Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This helpful center offers displays on the refuge's habitats and wildlife, information on
conservation programs and hiking trail maps. You can also check out the schedule of bird
tours (usually at 9am) and sign up for seasonal turtle-nesting tours along the Canaveral
National Seashore.
Canaveral National Seashore
Part of America's national-park system, spectacular Canaveral National Seashore (
321-267-1110; www.nps.gov/cana ; Merritt Island; car/bike $5/1; 6am-6pm) includes 24 miles of
undeveloped white-sand beach. Two roads squeeze along a skinny bridge of barrier island,
one heading 6 miles south from the small beach town of New Smyrna Beach and another 6
miles north from Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Each road dead-ends, leaving
about 16 miles of wilderness beach between them.
The best time to visit the park is between November and April, when migrating birds
flock to the beaches. During the drier months wildlife-viewing opportunities are also better
and there are fewer mosquitos. Turtle-nesting tours run in June and July.
Sights & Activities
Inexpressibly beautiful, Canaveral's three Atlantic beaches each have a distinct character
as well as several historic sights. Remember, though, that these beaches are completely un-
developed and have very limited services. There are no designated picnic areas, food,
phones or drinking water, so come prepared and remember to pack out all your trash. Pick
up a map at the entrance gate, the visitors center ( 386-428-3384; www.nps.gov/cana ; 7611
S Atlantic Ave, New Smyrna; 8am-6pm Oct-Mar, to 8pm Apr-Sep) or at Merrit Island National
Wildlife Refuge . Lifeguards patrol Apollo and Playalinda beaches from 10am to 5pm from
May 30 to September 1. Riptides can be particularly fierce here.
Campers can rent canoes ($25 per day) from the visitors center.
Turtle Mound ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Located at the northern end of Mosquito Lagoon, Turtle Mound is one of the largest shell
middens on the Florida coast. It stands around 50ft high and consists of 1.5 million bushels
(53 million liters) of oyster shells, the remains of an ancient Indian civilization that existed
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search