I first heard about Canaveral National Seashore a few years ago and had been wanting to visit ever since. I’m not sure why it took me so long—it’s really not that far from home. Last November, during our trip to Everglades National Park, we decided to purchase the annual National Parks Pass (which turned out to be a great idea since admission to Canaveral is $25).
We arrived at the Canaveral National Seashore excited for the adventure ahead. On the drive to the Turtle Mound, we were greeted by Gopher tortoises meandering along the roadside, banana spiders hanging delicately in the trees, and an amazing variety of coastal plants.
Turtle Mound such a cool experience. The boardwalk felt like it led straight up into the sky! This ancient shell mound—the tallest on the East Coast—offered a stunning view of the Mosquito Lagoon from the top. We wandered around, taking in the shimmering water, lush greenery, and all the interesting plants surrounding us. The Apollo Beach Visitor Center itself was adorable, and the staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. We learned about the Eldora House and the different beaches (including a nude one!) before heading out to explore. The Eldora House sits in a beautiful location, complete with a boardwalk stretching out over the water. We even spotted a few dolphins splashing about and a manatee in the distance—such a peaceful sight.
Of course, we had to check out the nude beach at the far end of the island—my first time visiting one! Let’s just say it was pretty much what I expected. Still, it was interesting to see how relaxed and confident everyone was. Maybe one day I’ll be that comfortable too.
After looping around, we made our way to the Playalinda Beach side of the park, with a quick detour through Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. The drive was fascinating—you could even spot the Kennedy Space Center and its launch complexes in the distance. Playalinda itself was gorgeous, with coarse golden sand and several beach access points perfect for swimming or sunbathing. And yes, the final beach there was also a nude section, which seemed to be quite lively and full of positive energy.
If you’re planning to visit multiple national parks, I highly recommend getting the annual pass—it’s $80 and valid for an entire year. You can buy it online or at any national park. For visitors 62 and over, there’s even a Lifetime Pass for the same price, and special passes are available for military members and those with permanent disabilities.
Canaveral National Seashore truly has a little bit of everything—history, wildlife, beaches, and even a touch of adventure. I can’t believe it took me this long to go, but now that I have, I know I’ll definitely be back!
