Apollo Beach
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Apollo Beach is the northern entrance to Canaveral National Seashore, reached from New Smyrna Beach rather than the Playalinda Beach entrance 25 miles south near Kennedy Space Center. Five parking lots run south from the Apollo Visitor Center along a stretch of undeveloped dune that closes to new arrivals once its 160 spaces fill.
Undeveloped dune and a genuine sense of remoteness make it a standout entrance to the National Seashore, though the hard 160-space cap means a late arrival can mean turning around entirely.
How we score beachesArrive early on weekends, the lots fill by early morning and the park simply closes to more cars once that happens, there's no waiting it out. Dogs aren't allowed on the beach or boardwalks, but leashed pets can join at Turtle Mound, Eldora, and Seminole Rest on the lagoon side.
Five lots totaling 160 spaces serve the beach; the park closes to additional vehicles once they fill.
Boardwalks connect the parking areas to the beach.
Dogs aren't allowed on the beach or boardwalks; leashed dogs are welcome at lagoon-side sites like Turtle Mound and Eldora.
Winter and spring bring mild, dry weather. Summer's heat and hurricane season, June through November, bring the warmest water and the biggest crowds along with afternoon storms.
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