Canaveral National Seashore
This is not technically in New Smyrna Beach, but it might as well be, as the only way to get to the Apollo Beach section of Canaveral National Seashore is through NSB. The park consists of thousands of acres of unspoiled waterfront majesty. It’s a natural setting that hearkens back to old Florida… which just might not be all you imagined…
The park is located at the South end of New Smyrna Beach, past Bethune Beach, and is a treat for nature lovers. The Apollo Beach section of Canaveral National Seashore includes seven miles of pristine beaches as well as an equal amount of Intracoastal access.
The Good
The beaches are awesome, and covered with seashells – many more than you see in NSB proper – so if that is what your after, this is your best local option. Crowds are always small, as 4 of the five beaches have lots for 35 cars or less, and the experience is true old-school Florida. We also saw a diverse assortment of sea birds and a few gopher tortoises on our ride to the beach.
The Mosquito Lagoon side of the park offers some cool attractions, including Turtle Mound, which is the largest surviving Indian Midden on the East Coast, and where you can get sweet views of the park and surrounding areas. Eldora House is a link to the long lost village of Eldora, and includes a cozy little museum which is open weekends.
The Visitor Center offers canoe rentals and can arrange camping reservations, including intriguing sites dotted along the lagoon, which are only accessible via boat. They also offer a handful of interesting immersive experiences and tours, but almost all of them are on weekday mornings, which is a letdown for anyone still working 9 to 5 jobs.
There is a nice boat launch near the Visitor’s Center and a handful of great spots to put in your kayaks.
The Bad
It is called Mosquito Lagoon for a reason. There are swarms of aggressive mosquitoes on the Intracoastal side. Make sure you are prepared. The trails to Castle Windy and Eldora Hammock were particularly bad, but that was probably exacerbated by the lack of attention paid to trimming the weeds and growth on the trails. This place needs TLC.
The Ugly
Beach 5 is the last beach before the road ends, and it has become a haven for clothing-optional beach goers. It is awesome to give folks that option, especially in such a secluded locale, but I have to admit it is disconcerting to walk down the beach ramp and catch your first glimpse of the ocean, and find the view dominated by a portly fellow in his birthday suit grabbing his pole while he fishes. Different…
NSB Insider Tip:
Mark your calendar for these free admission dates in 2018:
- January 15 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- April 21 – First Day of National Park Week
- September 22 – National Public Lands Day
- November 11 – Veterans Day
