← Back to Search

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

Wednesday, May 20

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 83.5°F | Low: 75°F

Humidity: 73%

Wind: 11.2 mph

Rain Chance: 87%

UV Index: 9.9

Sunrise: 06:29 AM

Sunset: 08:11 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (15%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 73.2°F

Cloud Cover: 87%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, May 21

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 84.7°F | Low: 73.7°F

Humidity: 70%

Wind: 12.5 mph

Rain Chance: 84%

UV Index: 0.5

Sunrise: 06:29 AM

Sunset: 08:11 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (24%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 73°F

Cloud Cover: 84%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Friday, May 22

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 84.1°F | Low: 74.6°F

Humidity: 70%

Wind: 11.6 mph

Rain Chance: 87%

UV Index: 6

Sunrise: 06:28 AM

Sunset: 08:12 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (34%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 72.9°F

Cloud Cover: 87%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (1)

⚠️ Rip Current Statement (Moderate)
▼

Rip Current Statement issued May 20 at 2:39AM EDT until May 21 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

Effective: May 20, 2026 2:39am
Expires: May 21, 2026 4:00am

* WHAT...Numerous dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...The beaches of Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Saint
Lucie, and Martin counties.

* WHEN...Through late tonight.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water.

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 the hours of 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Last entry into the seashore is at 7:00 pm.
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.
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

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.
Playalinda District will be closed due to Artemis Launch Park Closure
Titusville, FL — On Tuesday, March 31, the Playalinda Beach District of Canaveral National Seashore will be closed at the request of NASA Launch Security in support of the Artemis II launch. The Playalinda Beach District will reopen to the public following a successful launch. During this closure, no backcountry hiking permits will be issued from either district of the park. Canaveral National Seashore is committed to supporting NASA’s security measures throughout launch operations.
Playalinda District Limited Access Hours Beginning Friday March 20th Park Closure
On March 20, operating hours for Playalinda Beach will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Playalinda District will follow this schedule until the successful launch of Artemis II.

More Info

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. 
Playalinda District will return to normal operations starting 2/26/26 Information
With the rollback of the Artemis II rocket, Canaveral National Seashore will return to normal operations (6am to 6pm) in the Playalinda District starting Thursday February 26th 2026. We will continue to support the Artemis II mission as they plan to roll back out in April.

Park Events

Turtle Mound Walk (Apollo District)

FRIDAY JANUARY 2nd - 10:00 AM - “TURTLE MOUND WALK” - 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 in the Apollo District.

Date: Jan 2, 2026 12:00am to Jan 2, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Discover and Explore Seminole Rest (Seminole Rest District)

JANUARY 3rd, 5th, 9th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 19th, 23rd, 25th, 26th, 30th- “DISCOVER AND EXPLORE SEMINOLE REST”– 12:00 PM-4:00 PM- 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: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759.

Date: Jan 3, 2026 12:00am to Jan 3, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Intro to Fishing (Seminole Rest District)

SATURDAY 3rd - 10:00 AM-12:00 PM-INTRO TO FISHING- This class is designed for the beginner fisherman 8 years and older. Topics covered include conservation efforts, rules and regulations, how to get a fishing license, fish identification, knot tying, understanding equipment and tackle, and more. Rods and reels will be provided. Once the informational section is over, the group may continue to fish and practice their skills. Make sure you bring water, sun protection and closed-toed shoes. Meet at the Seminole Rest Dock. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759 (2 hours)

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

Date: Jan 3, 2026 12:00am to Jan 3, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Seashore Glimpse (Seminole Rest District)

SATURDAY 3rd-1:00 PM- “SEASHORE GLIMPSE”- Join Park staff for a 30-minute talk highlighting the wildlife, history, and natural beauty that make Canaveral National Seashore truly special. Meet at the main house at 1:00 PM. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759 (30 minutes)

Location: Meet at the main house at 1:00 PM. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759

Date: Jan 3, 2026 12:00am to Jan 3, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Seashore 101 (Apollo District)

SUNDAY  4th  – 10:00 AM - “SEASHORE 101” - Join Park staff for a 30-minute talk to discover what makes Canaveral National Seashore so special. Meet at the Visitor Center. (30 min.)

Location: Meet at the Visitor Center in the Apollo District.

Date: Jan 4, 2026 12:00am to Jan 4, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Seashore 101 (Apollo District)

MONDAY 5th  – 10:00 AM - “SEASHORE 101” - Join Park staff for a 30-minute talk to discover what makes Canaveral National Seashore so special. Meet at the Visitor Center. (30 min.)

Location: Meet at the Visitor Center in the Apollo District.

Date: Jan 5, 2026 12:00am to Jan 5, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Discover and Explore Seminole Rest (Seminole Rest District)

JANUARY 3rd, 5th, 9th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 19th, 23rd, 25th, 26th, 30th- “DISCOVER AND EXPLORE SEMINOLE REST”– 12:00 PM-4:00 PM- 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: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759.

Date: Jan 5, 2026 12:00am to Jan 5, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Brown Bag Lunch Talk (Apollo District)

TUESDAY 6th - 10:00 AM - “BROWN BAG LUNCH TALK” - In 2025, several community partners collaborated to produce a new 26-minute video documentary for the Canaveral National Seashore visitors center. “Postcards from Canaveral” tells the story of the Young Sound Seekers program, a five-year collaboration between Stetson University, the Conklin Davis Center for the Visually Impaired in Daytona Beach and Atlantic Center for the Arts. At this presentation, Dr. Nathan Wolek will talk about his role in the documentary, including the process of gathering sounds, developing the script, and crafting our audio tour of the seashore's unique soundscapes. (1 hour)

Location: Meet at the Visitor Center in the Apollo District.

Date: Jan 6, 2026 12:00am to Jan 6, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Plant Walks (Apollo District)

WEDNESDAY 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th – 10:00 AM - “PLANT WALKS” - 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 January will be as follows:

 

1. Jan. 7th - Turtle Mound. Meet at 10:00 am. Use the Turtle Mound parking area or boat ramp

parking lot and walk down.

2. Jan. 14th - Eldora. Meet at 10:00 am at parking lot number 7.

3. Jan. 21st - Hammock Loop Trail. Meet at 10:00 am at parking lot number 8.

4. Jan. 28th - Castle Windy. Meet at 10:00 am at parking lot #3 (ocean side).

Location: Refer to the program description for details about its location in the Apollo District.

Date: Jan 7, 2026 12:00am to Jan 28, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Discover and Explore Seminole Rest (Seminole Rest District)

JANUARY 3rd,  9th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 19th, 23rd, 25th, 26th, 30th- “DISCOVER AND EXPLORE SEMINOLE REST”– 12:00 PM-4:00 PM- 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: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759.

Date: Jan 9, 2026 12:00am to Jan 9, 2026 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
Loading fun fact...