Entrance Fee
$25.00
/ Entrance - Private Vehicle
Park Hours (Today)
6:00AM - 6:00PM
Apollo Beach Visitor Center: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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About the Park
Discover a dynamic barrier island shaped by dunes, coastal hammocks, and Mosquito Lagoon. Walk among ancient Timucua shell mounds and connect with thousands of years of human history. Immerse yourself in a protected sanctuary where diverse plants and wildlife thrive—making Canaveral National Seashore a place where nature, history, and discovery come together.
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What to See & Do
Hike Castle Windy Trail
Castle Windy Trail is located in Canaveral National Seashore's Apollo Beach. Park at beach parking area number three to access the trail. The trail is on the west side of the road and leads a half mile to Mosquito Lagoon. Be aware there are mosquitoes on the trail most of the year. Bring water and mosquito repellent.
Seminole Rest
Seminole Rest tells a story of Timucua indians, a pioneer settlement, and preservation of cultures. Preserving this site is essential in order to keep these stories alive. With accounts from Spanish writings, as well as the science of archeology, we are able to connect the past to the present.
Self-Guided Tours
Seminole Rest Audio Tour
Seminole Rest is open daily from sunrise to sunset. There is a half mile path that is handicap accessible. Read about various snapshots of history about Timucuan and then Reconstruction Era settlers at this location on the various wayside stops along the way. This site is located in Oak Hill, Florida along the west side of Mosquito Lagoon. Enjoy the views of the lagoon, wildlife viewing and serenity during your visit. These are the very same qualities it's early inhabitants so enjoyed!
Natural Sounds Audio Tour
All recorded sounds were recorded by Dr. Nathan Wolek the 2020 artist-in-resident. The National Park Service Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division and Atlantic Center for the Arts are partnering for this environmental arts program. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds of Canaveral National Seashore. Multiple locations are recorded throughout the park including Apollo Beach, Playalinda Beach and Seminole Rest.
Young Sound Seekers Audio Postcard Tour
An environmental arts program for blind and partially sighted youth. The program encourages the appreciation of natural sounds and will help overcome barriers to access by creating a safe, undistracted outdoor space for blind and partially sighted students. A partnership between Atlantic Center for the Arts, the Center for Visually Impaired, and Stetson University, supported by the National Park Service Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division.
Visitor Centers
Apollo Beach Visitor Center
Canaveral National Seashore's visitor center is located at 7611 S. Atlantic Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169. Pick up a brochure or a Junior Ranger book. Get information about where to visit in the park. For more information call 386-428-3384.
Where to Stay
Canaveral National Seashore Backcountry Island Camping
Natural and spoil island campsites provide a variety of access and capacity options to those visitors who have their own boat, canoe or kayak. Reservations and a permit are required for island campsites. Canoe rentals are available for sites 1-5. Canoes are reserved by calling (386) 428-3384, after you have made your camping reservation. Sites 6-14 may only be reached with a personal boat, canoe or kayak.
Parking & Access
Getting Here
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.
Official NPS directionsParking Lots
Apollo Beach Lot 1
Apollo Beach lot 1 is located closest to the entrance of the Apollo Beach.
Open in MapsEddy Creek Parking Lot
There are 9 boat trailer parking spaces and 1 ADA boat trailer parking space. 29 other parking spaces are also present. A pavilion, restrooms, fishing dock and a police call box can be found here as well.
Open in MapsPlayalinda Beach Parking Lot 1
A beach access boardwalk, restrooms and a police call box are present.
Open in MapsPlayalinda Beach Parking Lot 10
Open in MapsPlayalinda Beach Parking Lot 11
Open in MapsPlayalinda Beach Parking Lot 12
Open in MapsPlayalinda Beach Parking Lot 13
A beach access boardwalk, restrooms, and a police call box are present.
Open in MapsPlayalinda Beach Parking Lot 2
Open in MapsPlayalinda Beach Parking Lot 3
Open in MapsPlayalinda Beach Parking Lot 4
This is a beach access parking area. It has restrooms and a boardwalk.
Open in MapsPlayalinda Beach Parking Lot 5
Open in MapsPlayalinda Beach Parking Lot 6
Open in MapsPlayalinda Beach Parking Lot 7
Open in MapsPlayalinda Beach Parking Lot 8
Open in MapsPlayalinda Beach Parking Lot 9
Open in MapsGetting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
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.
Park Amenities
Permits & Reservations
Permits may be required
Some activities in Canaveral National Seashore — including backcountry camping, certain trails, and climbing routes — require advance permits. Check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
Entrance Fees & Passes
Standard Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25.00Admits the passholder and passengers of a single vehicle. Good for 7 consecutive days at all park entrances.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Good for 7 consecutive days at all park entrances. Admits one individual hiker, bicyclist, or pedestrian.
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$25.00Admits Commercial Vehicle entrance with 1–6-person capacity
Commercial Entrance - Van
$40.00Admits Commercial Vehicle entrance with 7–15-person capacity
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$40.00Admits Commercial Vehicle entrance with 16–25-person capacity
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$100.00Admits Commercial Vehicle entrance with 26 or more-person capacity
Annual & Lifetime Passes
Annual Entrance - Park
$45.00This 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.
Operating Hours
Apollo District- New Smyrna Beach Entrance
Canaveral National Seashore is open 7 days a week. Visitor hours are 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Last entry into the seashore is at 5:00 pm.
- Monday6:00AM - 6:00PM
- Tuesday6:00AM - 6:00PM
- Wednesday6:00AM - 6:00PM
- Thursday6:00AM - 6:00PM
- Friday6:00AM - 6:00PM
- Saturday6:00AM - 6:00PM
- Sunday6:00AM - 6:00PM
Photos
Eldora State House is an early 20th century homestead along Moquito Lagoon.
On the dock facing the visitor center.
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
Year-round
Trip Length
1 day
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