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.