With miles of unspoiled, natural shoreline, the visitor will find Canaveral National Seashore the perfect beach. Far less crowded than nearby Indialantic and Cocoa Beaches, quiet and solitude are easy to come by.

Stretching 25 miles along Florida's Space Coast, Canaveral National Seashore remains as it was for the past 1,000 years. A favorite of vacationing families, the beach features calmer surf than many of the other beaches in the area. The longest stretch of natural beach on the East Coast of Florida, the greatest pleasure can be had walking along the surf line.

Restrooms with changing areas are available near the Visitor's Center. Lifeguards are on duty May 30 through September 1, 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. There is no fresh water on site, so be sure to bring drinks with you.

In addition to swimming and sunbathing, Canaveral National Seashore has some of the best birdwatching in the country. Herons, ibis, egrets and other shore birds abound, especially during the migratory season. There are several trails available for hiking, one of which leads to a Timucuan Indian mound. The trails can be hard to find, however, so ask for directions at the Visitor's Center. Overnight tent camping is available from November through April with a permit from the Visitor's Center. Canoeists can paddle along a marked trail through the marshes at Shipyard Island. Canoe rentals are available at O'Connell's Rental Center in nearby Merritt Island (Call for information (407) 453-2400).

Undoubtedly the most interesting activity on the beach is turtle watching. If you are visiting the area between May and August and plan an overnight stay, be sure to call about the Turtle Watch Program. Starting out at about 11:00 p.m., small groups of about 20 people are led along the beach by flashlight. You'll get an opportunity to watch a female loggerhead or leatherback turtle build her nest and lay her eggs. The demand is great, so call for reservations (407-428-3384) at least 4-5 months in advance.

Only a few miles from the park, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge makes an interesting departure from a day at the beach. The refuge features a 7-mile driving tour that affords easy wildlife viewing. Four widely diverse trails make hiking a must, and the manatee observation deck and wildlife observation tower should be included in your visit. You can reach the refuge from Canaveral National Seashore by traveling west on SR 44 and turning right at SR 402.

Canaveral National Seashore is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The south end of the park and its neighbor, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, are both closed three days prior and one day following a space shuttle launch. To check launch dates, call the Visitor's Center at (407) 267-1110.