Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
National seashore (coast) · Titusville, Florida
Canaveral National Seashore
Protected coastal stretch north of the Kennedy Space Center, with the longest undeveloped beach on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Playalinda Beach, near Titusville, has views of the launch pads.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Canaveral National Seashore
Canaveral National Seashore was created in 1975 and protects the longest undeveloped stretch of coastline on Florida’s east coast, between New Smyrna Beach to the north and the Kennedy Space Center to the south. More than two thirds of the area is the Mosquito Lagoon, shallow and dotted with mangrove islets.
The beach is divided into three sections: Playalinda to the south, closest to Titusville; Klondike in the middle, accessible only on foot; and Apollo to the north, on the New Smyrna Beach side. At Apollo is Turtle Mound, a shell midden left by Indigenous peoples about 10 meters high that served as a landmark for mariners.
From Playalinda you can see the launch pads of the space complex. Because of the proximity, the beach may close on launch days or viewing areas may be moved back. There are no buildings on the sand: bring water and shade.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From half a day to a full day.
Best time
October through May, when it’s less hot; in summer sea turtle nesting leads to restrictions in some areas.
How to get there
From downtown Titusville head east on State Road 402 through Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge to Playalinda Beach. Access is by car; the park charges a vehicle entrance fee.
Tip
Check the launch schedule: Playalinda may close on launch days, but on other days it’s a spot to view the space complex from afar.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Canaveral National Seashore
Where is Playalinda Beach?
At the southern end of Canaveral National Seashore, east of Titusville, past Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Can you see rocket launches from Playalinda?
The beach is close to the launch pads, but it may close or viewing areas may be set back on launch days; check ahead.
What is Turtle Mound?
A mound of shells accumulated by Indigenous peoples, about 10 meters high, in the park’s northern sector, used by mariners as a landmark.