Canaveral National Seashore:
Just south of New Smyrna Beach is the Canaveral National Seashore,
a 57,000-acre national park nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and
the Indian River.
Canaveral National Seashore is one of the longest stretches of
pristine coastline in the United States. NASA and the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Services protect this long barrier island from the
construction and development so prevalent on many Florida beaches.
The park provides visitors with hiking trails, campsites, seaside
horseback riding, a restored turn-of-the-century home, museum and a
visitors' information center, which provides ranger-led
educational programs throughout the year.
Home to more than 250 species of birds and land animals, the salt
marshes, mangroves, lagoons and river estuaries provide feeding
grounds for its fascinating variety of creatures. Plant enthusiasts
can locate more than 700 species of native coastal vegetation.
Canaveral National Seashore also serves as a refuge for endangered
and protected species of Florida wildlife. Even Florida panthers
are occasionally spotted.
While the vast Canaveral National Seashore is the area's most
impressive park, the New Smyrna Beach area is also home to many
beloved smaller parks. Fishing and picnicking are popular at
Callalisa Park and Buena Vista Park. Riverside Park, the site of
many of the town's festivals, features a gazebo, playground,
boardwalk and fishing piers. The Coronado Civic Center boasts 20
lighted shuffleboard courts.
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