everglades themselves are in serious danger because water has been diverted to supply city, farm, and flood control demands in south Florida. Without the proper amount of water at the right times, several species lose nests and feeding grounds. Located only 18 miles from suburban Miami, the park competes for water with people and agriculture. Ecosystem preservation has become an overriding concern.

More canoe trails than hiking trails attest to water's influence in this 1.5-million-acre park. Visitors may enjoy a close-up view of subtropical species as they glide almost effortlessly through swamp grasses and hardwood hammocks. Ibises and herons probe the shallow waters for fish as American alligators silently lurk partly submerged beneath the surface. Calusa shell mounds recall the Native Americans who once made their homes side by side with flocks of egrets and shy marsh rabbits. Because of its extremely rich yet fragile biodiversity, this third-largest continental U.S. national park has been named an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site as a wetland of international significance.

What to see and do. The Everglades are vast, and you could easily spend two or three days exploring their possibilities. At the Shark Valley visitor center and tram, you'll get a good introduction to the park wilderness. You may either rent a bike or reserve a spot on the two-hour Loop Road tour. From the observation tower, you'll look out over the Shark River Slough. On two short nature trails, you'll get a closer look at typical slough plants and maybe even small animals such as raccoons and otters. Another popular day activity is driving the 38 miles between the main visitor center and the Flamingo Visitor Center. When you begin at the main center, located on the eastern side of the park, be sure to participate in the many ranger programs that are held during the winter season and designed to acquaint you with the six ecosystems through which you'll be touring. Don't miss the Anhinga nature trail at the Royal Palm visitor center. A combination of pavement and boardwalk allows you to see alligators, turtles, fish, and experience perhaps the best bird watching in Florida. While on the road, stop at the overlooks and other nature trails. Each takes you through environments such as pinelands, fresh water marl prairie, and cypress swamp. Long Pine Key picnic sites give you the chance to stop for a lunch break.

Flamingo, located deep in the park, bustles with activity. Several of the park's longer hiking trails begin here. You can spend a few hours on short trails, or pack your gear for a backcountry overnight on trails ranging from two to 100 miles. If you like, postpone your drive out of the park by a night and stay at the campground or at the Flamingo Lodge. At the marina, you can rent boats and canoes for perhaps the best avenue to seeing as much of south Florida's spectacular wildlife as possible. Boat tours are available, and a launch allows you to bring your own watercraft. Flamingo is one end of the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway, a well-marked path through myriad small islands, expanses of grasses, and saltwater estuaries. Numerous backcountry campsites line the route; a full trip could take days. At the other end of the Wilderness Waterway, in the northwest corner of the park, you'll find the Gulf Coast Visitor Center. Sign up for a boat tour of the Ten Thousands Islands, home to osprey, brown pelicans, bottle-nosed dolphins, and manatee. You need not canoe in; this section is accessible via a state highway running along the north edge of the park.

You're best off visiting this park during the winter season. Most of the boat, bike, canoe, and tram tours operate on a full schedule, as do the ranger programs at visitor centers. Mild weather makes your stay pleasant. During summertime, campgrounds are free because the insects are so fierce. Frequent afternoon thunderstorms drench the area, and the "skeeter meter" reaches unbearable levels. Visitor centers are open year-round despite the bugs; they are handicapped-accessible, as are most boat tours and trails.


Fort Caroline National Memorial
Address: 12713 Fort Caroline Rd
Jacksonville, FL 32225
Phone: 904-641-7155 or 904-641-7111
Fax: 904-641-3798

Overview. Two Hundred French Huguenots landed at this site in June 1564, located 13 miles away from what is now downtown Jacksonville. The settlement was headed by Rene de Laudonniere, and was named "La Caroline" for France's King Charles IX.

The French hoped to eventually establish a strong presence in this part of the New World, but so did the Spanish, who saw the colony as a threat to their already-established trade route. Spanish forces stormed the colony 15 months after it was built and massacred most of its adult male inhabitants. This sparked a struggle among European nations for the next 250 years for control of territory in what would become the United States.

The colony site is believed to have been washed away in the 1880s following the deepening and widening of the Saint Johns River. The Memorial was established in 1953 to commemorate the historic settlement; in 1964 the National Park Service built a life-size exhibit of the fort.

What to see and do. The Visitor Center/Museum, open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, contains exhibits about the history and culture of the Native American and European residents of the 1500s, interpretive videos, and free informational literature. It also serves as the main contact station for the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve (of which the Memorial has been part since 1988). You can also walk along woodland trails that provide bird- and wildlife-watching opportunities; bring mosquito repellent. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. There is a picnic area next to the visitor center and observation areas along St. John's Bluff and at Spanish Pond. Rangers are regularly on site. Leashed pets are permitted. Handicapped-accessible facilities are available.


Fort Matanzas National Monument
Address: 8635 A1A South www.nps.gov
St. Augustine, FL 32086
Phone: 904-471-0116
Fax: 904-471-7605

Overview. Its name means "slaughter" in Spanish, and its history is linked with the Spanish massacre of French Huguenots in 1565. During the middle of the 16th century, European powers were struggling for dominance in the New World. The Spanish had already claimed Florida and established shipping routes along its eastern coast. The French challenged them by settling near Jacksonville and building "La Caroline" in 1564. The Spanish countered by settling St. Augustine in 1565, which prompted the French to stage an ill-fated naval attack on the site. A storm blew the French ships off course, wrecked them, and gave the Spanish a chance to retaliate. They captured poorly defended "La Caroline" and met the shipwrecked French at Matanzas Inlet, 14 miles south of St. Augustine. Nearly all the French were killed after they surrendered to the Spanish.

Originally, wooden watchtowers were erected at Matanzas Inlet, and guards were posted to warn of enemy approach. After an unsuccessful British attack in the 1740s, the stone fort, which still stands, was built and armed with up to six cannons.

What to see and do. The historic park is situated at the southern end of Anastasia Island, south of St. Augustine. At the visitor center, you can view a video, take in the exhibits, and browse the bookstore. A half-mile boardwalk nature trail leads through the maritime forest. The National Park Service operates a ferry, free of charge, to the fort, where rangers will lead you on a tour of the structure. The park is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Once you've explored the history of the area, take advantage of the excellent fishing and sunbathing Anastasia Island's beaches have to offer.


Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
Address: 13165 Mount Pleasant Road
Jacksonville, FL 32225
Phone: 904-641-7155 or 904-221-5568
Fax: 904-221-5248

Overview. Just northeast of Jacksonville, this preserve encompasses 46,000 acres of estuary and marine forest landscape situated between the St. Johns and Nassau rivers. It was named after the original American Indian inhabitants, and includes several sites marking occupation by varying groups of American and European colonists. Among the historic ruins are Fort (de la) Caroline, established by sixteenth-century French Huguenots; Kingsley, a nineteenth-century sea island cotton plantation that illustrates antebellum life; and Yellow Bluff Fort, an earthen fortification used by both Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War. The 600-acre Theodore Roosevelt Area highlights the ecological importance of the preserve.

What to see and do. You could easily spend a day exploring the several sites within this preserve. Park headquarters are located at the Theodore Roosevelt area. Along with seeing several exhibits introducing you to the colonial history of the area, you can pick up more information about attractions within the preserve. Spend a few morning hours at the Kingsley Plantation. View the historic garden, and then take a self-guided tour of the house and grounds. The house provides insight into the daily life of the owners, while ruins of 25 slave cabins tell another side of the story. The exterior walls of one cabin have been reconstructed.

The Theodore Roosevelt Area offers excellent bird-watching, hiking along several miles of trails, and picnicking. Spend a long afternoon identifying a variety of plant life, birds, and animals. Fort Caroline and Kingsley are open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM; Theodore Roosevelt is open from dawn to dusk. Call ahead for any special events happening at the historic sites.


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