Parks / Canaveral National Seashore
Canaveral National Seashore
National Seashore · FL
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (4)
Beat the Heat
Make sure to take hot weather into consideration. Carry water and use sunscreen to reduce the risk of heat injuries during your visit.
Operating Hours
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
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.
Rip Currents and Rough Surf
Remember that rough surf is dangerous & rip currents can be deadly. Please use caution when swimming at Canaveral National Seashore.
Entrance Fees
All visitors to Canaveral National Seashore are required to pay an entrance fee. Digital passes may be purchased online. Please be prepared to show your hard copy pass or digital pass on your mobile device with a valid Photo ID (Example: Driver License). Passes are non-transferable, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen, and are void if altered or reproduced. 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.
All visitors to Canaveral National Seashore are required to pay an entrance fee. Digital passes may be purchased online. Please be prepared to show your hard copy pass or digital pass on your mobile device with a valid Photo ID (Example: Driver License). Passes are non-transferable, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen, and are void if altered or reproduced.
Campgrounds (1)
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.
Details →Upcoming Events
"Discover Your Seashore" (Playalinda District)
Sep 1, 2026 · Visitors are welcome to stop by anytime during the listed hours. Meet at Parking Lot #1 in the Playalinda District.
“Sea Turtles, Seashell Oh My!" (Apollo District)
Sep 2, 2026 · Meet at Parking lot #2 in the Apollo District at 9:30 am.
"Lagoon Explorers" (Apollo District)
Sep 3, 2026 · Meet at the Apollo Visitor Center.
"Eldora Talk" (Apollo District)
Sep 4, 2026 · Meet at the Eldora Statehouse Dock in the Apollo District at 9:30.
"Discover Your Seashore" (Playalinda District)
Sep 5, 2026 · Visitors are welcome to stop by anytime during the listed hours. Meet at Parking Lot #1 in the Playalinda District.
"Manatee Mania" (Playalinda District)
Sep 5, 2026 · Visitors are welcome to stop by anytime during the listed hours. Meet at the Eddy Creek dock in the Playalinda District.
'Young Sound Seekers Documentary" (Apollo District)
Sep 5, 2026 · Meet at the Apollo Beach Visitor Center.
“Sea Turtles, Seashell Oh My!" (Apollo District)
Sep 9, 2026 · Meet at Parking lot #2 in the Apollo District at 9:30 am.
"Lagoon Explorers" (Apollo District)
Sep 10, 2026 · Meet at the Apollo Visitor Center.
"Eldora Talk" (Apollo District)
Sep 11, 2026 · Meet at the Eldora Statehouse Dock in the Apollo District at 9:30.
"Pop-Up Beachside Chats" (Playalinda District)
Sep 12, 2026 · Topics and times vary; please see the program descriptions below for specific times. Meet beachside at Parking Lot #1.
"Turtle Tidbits" (Playalinda District)
Sep 12, 2026 · Meet beachside at Parking Lot #1 in the Playalinda District.
'Young Sound Seekers Documentary" (Apollo District)
Sep 12, 2026 · Meet at the Apollo Beach Visitor Center.
"Sea Turtle 101" (Seminole Rest District)
Sep 13, 2026 · Meet inside the main house at 10:00 AM. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759
"Endangered Species" (Apollo District)
Sep 14, 2026 · Meet at the Apollo Visitor Center.
"Manatee 101" (Seminole Rest District)
Sep 15, 2026 · Meet inside the main house at 10:00 AM. Address to Seminole Rest: 207 River Rd. Oak Hill Florida, 32759
“Sea Turtles, Seashell Oh My!" (Apollo District)
Sep 16, 2026 · Meet at Parking lot #2 in the Apollo District at 9:30 am.
"Lagoon Explorers" (Apollo District)
Sep 17, 2026 · Meet at the Apollo Visitor Center.
"Eldora Talk" (Apollo District)
Sep 18, 2026 · Meet at the Eldora Statehouse Dock in the Apollo District at 9:30.
"Discover Your Seashore" (Playalinda District)
Sep 18, 2026 · Visitors are welcome to stop by anytime during the listed hours. Meet at Parking Lot #1 in the Playalinda District.
Things to 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.
Visitor Centers
- Apollo Beach Visitor Center
Source: National Park Service.