Lighthouse Point Park; Ocean
5000 S. Atlantic Ave. Ponce Inlet (386) 756-7488
Directions; From Daytona Beach, take I-95 south toward Miami. Take SR-421, Exit 256, toward Port Orange. Take the Taylor Road ramp toward Port Orange/Daytona Beach Shores. Merge onto FL-421 East. FL-421 east becomes FL-A1A North/Dunlawton Avenue. Turn right on South Atlantic Avenue (4075) and drive straight to the park.
Lighthouse Point Park consists of 52 acres of pristine land on the north side of Ponce DeLeon Inlet in the Town of Ponce Inlet. The 52-acre park features fishing, nature trails, an observation deck and tower, swimming and picnicking.
A variety of wildlife call the Lighthouse Point Park home, including raccoons, possums, skunks, armadillos, shore birds and birds of prey.
Park GPS N 29 04.707 W 80 55.394
Park Google Satellite Image
Just to the North of the Park is the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum,Florida's tallest lighthouse where visitors can climb 203 steps to the top of the 175 foot tower and enjoy magnificent views of the World's Most Famous Beach, Ponce Inlet, and surrounding inland waterways from the lighthouse gallery deck
Lighthouse GPS N 29 04.840 W 80 55.681
Lighthouse Google Satellite Image

Symrna Dunes Park; Ocean and Lagoon
Directions;
From the west: Take the North or South Causeway east. Proceed north on Peninsula Drive for two to three miles.
From the south: Take S.R. A1A north to Flagler Avenue and turn left. Turn right on Peninsula Avenue and go north two miles.
The park consists of five ecosystems (ocean, river, dunes, scrub zone, saltwater marsh). The principal system is vast sand dunes. To protect the sensitive sand dunes from foot traffic, two miles of elevated walkways, picnic areas, pavilions and an observation tower were built, allowing visitors to travel through the park in a natural environment. On the estuary side look for assorted shorebirds, especially during lower tidal phases while gulls terns and gannets can be seen diving for baitfish
GPS N 29 03.962 W 80 54.889
Google Satellite Image

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Canaveral National Seashore;
There are two distinct districts with two separate entrances and you cannot drive between the two. The North or Apollo District is accessed from New Symrna Beach in Volusia County while the South or Playalinda District is accessed from Titusville.
Owned by NASA, this property is managed by the National Park Service and protects roughly 26 miles of Atlantic Ocean Shoreline and provides nesting grounds for up to 7 species of sea turtles while protecting natural dunes, coastal strand scrub, salt marsh and other wetlands, and virtually the entire body of the Mosquito Lagoon. Over 300 species of birds have been seen at the seashore from gulls, pelicans, ducks, herons, egrets, terns, gannets, assorted shorebirds, and raptors, to painted buntings, migratory songbirds in the hammock areas and scrubjays just inside the north district entrance.
Map of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore

Beach Access Points;
The North District is accessed through the city of New Symrna Beach in Volusia County by driving due south on Highway A1A from town. There are five Beach Access Points along the Apollo Beach (North District) section of Canaveral, with the first of these is right at the entrance or pay station of the Seashore, and the last about 6.4 miles south on Atlantic Ave. Each of these provide opportunities for seeing gulls, terns, gannets, and various shorebirds while the scrub on the dunes can hold gopher tortoises and various migratory bird species. The beaches also provide another opportunity, although rare. Each winter, Northern Right Whales migrate south from their feeding grounds off of the Northeastern United States to the area from the Georgia Border to Sebastian Inlet in South Brevard County to mate and calve. The occasional sighting of a mother and her calve just a few hundred yards offshore can be a spectacular site. Also look for Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and the occasional jumping Manta Ray.
GPS N 28 56.211 W 80 49.817
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Eldora Statehouse Trail
This short trail can be accessed from parking area #8 and leads to the Eldora State House, after passing through a coastal hammock. Built during the 1800s the house was one of several large houses built in the community of Eldora after the Civil War and later served as a hotel for passengers traveling by steamboat along the Mosquito Lagoon.
Here's a quick history of the area from the Library of Congress Website
GPS N 28 54.565 W 80 49.111
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Beach Access Points;
The South District can be found by driving across the Max Brewer Causeway from Titusville through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, staying to the right when you see the sign for Black Point Wildlife Drive. You are now on SR 402. Stay on this road past the red light at SR 3, through the pay station until the road turns to the north at the beach and you see the numbered beach access points.
There are 13 Beach Access Points along the Playalinda Beach (South District) section of Canaveral. After the pay station. Each of these provide opportunities for seeing gulls, terns, gannets, and various shorebirds while the scrub on the dunes can hold gopher tortoises and various migratory bird species. The beaches also provide another opportunity, although rare. Each winter, Northern Right Whales migrate south from their feeding grounds off of the Northeastern United States to the area from the Georgia Border to Sebastian Inlet in South Brevard County to mate and calve. The occasional sighting of a mother and her calve just a few hundred yards offshore can be a spectacular site. Also look for Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and the occasional jumping Manta Ray.
GPS N 28 39.108 W 80 37.793
Google Satellite Image

Eddy Creek
Eddy Creek is located between beach parking lots 7 and 8 and provides to only access to the Mosquito Lagoon within the southern district of the Seashore. From the shoreline you can spot for pelicans, waterfowl and wading birds in the cove while also scanning the trees surronding the cove for neotropicals.
GPS N 28 40.541 W 80 38.884
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Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge;
Owned by NASA and home of Kennedy Space Center, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge has been managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service since 1963. Though there are four entrances open to NASA workers, only two are available to provide access to the public portions of the refuge, and they are the Max Brewer Causeway in Titusville and the State Road 3 entrance from US 1 just south of the town of Oak Hill in Volusia County. This is a large refuge, 140,000 acres and there are many locations scattered throughout the refuge that provide access to some of the best bird and wildlife watching to be found anywhere. In order to provide the most complete guide, each site will be handled separately as individual destinations, starting with Wildlife Drives, then Hiking Trails, and finally Drive to Vantage Points.
GPS Oak Hill Entrance N 28 50.049 W 80 50.512
Google Satellite Image, Oak Hill Entrance
GPS Titusville Entrance N 28 37.698 W 80 47.288
Google Satellite Image, Titusville Entrance
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Map
North Brevard Business Directory Refuge Website

Black Point Wildlife Drive;
The best place to see wildlife is along the Black Point Wildlife Drive. The 7-mile, one-way drive follows a dike road around several shallow marsh impoundments and through pine flatwoods. This provides an excellent place to see waterfowl (in season), wading birds, shorebirds and raptors. Alligators, river otters, bobcats, various species of snakes, and other wildlife may be visible as well. A self-guiding brochure (available near the drive entrance) will provide information on things to look for. One to two hours after sunrise and one to two hours before sunset are typically the best times to view wildlife actively feeding in the impoundments. Driving time is approximately 40 minutes
GPS N 28 39.538 W 80 45.311
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East Gator Creek Road
East Gator Creek can be accessed from two locations. The first is a shared entry with West Gator Creek on the right less than a mile from the Refuge Entrance Kiosk while the second is west on SR 406 until after it veers to the right at the turnoff for Black Point. (Where it becomes SR 402). Just after this point you will see the second entrance on the right.
GPS West Entrance N 28 38.195 W 80 46.639
Google Satellite Image West Entrance
GPS East Entrance N 28 38.575 W 80 45.988
Google Satellite Image East Entrance

Peacocks Pocket Road
Peacocks Pocket is accessed from State Road 406. A little less than 1 mile into the refuge, turn right on Gator Creek Road. Take the first left on East Gator Creek, then take the first right on Catfish Creek Loop Road, then take the next left at the three way intersection follow the shoreline and take the next left. This is Peacocks Pocket Road which lead to the shoreline of the Indian River Lagoon and follow it all the way to Peacocks Pocket, one of several coves in the area. When the lagoon shoreline section of the road ends it will turn left be a straight shot for a little over 2 miles through wetlands and pine forest back to State Road 402 near the Refuge Headquarters.To head back to Titusville, turn left.
GPS N 28 37.549 W 80 46.418
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Biolab Road
Biolab Road is accessed by following State Road 406 from Garden Street in Titusville. After entering the refuge look for the turnoff to Black Point Wildlife Drive at the bend in the road. Turn off here and follow the roadway past the entrance to Black Point until it ends at State Road 3. Turn to the north and look for NASA's Atmosheric Sciences Laboratory about 1 and 1/2 miles on the right (east) side of the road. Turn onto the dirt road and befor you get to the boat ramp at the end you will see a right turn. This is Biolab Road, which will take you along the shorline of mosquito lagoon to you're left and wetlands and salt marsh on your right. Look for alligators along the roadside canals, herons and egrets in the wetlands and white pelicans in the lagoon.
Editors Note; If you really want to see an alligator, the canals that follow this road that were built when the dike road was built is THE best place to see them. Along most of the dike roads including Black Point you might see one, two, or maybe three. In one trip along Biolab I counted several dozen big ones.
GPS N 28 42.368 W 80 43.315
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Oak Hammock Trail / Palm Hammock Trail;
The Hammock Trails are found about a mile east of the visitor's center on the left, where parking is provided and two loop trails take you through the hammocks and wetlands. The Oak Hammock trail is about 3/4 mile in length while the Palm Hammock Trail runs about 2 miles. Both of these trails can be pretty wet following periods of rain and be sure to bring plenty of bug repellent from about March through October. Songbirds, Peleated woodpeckers, and raptors can be spotted along these trails along with some wading birds. Other possible sightings include bobcats, raccoons, and other woodland wildlife.
GPS N 28 38.636 W 80 42.993
Google Satellite Image

Wild Birds Unlimited Trail
Bird trail is the first of two trails accessed from Black Point Wildlife Drive. The trailhead is about 1.7 miles into the wildlife drive to your left. There is a parking area just past the trailhead and the trail is due south This short trail offers an ADA accessable elevated viewing platform overlooking a shallow marsh. Wading birds and shorebirds often gather here in large numbers. Spotting scope included on platform.
GPS N 28 39.346 W 80 46.637
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Cruickshank Trail;
About halfway through Black Point Wildlife Drive there is a parking area with restrooms forming the trailhead for the Cruickshank Trail, a walking trail that follows the impoundment dike around the wetlands for about 4 1/2 miles. Good place for egrets, herons, ducks, pelicans, and numerous other waterfowl. Just a few hundred feet to the left of the trailhead is an elevated platform with a mounted spotting scope for viewing the vast salt marsh visible from this elevation.
GPS N 28 40.708 W 80 46.338
Google Satellite Image

Scrub Ridge Trail
The Scrub Ridge Trail features the favored habitat of the Florida Scrub Jay, an endemnic species to the state, existing nowhere else. It is a one mile loop through a habitat of low lying scrub oak and palmetto bushes. In addition to the Scrub Jay, many migratory birds use the low scrub for food and habitat while the skies are often patrolled by Raptors. Indigo snakes, gopher tortises, armadillos, and bobcats are other possible sightings.
The trailhead can be found by taking the Max Brewer Causeway across the river (SR 406) and taking The Black Point turnoff to the left then continuing on past the entrance to Black Point Wildlife Drive until the road ends at SR 3. Turn left (north) and you will see the sign pointing the way down a dirt road on your right (east) to the trailhead. Most of the vegetation here is pretty low (ie, not much shade) so I would recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, and water.
GPS N 28 41.700 W 80 42.949
Google Satellite Image

Pine Flatwoods Trail;
The Pine Flatwoods Trail is located north of haulover Canal on the east side of State Road 3 and is a one mile loop through a pine flatwoods. The trailhead can be found by taking the Max Brewer Causeway across the river (SR 406) and taking The Black Point turnoff to the left then continuing on past the entrance to Black Point Wildlife Drive until the road ends at SR 3. Turn left (north) and drive for 7.2 miles. The trailhead will be on the right (east).
GPS N 28 46.181 W 80 47.195
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Viewing Tower at Cruickshank Hiking Trail;
Located a few hundred feet to the left of the Cruickshank Trail Trailhead is an elevated platform with a mounted spotting scope for viewing birds within the vast salt marsh visible from this elevation.
GPS N 28 40.708 W 80 46.338
Google Satellite Image

Manatee Viewing Deck, Haulover Canal;
From Titusville, take SR-406 to sr-3 and head north until you cross over the canal, then take the first right and follow the road to the deck parking area. From Oak Hill, just follow SR-3 south and turn left just before the bridge.
Located on the Nartheast side of Haulover Canal, the manatees seem to love to hang out in large numbers near this deck. If you really want to see a manatee, this is the most likely place.
GPS N 28 44.263 W 80 45.285
Google Satellite Image

Haulover Canal;
The Haulover Canal area has several good vantage points for setting up a spotting scope and scoping for birds but the best is probably the North side of the canal at the Westernmost end. Here you can see Bird Island, the rookery island to the west and explore the cove adjacient to the canal. Look for dolphins and manatees entering the canal here as well as ospreys, waders, pelicans, comorants, and many others.
From Titusville, take SR-406 to sr-3 and head north until you cross over the canal, then take the first left and follow the road to the canal, and turn right to the end of the road. From Oak Hill, just follow SR-3 south and turn right just before the bridge, follow the road to the canal, and turn right to the end of the road. You can also stop at several of other spots along the canal for viewing.
GPS N 28 43.847 W 80 45.667
Google Satellite Image

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Spruce Creek Park;
6250 Ridgewood Ave. Port Orange 386-322-5133
The Entrance to Spruce Creek Park is on US-1 in Port Orange 5.5 miles north of the intersection of State Road 44 and US-1 in New Symrna. If approaching from the South a U-turn will have to be made north of the park.
Spruce Creek Park is located on 1,637 acres. Its 536-foot boardwalk begins more than three miles of nature trails leading to the 15-foot observation tower and continues to Rose Bay. The tower overlooks the marsh area near Spruce Creek.
GPS N 29 05.673 W 80 58.270
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River Breeze Park
250 H.H. Burch Road, Oak Hill, 386-322-5133
From Brevard County proceed North on US-1 to Oak Hill. (DO NOT SPEED THROUGH OAK HILL.) You will come the the intersection of Halafax and US-1, the only light in town, a flashing yellow light. Two miles north of this intersection turn right on H H Burch Road and the entrance to the park will be about .4 miles down on the left.
Situated on 37 acres with 5 acres directly on the water, Riverbree is a beautiful park in the small town of Oak Hill in southern Volusia County. A Nature Trail combined with a large dock overlooking the northern Mosquito Lagoon offers a great chance to Scope the opposite shoreline of one of the many islands in this part of the lagoon. An oyster bed lies inland of the end of the dock, exposed at low tide while the rest of the park is naturally wooded and a trail is provided.
GPS N 28 53.719 W 80 51.239
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Seminole Rest;
Seminole Rest is located east of US-1 in Oak Hill on River Road. (In Oakhill, turn east onto Halifax Avenue, which is located by the flashing caution light on US-1. Take Halifax Avenue east to River Road. Turn north on River Road. Seminole Rest is two tenths of a mile on the east side of River Road.
Seminole Rest is owned by the National Park Service and part of the Canaveral National Seashore although it is a stand alone destination on the mainland. It is primarily a Historic Site containing a large Indian Midden and the historic Instone House built before 1890. However the park also offers great views of the Mosquito Lagoon and an interpretive trail around the park.
GPS N 28 52.162 W 80 50.231
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