Canaveral National Seashore, FL

7/18/2013

Hike Date: September 2010
Near: Titusville, FL
Route: Boardwalk, Beach
Distance: 2 miles
Conditions: Sunny and warm

Impression: This is a really great spot, though I didn't get to spend as much time here as I would've liked. With tons of beach and coastal exploration in the area, I'd love to get back and see more. If not to just soak up some sun!

Once inside Canaveral National Seashore, there is a nice visitor center where maps and information about the park, wildlife and trails can be gotten. Behind the visitor center, a boardwalk weaves through trees and around a large pond, a nice walk for those who've just spent the past hour in the car. From there, it's easy to hook up with other trails that meander their way through the lively vegetation that exists throughout the park, as well as get access to the miles of beach. With limited time, I choose to take my shoes off and wander the beach. It's always a great day when sand is between the toes, that's for sure! Surprisingly, there was plenty of space even though the parking lots seemed crammed with cars. It was nice to hear the crashing of the waves and feel a summer's ocean breeze on the face. A total juxtaposition from hanging out in one of Disney's fine attractions. Oh and a warning to parents, the farthest beach is used as a nude beach by the locals.

Overall, this is a fantastic getaway for people vacationing in the Orlando area. I needed a retreat from all the theme parks and this provided me with an opportunity to see a habitat that i had never explored before. For a single explorer or a full family, this National Park would provide a day's worth of entertainment and relaxation. Highly recommended!

Directions to Trailhead:
From Orlando, take Toll 408 until it merges with FL-50 and take that east towards Titusville. Follow FL-50 about 22 miles until a left at FL-405. After about 5.5 miles, you will be in Titusville. From there, follow signs across the bridge.

Suggested Map:
Maps and other info can be obtained at the parks visitors office located along A1A or on the internet here.