Canaveral National Seashore

This seashore is... You guessed it! Next to Cape Canaveral. Thank goodness for the space program. It's part of the reason why this section of gorgeous coastline has remained unspoiled. It's developed just enough for sunbathers. We came on the second trip to Merritt Island and visited Playalinda Beach. The road on the way in was lined by yet more gorgeous wetlands. We got to see the white pelicans that only visit here in the winter. (thanks for the tip Grandfather!) They mainly feed by swimming along and searching the water, unlike the brown pelican's plunging dive. They're also larger. Very cool! Note also the ever present black mob of coots.

The beach is part of a barrier island backed by mosquito lagoon. The dunes are lush and full, and the beach is soft with an inviting surf.
Beautiful dunes full of sea grape.


Different types of terns along with a few gull species.


Another cool thing is that you can see the NASA launch pad from the access road. I got a photo, but it's too grainy. :( All in all, from the Atlantic beaches I've seen, this is by far my favorite.