Canaveral National Seashore

Things To Do Near Canaveral National Seashore

The Canaveral National Seashore offers the chance to experience an untouched section of the Florida coast. Paddle the quiet waters of the Mosquito Lagoon, swim in the Atlantic Ocean, or enjoy long walks on the sand. With historic homes, Native American archaeological finds, and exciting activity from the nearby Kennedy Space Center, there's something for every traveler.

Hiking Trails

• Seminole Rest Trail

  Short and flat, the Seminole Rest Trail is a lovely hike along the intracoastal waterway. Interpretive signs along the path introduce you to the Native American history of the area and provide a glimpse into the lives of the settlers that arrived during the Reconstruction Era.

  Location

  207 River Rd, Oak Hill, FL 32759

  Length

  0.5 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Castle Windy Trail

  Walk from the Atlantic Ocean to Mosquito Lagoon on the Castle Windy Trail. This beautiful path travels through a lush coastal hammock and pops out on the other side of the barrier island. This hike is best in the winter as the mosquitoes can be overwhelming during the rest of the year.

  Location

  S Atlantic Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169

  Length

  0.8 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Seminole Rest

  Seminole Restis a fascinating part of the Canaveral National Seashore. Here, you can tour the historic Snyder Home and learn about the history of European settlers in the area. Don't miss the Dig Room, which explains a significant archaeological finding on the site: multiple prehistoric shell mounds that date back to 2,000 B.C. The mounds are evidence that the Timucuan and Ais Indians used the area to gather and smoke clams and crabs.

  Location

  207 River Rd, Oak Hill, FL 32759

• Eldora Statehouse

  Set on the banks of Mosquito Lagoon, the Eldora Statehouse takes you back in time. Sit on one of the front porch rocking chairs to enjoy the view, or head indoors to learn about life in the late 1800s. Historical photos showcase this popular steamboat stop, which declined with the advent of the railroad and the changing communities in Florida.

  Location

  8299-8233 River Trace Ln, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169

• Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

  Located just south of Canaveral National Seashore, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a fantastic spot to check out the Florida wildlife. Head to the Black Point Wildlife Drive to spot birds, alligators, and river otters. In the winter, the Manatee Observation Deck provides a view of the gentle manatees as they swim through the warm water. Other activities include hiking, fishing, and ranger programs.

  Location

  1987 Scrub Jay Wy #32782, Titusville, FL 32781

Museums

• North Brevard Historical Museum

  Small and easy to navigate, the North Brevard Historical Museum is a fascinating place to spend an hour on a hot Florida afternoon. Here, you can dive into the history of north Brevard County, from prehistoric times to the present day.

  Location

  301 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL 32783

• Kennedy Space Center

  No visit to the Canaveral National Seashore is complete without a day at the Kennedy Space Center. Part museum, part interactive experience, the visitor complex takes you on a fascinating journey through the history of space flight in the United States. Walk through the rocket garden, check out the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and walk under the enormous Saturn V Rocket. In the Apollo 8 Firing Room, you can feel what it's like to watch a launch, and kids love the Astronaut Training Experience.

  Location

  Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953

• New Smyrna Museum of History

  Known for its friendly and enthusiastic volunteer staff, the New Smyrna Museum of History offers a look at one of Florida's oldest towns. Learn about the history of surfing, check out Native American artifacts, and learn about the Colonial plantations that once existed nearby. Don't miss the New Smyrna Timeline exhibit, which details the history of settlers from 1768 and onward.

  Location

  120 Sams Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• G A Dolly's Gift Shop

  G A Dolly's Gift Shop carries a range of sea-themed gifts and home decor items. Pick up an adorable Christmas ornament or get a unique, locally made driftwood sculpture.

  Location

  405 Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169

• Mike's Gift Shop

  If you need a water toy or a souvenir, check out Mike's Gift Shop. Packed with brightly colored, Florida-themed items, this store is particularly fun for families.

  Location

  3500 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

• Beachwave 13

  Beachwave 13 is a classic Florida surf shop. Unlike most spots, it also carries a fun selection of NASA apparel to commemorate your time on the Space Coast.

  Location

  101 A. Max Brewer Memorial Pkwy, Titusville, FL 32796

• Baker's Table

  The Baker's Table offers a refined take on classic German dishes, offering entrees such as wiener schnitzel, filet mignon, and ricotta gnocchi. If you're in town on the weekend, make sure to check out the fantastic brunch.

  Location

  4154 S Atlantic Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169

• SoNapa Grille

  With its exceptional wine list and upscale menu, the SoNapa Grille is a lovely special-occasion dining spot. Start with baked brie or tuna crudo before trying the seared scallops or shrimp tacos. The wine list is extensive, with a strong focus on California reds and whites.

  Location

  3406 S Atlantic Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169

• The Breakers

  Enjoy a burger and a cold beer with a view of the ocean at The Breakers, a relaxed spot located north of the Canaveral National Seashore. For a lighter meal, try the salads or the indulgent, pub-style appetizers.

  Location

  518 Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169

How To Get To Canaveral National Seashore

The Canaveral National Seashore has two entrance stations. To get to the northern station near New Smyrna Beach, take I-95 to Exit 249, head east on FL-44, and take South Atlantic Avenue south. 

If you prefer to enter from the south near Titusville, take I-95 to Exit 220 and head east on FL-406. Take FL-402 east until you reach the entrance station.

Address

212 S Washington Ave., Titusville, FL 32796

Fee: Entry fee (per vehicle) $20.0

Fee: Entry fee (per motorcycle) $15.0

Fee: Entry fee (per person on foot or bike) $10.0

Whether you want to chill on the beach, explore historic sites, or try new water sports, the Canaveral National Seashore delivers. This pristine stretch of land offers some of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in Florida — it's an opportunity to experience the coast in its natural state. RV camping is the perfect way to extend the adventure and enjoy the wilderness to the fullest.