Natural Adventure in Playalinda

If you are looking for a place to capture images of wildlife, especially birds, then the Merritt Island Refuge is the place to go. With many trail options, both hiking and driving, the opportunities for good captures are endless. From the small green herons, to spoonbills, and great herons to gators, the diversity of wildlife you can see is outstanding! Black Point Wildlife Drive provides the ...

Park across the road from the trailhead and visit the Atlantic ocean before crossing onto the Castle Windy Trail. The trail is shaded and a breeze is ever-present. There is a bench halfway down the trail that leads to Mosquito Bay and a picnic area.We saw so many islands in the lagoon that we'll be back to kayak and explore them and may grab a permit to camp on them. One could spend hours on th...

Drive South on Atlantic Avenue in New Smyrna Beach until you see the guard shack. Pay the $5 entrance fee. Parking area #7 is a good place to start. Canoe rentals are available (weather permitting) for campsites #1-#5 only. Canoe rentals are $25 per night and available to individuals 18 years and older. Canoe capacity is two adults per canoe, plus gear. For canoe rentals, please inquire at the ...

What could be better than laying on soft sand, listening to the crashing waves, and gazing at Florida's best sun and stars?  Cape Canaveral National Seashore has 14 primitive campsites, with only two of them on the beach and the other twelve located on Mosquito Lagoon.  This park has a 40-mile stretch of undeveloped seashore, which is truly a rare gem in Florida.  The park is located just north...

After first entering Canaveral National Seashore, this is the stop of many hiking options in the park. We walked in toward Mosquito Lagoon and found three well spaced picnic tables and two paths.A path along the lagoon that is well marked to preserve the ecology. We tried this one but it was flooded only twenty five feet in (maybe because it was high tide?)An ascending board walk that took us ...

Paddling along the St. Johns River is the perfect relaxing escape that lets you see the real Florida.  Bring your Kayak, Canoe, or SUP to explore one of the few rivers worldwide that flows North. Just 45 minutes from Downtown Orlando, this adventure is great for someone who either wants to see the real Florida or simply wants to get away from the crowds of the city and its theme parks. The curr...