Coasting along Brevard County beaches

By Tyme

Playalinda Beach is so au naturale

Playalinda Beach is part of the 24 miles of undisturbed Canaveral National Seashore – the longest extent of undeveloped coastline along the Florida Atlantic. The beach is managed by the National Park Service. The barrier island is flanked by the Mosquito Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in between. The six-mile drive is breathtaking, with a rich display of flora and fauna. Birding and hiking trails fork from the main road. The sanctuary offers protection to some 1,045 species of plants and 310 species of birds.

"The haven supports 14 wildlife species federally listed as endangered or threatened, including sea turtles, West Indian manatees, southern bald eagles, wood storks, peregrine falcons, eastern indigo snakes, and Florida scrub jays," according to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Geek in the creek

The beach is adjacent to Kennedy Space Center, with Launch Pad 39B, the Apollo I Memorial, and the Vehicle Assembly Building in close view. Prior to a shuttle launch, beachgoers can get a glimpse of the space shuttle on the pad ready for takeoff. (The Canaveral National Seashore is closed to visitors three days before and one day after a launch.)

Where else in the world can you look north and see undeveloped beach as far as the eye can see, and then look south and see one of the most technologically advanced inventions of our time, a space shuttle. Quite the juxtaposition.

Surf's up, stress is down

Playalinda is known as one of the better surf spots, with Cocoa Beach Pier and Sebastian Inlet filling out the trifecta of wave riding. The lower traffic level makes this beach an envious spot for surf fishing and shell collecting as well.

“I like that it is all natural -- that there is no development out there. I like being one with nature. I go out there to surf and just meditate,” said Nathan Glenn, Brevard resident.

Facilities are minimal, with only restrooms provided at each parking area. There is a parking lot designated for oversized vehicles, and a walkway with large deck area for wheelchairs at Eddy Creek and at Parking Area No. 8. A lifeguard is on duty at one spot (usually Parking Area No. 8) during season. A nominal fee is charged to enter the park. Senior citizen discounts and annual passes are available.

Last year, more than one million visitors enjoyed the Canaveral National Seashore. Have you?

Watch the Playalinda video.

What would you give for a Klondike Beach

Klondike Beach continues north where Playalinda ends. There is no road to this beach area, so foot-powered transportation is required. Horseback riding is allowed on a designated section of Klondike Beach in the Apollo District, from Nov. 1 until April 15. Reservations and permits are required to giddy up there.

Bare in mind that this area is known to attract nudist. While prohibited by ordinance, the activity does tend to get a blind eye from officials.

Click map to view interactive Google Map of Brevard County Beaches.