Canaveral National Seashore

06/16/2026

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It’s one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year here at Canaveral National Seashore sea turtle nesting season! So far in 2026, our beaches have welcomed 3,536 nests from loggerheads, greens, leatherbacks, and Kemp’s ridleys. Apollo and Playalinda are alive with activity as these incredible turtles have return to our shores.

Want to experience this magic up close? Turtle Watch reservations for June & July are open with spots still available! Join a ranger for an evening talk on sea turtle conservation, then head to the beach for a chance to see a nesting turtle under the night sky.

When: Most Fridays & Saturdays | 8PM–12 AM | Apollo & Playalinda Districts

Reserve your spot through the Friends of Canaveral website: https://www.friendsofcanaveral.com/turtle-watch

NPS Photo
Photo descriptions: Loggerhead sea turtle nesting on a sandy beach
FWC Permit # MTP-25/26-159A

06/12/2026

🎣National Fishing Day is on the horizon June 18th! 🎣

There's no better way to celebrate than by introducing the next generation to the fun and excitement of fishing!

Join Canaveral National Seashore's FREE Junior Angler Program next week and learn the basics of surf or lagoon fishing. Participants ages 8 and up will discover knot tying, casting, bait and tackle selection, healthy fish habitats, fishing ethics, and gain hands-on fishing experience with park staff and volunteers.

🐟 Tuesday, June 16, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Seminole Rest, 207 River Rd. Oak Hill FL, 32759

🐟 Wednesday & Thursday, June 17th & 18th
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Apollo Beach Visitor Center, 7611 S. Atlantic Ave. New Smyrna B*h. FL, 32169

To make a reservation, please call (386) 428-3384.

All fishing gear and bait are provided. Parents or guardians remain with participants for the duration of the program. Whether you're casting a line for the first time or building on your fishing skills, this is a great opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy one of Florida's favorite outdoor traditions while exploring Canaveral National Seashore.

NPS/Photo

05/31/2026

The Cooper’s Hawk (Astur cooperii) can be found year-round in most parts of the continental United States and is a frequent visitor to the Castillo de San Marcos! This bird of prey was likely looking for small critters scurrying around the moat in the early morning.

Image: Cooper’s Hawk peeking over the fort’s wall.

05/31/2026

On May 31, 1889, one of the deadliest disasters in U.S. history struck when the South Fork Dam failed above Johnstown, Pennsylvania, unleashing more than 4.8 billion gallons of water. The raging flood swept through the valley, destroying homes and communities and claiming more than 2,200 lives.

After days of relentless rainfall, the dam gave way, triggering widespread devastation across the region. In the aftermath, Clara Barton and volunteers with the American Red Cross led one of the nation’s first large-scale disaster relief efforts, providing critical aid to survivors.

Today, Johnstown Flood National Memorial preserves the remains of the dam and tells the story of the flood, its victims, and the recovery efforts that followed. Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/jofl

Image: A tree lodged in the Schultz house in the aftermath of the Johnstown Flood of 1889

05/31/2026

🍄✨ Cave surprise! ✨🍄

At first glance, caves may appear inhospitable to life, but look closer and you can find it thriving. This mushroom, of the genus Mycena, found a perfect home in the cool, humid, dim light of the cave. Most Mycena are saprotrophic, meaning they feed on dead matter or waste. In addition to a comfortable habitat, this individual also found a nutritious meal in the dead tree root it’s growing out of!

This delicate flush of fungi appears only briefly each year on the same piece of decomposing wood deep within Oregon Caves — a tiny seasonal reminder that even in the darkest places, ecosystems are hard at work. 👀🌿

Next time you visit the cave, remember: there’s a whole hidden world growing in the shadows.

Photo credit: NPS/ Sarah M

05/30/2026

Thermal features are so hot right now.

Well, most of the time. Yellowstone National Park preserves the most extraordinary collection of hot springs, geysers, mudpots, and fumaroles on Earth. More than 10,000 hydrothermal features are found here, of which more than 500 are geysers.

Boardwalks and trails protect you and delicate thermal formations. Do not touch thermal features or runoff. Water in hot springs can cause severe or fatal burns, and scalding water underlies most of the thin, breakable crust around hot springs.

Learn more tips on how to adventure through Yellowstone safely at: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/safety.htm

05/30/2026

05/29/2026

⚠️ Visitor Safety Notice ⚠️
Following the recent launch vehicle incident on Florida's Space Coast, visitors may encounter debris along area beaches in the coming days.
For your safety, please do not touch, move, or collect any suspected launch-related debris. Such materials may be hazardous.
If you encounter debris that appears related to a launch operation, maintain a safe distance and notify park staff immediately.
Thank you for helping us keep our beaches safe.

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

“You must choose, but choose wisely…” -Grail Knight

Nobody wants slippy-sloppy. Or was it sloppy-slippy? Either way, taking the wrong footwear on the trail can quickly turn a fun hike into a painful one. Before heading out, research the route and terrain so you can choose the right gear for your adventure. Heels, open-toed shoes, and flip-flops are not ideal for hiking trails. For dirt or gravel trails, opt for sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good traction and ankle support. For paved or urban pathways, comfortable sneakers or tennis shoes are usually a better fit. Your feet will thank you later.

Now, to be fair, it's ! Flip-flops are great for beach parks, the pool, short walks, getting lost in the parking lot, or just embracing vacation mode. But rocky trails, waterfalls, uneven terrain, being chased by a herd of bison, mud, and steep inclines? That’s where things can get a little…well, slippy. Also sloppy.

Make good choices.

Image: A screenshot of a post from the National Park Service account on X that reads: “Always hike with proper supplies and equipment. Remember, flippy floppies may lead to slippy sloppies.”

05/26/2026

The mondayest Tuesday ever…

Dreading what feels like it could be a bear of a week? Feeling like you’re constantly playing catch-up? Bearly moving? Don’t worry…ease back into work instead of trying to tackle everything all at once. Start by tidying your workspace (or find your space if you’ve forgotten), reminding yourself what it is you do there, and planning your first break of the day. Sometimes the best way to get back into work mode is to give your brain a chance to catch up too.

Did somebody say break? It never hurts to take a much-needed “paws.” Regular breaks can help you recharge, refocus, and keep the day from turning completely grizzly. Step away for a few minutes to stretch, take a walk, catch something for lunch, or scroll through the park socials. This is your time.

Image: A bear cub takes a nap in a cottonwood trees Big Bend National Park. NPS/CA Hoyt

05/25/2026

Honoring all the members of our armed forces who gave what President Abraham Lincoln called "the last full measure of devotion," Memorial Day is one of the most important and solemn days on the National Mall. Across 250 years of American history, starting with those who fell while fighting alongside General George Washington in the Revolutionary War to recent conflicts, we will never forget our heroes. The military memorials on the National Mall are stunning tributes to hundreds of thousands of people who laid down their lives for freedom. Today we lay wreaths at these special places, but every day, walking past stone walls and metal statues, we recognize the loved and lost and offer the thanks of a grateful nation.

Photo by National Park Service.

05/14/2026

Canaveral National Seashore will open reservations on May 15 at 9 a.m. for Turtle Watch Programs. These popular guided experiences offer visitors a rare opportunity to witness nesting sea turtles under the stars along one of Florida’s most pristine stretches of coastline. This year’s programs are sponsored by the Friends of Canaveral. The park will offer programs most Friday and Saturday nights throughout June and July in both the Playalinda and Apollo districts. Each program runs from 8 p.m. to midnight. Park staff and volunteers lead the programs and provide insights into sea turtle behavior, conservation and the natural history of the seashore. Participants must be at least 8 years old. The program fee is $25 per adult, with a discounted rate of $10 for children under 16.
To sign up for one of these programs please follow the link below:

Make your reservations for Turtle Watch at Canaveral National Seashore

04/30/2026

🎣 Reservations Begin for Summer Junior Angler Fishing Clinics at Canaveral National Seashore! 🎣
Join us most Mondays through Thursdays this June and July for our FREE Junior Angler Fishing Clinics! Youth ages 8 and up will learn surf or lagoon fishing skills like knot tying, bait & tackle basics, and other essential fishing techniques in a fun and supportive outdoor setting.

📞 Reservations Required: Call (386) 428-3384
Reservations begin May 1st!

📅 Days: Monday – Thursday
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Locations:
• Seminole Rest (Mondays & Tuesdays)
211 River Rd., Oak Hill, FL 32759
• Apollo Beach Visitor Center (Wednesdays & Thursdays)
7611 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
🎣 Cost: Free! (Gear and bait provided)
Park entrance fee still applies at Apollo Beach.

Please note: Parents or guardians must remain for the entire program.
Come make memories, learn new skills, and enjoy the outdoors with us this summer—we’d love to have you join us! ☀️🐟

04/29/2026

April is National Volunteer Month!
There’s no better way to experience the wonders of Canaveral National Seashore than through the dedication and passion of our incredible volunteers. From welcoming visitors and sharing essential park information, to supporting resource management, leading outreach programs, and keeping our beaches clean, our volunteers are at the heart of what makes this place thrive.
Their commitment helps protect this natural treasure, uplift our visitors’ experiences, and carry forward the mission of the National Park Service every single day.
If you’re inspired to make a difference and want to be part of this meaningful work, we’d love to have you join us. Visit our website to learn how you can volunteer and become part of the Canaveral story. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here: https://www.nps.gov/cana/getinvolved/volunteer.htm



Photo Credit: NPS
Photo Descriptions: Various Park volunteers outside with visitors in various area of the park.

04/28/2026

🚀 Planning to Watch the Falcon Heavy Rocket Launch tomorrow at Canaveral National Seashore?
Here’s What to Know! 🌊
Visitors are welcome to view rocket launches that occur during park operating hours. Summmer hours: 6am to 8:00 pm Arriving a few hours early is strongly recommended.
🌴 Best Viewing Area:
The Playalinda District offers the closest view. The park may reach capacity, and entry could be temporarily restricted for safety. NASA may also close areas without notice for Space Center operations.
⚠️ Important Launch Day Notices:
• Park vistas within the Playalinda District will close during launches.
• The beach area at parking area #1 will be closed ¼ mile south to the Kennedy Space Center boundary.
• Parking is permitted only within designated beach parking lots and spaces.
• NASA may place roadblocks or close NASA owned areas at any time.
• The Playalinda District will close one half hour (30 minutes) prior to the launch to inbound traffic to allow vehicles to safely travel from the fee entrance booth to a beach parking lot .
🧺 What to Bring:
• Food & water
• Sunscreen
• Beach chairs
• A full gas tank
• A hat
• Water for rinsing off (no showers available)
Come prepared and enjoy an unforgettable launch experience at Canaveral National Seashore! 🌟

Photo Credit: NPS
Photo Description: White Rocket lifting off into the clear sky with smoke and flames at the bottom.

04/21/2026

🌊🐢 Join the Apollo District Sea Turtle Watch Scouts! 🐢🌊
Love conservation and Florida’s night skies? We’re recruiting volunteers for the 2026 Turtle Watch season at Canaveral National Seashore!
Sea Turtle Scouts help:
• Patrol beaches on foot at night
• Spot & report nesting Loggerheads
• Protect active nests
• Support ranger-led Turtle Walk programs
Shifts:
June–July, 7 PM–12 AM, with occasional later nights.
You’re a great fit if you:
• Enjoy sea turtle conservation
• Can walk long distances on sand
• Communicate well & follow safety guidance
• Are comfortable outdoors at night
• Can complete required training
Expect:
Warm nights, sandy terrain, long walks, and representing NPS in uniform. Volunteers may use a personal vehicle.
Interested?
Contact Avia Woulard
📧 [email protected]
📞 386 428 3384
Help protect nesting sea turtles and support meaningful interpretation work!

Photo Credit: NPS
Photo Description: Night Sky over the clean ocean with an orange glow in the background with the sand in the foreground.

04/14/2026

Canaveral National Seashore is seeking to hire conservation-minded individuals to host the Jr Angler fishing clinics for kids and families. Gain valuable work experience in parks and outdoor recreation. No fishing experience needed. Must be able to pass a background check, provide own transportation, and be willing to work outdoors in summer heat and with insects.

When: Apply now by email. Deadline to Apply is May 1st. Hiring in Early May. Clinics will be offered June & July. Ages 16-25
Salary: $15/hr., 16-20 hrs./week (Part-time). Funding is provided through the National Park Foundation Jr Angler grant.
Where: Canaveral National Seashore
Questions or to Apply? Contact us at [email protected]

04/02/2026

After the successful launch of Artemis II, Playalinda Beach will open at 8:00 today. Normal operating hours if 6am to 8pm will resume tomorrow. Go Artemis 🚀