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Canaveral National Seashore

Designation: National Seashore

Location: Florida

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

Reflect on the barrier island which is composed of dune, hammock, and lagoon habitat. Explore ancient Timucua shell mounds. Experience the sanctuary that is provided for thousands of species of plants and animals that call Canaveral National Seashore home.

🌤 Weather Information

Summer: Hot & humid (Temperatures average in the 90's) Winter months: Temperatures in the 40–70-degree range, with a "cold spell" where temperatures lower to the mid-30's). Hurricane Season: June 1st through November 30th (most activity normally occurs in August through October)

🚗 Directions

Canaveral National Seashore is located along Florida's East coast in both Volusia & Brevard counties. To access Apollo Beach - take I-95 to exit 249, then go east until it turns into A1A. Follow A1A south to the park entrance. To access Playalinda Beach - take I-95 to exit 220. Go east through Titusville on Garden Street, continue east and follow the signs.

Images

Dune plants, beach, and ocean.

Enjoy a day at the beach.

Credit: NPS Photo Lord

Eldora State House is an early 20th century homestead along Moquito Lagoon.

Eldora State House is an early 20th century homestead along Moquito Lagoon.

Credit: NPS/Photo: L. Peters

Park entrance sign with blue sky as a back drop.

Apollo Beach and Playalinda Beach both display this entrance sign before the entrance stations.

Credit: NPS/Photo

On the dock facing the visitor center.

The Apollo Visitor Center as viewed from the dock.

Credit: NPS Photo Lord

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
6:00AM - 8:00PM
Monday
6:00AM - 8:00PM
Tuesday
6:00AM - 8:00PM
Wednesday
6:00AM - 8:00PM
Thursday
6:00AM - 8:00PM
Friday
6:00AM - 8:00PM
Saturday
6:00AM - 8:00PM

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
Admits the passholder and passengers of a single vehicle. Good for 7 consecutive days at all park entrances.
$25.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Good for 7 consecutive days at all park entrances.
$20.00
Entrance - Per Person
Good for 7 consecutive days at all park entrances. Admits one individual hiker, bicyclist, or pedestrian.
$15.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
This is the annual pass for Canaveral National Seashore only. It allows access for one vehicle per visit for 12 months from the month of purchase. The Apollo & Playalinda Beach Entrance Stations only accept credit or debit for payment. Touchless payment such as Apple pay, and Google pay are now accepted as well.
$45.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Monday, Feb 23

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 85.3°F | Low: 81.1°F

Humidity: 77%

Wind: 16.1 mph

Rain Chance: 87%

UV Index: 2

Sunrise: 07:01 AM

Sunset: 06:59 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (33%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 78.2°F

Cloud Cover: 87%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Tuesday, Feb 24

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 85.2°F | Low: 81°F

Humidity: 75%

Wind: 14.1 mph

Rain Chance: 87%

UV Index: 2.2

Sunrise: 07:01 AM

Sunset: 06:59 PM

Moon: First Quarter (44%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 77.8°F

Cloud Cover: 87%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Feb 25

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 84.5°F | Low: 81.3°F

Humidity: 74%

Wind: 14.8 mph

Rain Chance: 77%

UV Index: 2.2

Sunrise: 07:00 AM

Sunset: 06:59 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (55%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 77.4°F

Cloud Cover: 77%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Limited Access to Apollo District Parking Lots 2 and 3 Park Closure
Please be advised that parking areas #2 and #3 of Apollo Beach district (New Smyrna Beach) will be closed beginning January 5, 2026. These boardwalks are set for demolition and replacement. These areas will be closed to public access during construction. For your safety, please respect all posted closures and avoid entering closed areas of the seashore. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Operating Hours Information
The seashore is currently operating on summer hours of 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Last entry into the seashore is at 7:00 pm.
Operating Hours Information
The seashore is currently operating on winter hours of 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Last entry into the seashore is at 5:00 pm.
Beat the Heat Caution
Make sure to take hot weather into consideration. Carry water and use sunscreen to reduce the risk of heat injuries during your visit.
Commercial Harvesting Permit Renewals
Commercial Harvesting Permits will no longer be issued to new applicants. Only those who had a valid commercial harvesting permit in 2014 are eligible to renew for the 2015 permit year, which runs from October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2015
For entrance fees, we accept digital passes and credit/debit cards Information
Digital passes or credit/debit cards are the ONLY method of payment at all fee collection areas. Pre-paid digital passes are available online and may be purchased in advance.
Playalinda District will reopen to the public on Friday February 6 Park Closure
Playalinda District operating hours - 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. - no entry after 4pm.  (Apollo is still 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.) All inbound and outbound vistas will remain closed for security purposes. Parking areas 1-3 will remain closed for security purposes. The beach at parking area 4 and south to the NPS/KSC boundary will remain closed to the public.
Pavement Project- Playalinda District Caution
The Playalinda Beach District continues a Federal Highways pavement preservation project that started on Sept. 22nd, 2025. Visitors to the seashore could expect limited access to some parking areas and roadways to include the vistas.
Pavement Preservation Project- Apollo District Begininng April 28th, 2025 Park Closure
Apollo Beach District will begin a Federal Highways pavement preservation project on April 28th, 2025. Visitors to the seashore should expect limited access to some parking areas and roadways to include the Visitor Center and the boat ramp.
For entrance fees, we accept digital passes and credit/debit cards Information
Digital passes or credit/debit cards are the ONLY method of payment at all fee collection areas. Pre-paid digital passes are available online and may be purchased in advance.

More Info

Playalinda District Hours Change for Artemis II Launch Park Closure
Canaveral National Seashore Playalinda District (Titusville) will remain open (8am to 5pm) until February 2nd in support of Artemis II. Beginning on Monday February 2nd, Playalinda will be closed until a successful launch.
Rip Currents and Rough Surf Caution
Remember that rough surf is dangerous & rip currents can be deadly. Please use caution when swimming at Canaveral National Seashore.

More Info

Rip Currents and Rough Surf Caution
Remember that rough surf is dangerous & rip currents can be deadly. Please use caution when swimming at Canaveral National Seashore.

More Info

Horseback Riding Suspended Information
Horseback riding at Apollo Beach has been suspended due to beach boardwalk access damage done by Hurricane Matthew. If you have questions call (386) 428-3384 Extention 0.
Beat the Heat Caution
Make sure to take hot weather into consideration. Carry water and use sunscreen to reduce the risk of heat injuries during your visit.

More Info

Limited Access to Apollo District Parking Lot 5 Park Closure
The following area of the Apollo District of Canaveral National Seashore will be closed to all visitors effective January 9, 2026. Apollo District Parking Area 5 and Apollo District main road south of Parking Area 4 This area will not be accessible to the public during construction. For your safety, please respect all posted closures and avoid entering closed areas of the seashore. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Limited Access to the Playalinda District Park Closure
The following areas of the Playalinda District of Canaveral National Seashore are closed to all visitors' use, including driving, walking and biking. The main road north of Eddy Creek, parking areas 8-13, and the beach north of parking area 8 boardwalk are closed.  No backcountry permits will be issued at this time to enter from Playalinda. 

Park Events

Seashore 101 (Playalinda District)

Join Park staff for a 30-minute talk to discover what makes Canaveral National Seashore so special. Meet at the top of the boardwalk at Parking Lot # 3 in the Playalinda District at 9:00 AM. (30 minutes)

Location: Playalinda District: Parking lot #3

Date: Dec 5, 2025 12:00am to Dec 5, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Beach Cleanup (Apollo District)

Help keep our beaches clean. Join us to clean up your national park. Bring water, sunscreen, bug repellant and a hat. We provide trash bags and keep a record of what you collect. Meet at the Visitors Center. (1 hour)

Location: Meet at the Apollo Beach Visitor Center: 7611 S. Atlantic Ave. NSB, 32169

Date: Dec 8, 2025 12:00am to Dec 8, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Beach Cleanup Stroll (Playalinda District)

Join Park staff for a guided walk through the unique ecosystems of the seashore while helping to keep our beaches clean. As we explore up to a mile of shoreline, visitors will learn about the coastal environment and assist with light beach cleanup along the way. Trash bags are provided. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and water in a reusable container. Meet at Parking Lot #3 in the Playalinda District.at 9:00 AM. (1 hour)

Location: Playalinda District: Meet at Parking Lot # 3

Date: Dec 9, 2025 12:00am to Dec 9, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Plant Walks (Apollo District)

Join us every Wednesday for a walk to identify the plants of Canaveral National Seashore and find out how they have been utilized over the years. Each walk is led by an experienced volunteer and covers a different part of the park. Please bring water for hydration and wear shoes for trail walking. (2 hours). The walks in December will be as follows:

1. Dec. 3rd - Turtle Mound. Meet at 10:00 am. Use the Turtle Mound parking area or boat ramp

parking lot and walk down.

2. Dec. 10th - Eldora. Meet at 10:00 am at parking lot number 7.

3. Dec. 17th - Hammock Loop Trail. Meet at 10:00 am at parking lot number 8.

4. Dec. 31st - Castle Windy. Meet at 10:00 am at parking lot #3 (ocean side).

Location: Apollo District of Canaveral National Seashore

Date: Dec 10, 2025 12:00am to Dec 10, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

The Timucua of Turtle Mound (Apollo District)
Walk to the top of Turtle Mound with a ranger and discuss the Timucua history who once called this place home. Learn about what life was like for the Timucua over 2,000 years ago. Meet at the Turtle Mound parking area. (30 min.)

Location: Meet at the Turtle Mound parking area.

Date: Dec 12, 2025 12:00am to Dec 12, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Discover Your Seashore (Playalinda District)

Join Park staff at the “Discover Your Seashore” table to discover what makes Canaveral National Seashore so special. Explore hands-on materials, learn about the park’s wildlife, habitats, and history, and find out how you can help protect this incredible place. Visitors are welcome to stop by anytime during the listed hours. Meet at the top of the boardwalk at Parking Lot #3 in the Playalinda District. (2 hours)

Location: Visitors are welcome to stop by anytime during the listed hours. Meet at the top of the boardwalk at Parking Lot #3 in the Playalinda District.

Date: Dec 12, 2025 12:00am to Dec 12, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Discover Seminole Rest (Seminole Rest District)

Enjoy a brief stroll along the accessible path that leads to the main house located on top of Snyder Mound. Explore the first floor of the late 1800’s gothic revival style home located along Mosquito Lagoon in Oak Hill, Florida. (4 hours) Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759

Location: Seminole Rest District of Canaveral National Seashore: Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759

Date: Dec 13, 2025 12:00am to Dec 13, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Seashore Glimpse (Seminole Rest District)

Join park staff for a 20-minute talk highlighting the wildlife, history, and natural beauty that make Canaveral National Seashore truly special. Meet at the main house at 2:00 PM. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759 (20 minutes)

Location: Seminole Rest District: Meet at the main house: Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759

Date: Dec 13, 2025 12:00am to Dec 13, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Seminole Rest Cleanup

Join a park ranger and help keep the park trash free. Bring gloves, water, and sunscreen. Meet at the main house at 11:00AM. (1 hour) Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759

Location: Seminole Rest District: Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759

Date: Dec 13, 2025 12:00am to Dec 13, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Eldora Christmas Open House

SUNDAY 14th - “CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE” - 1:00-4:00 PM - Come and join the Friends of Canaveral at their annual Christmas open house at the Eldora house. There will be fun treats and music for you to enjoy.

Location: Eldora House

Date: Dec 14, 2025 12:00am to Dec 14, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
Apollo Visitor Center,
7611 S Atlantic Ave
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169

🏤 Mailing Address:
Canaveral National Seashore, Headquarters
212 S. Washington Ave.
Titusville, FL 32796

📞 Voice Phone: 3864283384

✉️ Email: cana_interpretation@nps.gov

Park Location


👏 Fun Fact
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