Celebrate National Parks Week at Canaveral National Seashore
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. (PRWEB) April 23, 2019 -- Comprised of over 58,000 acres of barrier island, open lagoon, coastal hammock, pine flatwoods, and offshore waters, Canaveral National Seashore is a natural habitat for many species including waterfowl, alligators, otters, snakes, manatees, and more. Here, visitors can get a closer look at the natural side of Florida and its incredible wildlife.
Each year, thousands of sea turtles return to Canaveral’s 24 miles of pristine, undisturbed shoreline. Species like the loggerhead, leatherback, green, and Kemp’s ridley come ashore between the months of April through October to lay their eggs. Visitors can make reservations to attend a turtle watch guided tour for the chance to view a nesting sea turtle in person. The cost is $14 per person for ages 16 and older. Children under 16 are free.
The park is also a prime spot for birding enthusiasts. Over 310 bird species can be found in Canaveral, including Wilson’s plover, red-tailed hawks, white ibises, great blue herons, and more. Several threatened or endangered birds also call the park home: bald eagles, wood storks, Florida scrub jays, the Arctic peregrine falcon, and the crested caracara. Canaveral’s diverse habitat, filled with plant life from mangroves to ancient oaks, is a welcoming environment for these feathered creatures.
Fishermen will also find Canaveral National Seashore alluring. The national park includes portions of the Indian River Lagoon, North America’s most biologically diverse estuary. Bluefish, whiting, redfish, and pompano are just some of the most popular catches in the park. Anglers will need to bring their own equipment and secure a Florida Fishing License prior to entering the park.
To explore the park and its wildlife, visitors have several options. The six-mile, self-guided Black Point Wildlife Drive takes guests through marsh and pine flatwoods and is perfect for those who want to enjoy the park from their air-conditioned car. Hikers will want to explore the short self-guided trails: Castle Windy, Turtle Mound, Eldora Hammock, Oak, Hammock, Palm Hammock, and Cruickshank Trail. Bring in your own kayak or rent from a vendor in New Smyrna Beach, and explore the waterways.
About the New Smyrna Beach Area
The New Smyrna Beach area includes the communities of New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Oak Hill, Osteen and Port Orange in east Central Florida. New Smyrna Beach is an eclectic mix of old and new; of subtle sophistication and bohemian soul that is as “real” as Florida gets. It occupies a notable place in history as the second oldest city in Florida, site of the largest single attempt at British colonization in the new world. In 2018, New Smyrna Beach celebrated its 250th birthday. The city’s barrier island is recognized worldwide for its incredible surf with Surfer magazine recently touting it one of the “Best Surf Towns in America” and National Geographic magazine including it in its “World’s Top 20 Surf Towns”. Accommodations range from charming bed and breakfast inns to family-size condominium units and oceanfront hotels. Natural attractions include 17 miles of sandy beaches from Ponce de Leon Inlet to Canaveral National Seashore and North America’s most diverse estuary – the Indian River Lagoon. Two distinct downtowns along Flagler Avenue and Canal Street and connected via the Waterfront Loop welcome visitors with independent restaurants, unique shops, artisanal coffee shops and art galleries.
For more information, please visit http://www.VisitNSBfl.com or call 386-428-1600. Follow @NewSmyrnaBeach1 on Twitter, Facebook.com/VisitNewSmyrnaBeach or @visitnewsmyrnabeach on Instagram for the latest news. Download the free New Smyrna Beach Mobile App for iPhone and Android to receive this information on-the-go.
Courtnee Brokaw, Visit New Smyrna Beach, https://visitnsbfl.com/, 385-428-1600, [email protected]
Share this article