Canaveral National Seashore

Unspoiled nature area next to America's busiest spaceport

About

A pristine barrier island composed of dune, hammock, and lagoon habitats, ancient Timucua Native American mounds, and home to thousands of species of plants and animals: this is the Canaveral National Seashore. Amazingly, the Kennedy Space Center, America’s most sophisticated launch complex, is located adjacent to the bounds of the Canaveral National Seashore.

Things to Do

There are plenty of things to do at Canaveral National Seashore. I enjoyed my drive down Biolab Road. This is an approximately 6 mile one-way unpaved road that mostly runs next to the river. Expect to see plenty of birds and waterfowl. It’s nice and quiet, with beautiful views of the lagoon. There are a few spots where you can pull your car off to the side of the road and fish.

Biolab Road:

There are several hiking trails in the park: https://www.nps.gov/cana/planyourvisit/maps.htm. Choose one and get moving. Make sure to take water and mosquito repellent.

Since there’s plenty of open water, kayaking is a great activity.  There are many places to put in your kayak.

Nice view!

There are miles and miles of pristine beaches, with about a dozen parking areas and dune crossovers. https://www.nps.gov/cana/planyourvisit/maps.htm. Swimming, sun bathing, surfing and surf fishing are all popular activities. FYI, the northernmost, end of the road beach area is a nude sunbathing area.

Beware!

Primitive camping is available in certain areas, and by reservation: https://www.nps.gov/cana/planyourvisit/camping.htm. Make sure you take everything back out with you, and leave no trace.

Spaceflight

As previously mentioned, the Canaveral National Seashore is very close to the Kennedy Space Center. So, if you time your visit right, you might be able to see a launch! Here’s where you can find more info on launch dates:

https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/launches-and-events

Just be aware that the park fills up fast, and certain areas of the park may be closed, due to the proximity of the rocket and/or it’s path. Take plenty of food, water, and supplies for your day trip. Fill your gas tank before you go. And take plenty of mosquito spray!

If you Go

The park is open pretty much every day from 6am to 6pm, except for holidays. Check the NPS before you go

The entrance fee for a car is $20. Also, you can get in for free if you have the America the Beautiful annual pass or the Senior Access pass. Walkers, bicyclers and motorcyclists are all less.

Live the Wayfarer Life! What’s your next adventure?