Near our Condo: Cape Canaveral National Seashore Situated on a barrier island a few miles from our New Smyrna Beach condo, Canaveral National Seashore is an amazing place to get away from it all and enjoy a pristine nature sanctuary with 24 miles of undisturbed beach, dunes and lagoon offering sanctuary to an abundant blend of plants and animals. Enjoy beachcombing, beach walks, bird watching, horseback riding, fishing, boating, canoeing, surfing, sunbathing, swimming, hiking, camping, nature and historical trails. Catch a glimpse of the West Indian Manatee near the Eldora State House. The Eldora Statehouse is the best remaining example of earlier life along Mosquito Lagoon. The Historical Interpretive Park Seminole Rest is rich in history stemming from thousands of years of Native American occupation. It represents the pioneer era of settlement in Florida, and was the scene of many of the first North American encounters among Europeans, Africans, and native inhabitants. The seashore has undeveloped beaches and limited services. There are no designated picnic areas, phones, food, or drinking water. These beaches have restrooms and boardwalk access. The six-mile self-guided Black Point Wildlife Drive in the refuge meanders through pine flatwoods and impounded marsh and provides excellent views of many species of wildlife. The seashore and refuge offer short self-guided hiking trails. Castle Windy and Turtle Mound trails have shell middens left by Timucuan Indians. Turtle Mound Trail boasts a view of the ocean and Mosquito Lagoon. Eldora Hammock, Oak Hammock, and Palm Hammock trails wind through densely vegetated hammocks. Cruickshank Trail has an observation tower and marsh views. On the south side of Canaveral National Seashore is Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge with 140,000 acres of coastal dunes, saltwater estuaries and marshes that provide habitat for more than 1,500 species of plants and animals. A manatee viewing platform located on the northeast side of Haulover Canal is the best spot to see manatees. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is known for its abundant birdlife and is a major destination for birders from throughout the world. More 320 species have been documented. The peak season for birding is between October and April with optimum conditions occurring from December to February. During these periods, hundreds of thousands of migratory birds use the refuge as a temporary rest stop or spend the entire winter season here. The Visitor Information Center located 4 miles east of Titusville, Florida, is a great place to start your visit. For more, go to the Canaveral National Seashore website.