Canaveral National Seashore

Highlights

Canaveral National Seashore offers one of the most unique riding experiences in the National Park system; Miles of…

Riding

Rideable terrain here is noted as 5 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. Located along Florida’s east coast, the seashore protects dunes, coastal marshes, and some of the longest stretches of untouched beach in the state. Equestrian access is limited to designated areas of the Apollo Beach district and requires a special permit, preserving both the fragile ecosystem and the quiet nature of the experience.

Rideable terrain

5 miles

Horse regulations

Permit Required • A Special Park Use permit is required to ride horses on beach sections at Canaveral. Permits are typically obtained in advance by phone or in person at the visitor center. • Permits specify a designated time slot for riding and may limit the number of horses and trailers per group (often up to ~6 horses and 2 trailers per slot). Where Riding Is Allowed • Riding with your own horses is allowed on designated beach riding zones at the Apollo Beach district. • Horses are not permitted north of Apollo Beach (e.g., Playalinda Beach in the South District). • Riders must stay within the authorized beach riding area defined by the permit. Trailer Access & Parking • Trailer parking is available only in designated areas near beach access points. • Due to limited space, there are no waiting lots. You must arrive on time for your permit slot. Coggins & Health Requirements • A negative Coggins test certificate is required for each horse at the time the permit is issued. Seasonal & Wildlife Restrictions • Beach riding at Canaveral is subject to seasonal closures for sea turtle nesting and other wildlife protection. Riding is typically prohibited during nesting season (mid-April through October, or until nests hatch). • Riding outside this area or during nesting closures is prohibited to protect wildlife and habitat. Horse Etiquette & Safety • Ride slowly near pedestrians and other users; yield to people on foot. • Horses must be led over boardwalks and only ridden where the permit authorizes. • Manure must be removed from parking areas, roads, and the beach. • Do not tether horses on dunes or in vegetated zones. • Avoid lingering at water’s edge in areas where horses are not allowed. Horses are permitted on the beach within the designated Apollo Beach riding zone and may enter the water, as long as you remain within your authorized permit area.

Getting here

Use 7611 S Atlantic Ave, New Smyrna Beach, Florida as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Trailer access is more primitive here, so confirm current staging conditions before you arrive.

Planning your visit

• Sea turtle nesting season controls access. Beach riding is typically closed from mid-April through October (or until the last nest hatches). This is non-negotiable and strictly enforced. Always confirm current nesting dates before planning your trip. • A Special Park Use permit is required. Riding is only allowed within your assigned time slot and designated beach section at Apollo Beach. Permits are limited and should be secured in advance. • Trailer parking is limited. There are designated trailer spaces and no overflow waiting areas. Arrive on time for your slot — early arrivals may not have space to stage. • Heat and humidity are serious factors. Even in cooler months, Florida sun exposure can be intense. Plan early morning rides, monitor hydration closely, and be mindful of sand temperature for your horse’s comfort. • Tides and surf conditions matter. Beach width changes with tide cycles, and footing can shift from firm to deep sand quickly. Check tide charts and evaluate surf before entering the water. • Wildlife protections are strict. Stay out of dunes and vegetated areas. Avoid marked nesting zones. Do not allow horses to linger in sensitive shoreline areas. • Negative Coggins documentation is required. Bring paperwork for each horse when obtaining your permit. • This is beach riding — not trail riding. There is no shade, limited fresh water, and minimal infrastructure once on the sand. Come fully self-sufficient. What to Plan For Best Riding Season: Late fall through early spring Ideal Ride Window: Early morning for cooler sand and lighter beach traffic Bring: Extra water, sun protection, tide awareness, and current paperwork Expect: Wind, open exposure, soft sand, and pedestrians near access points

Where to stay

Apollo Beach Visitor Center is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. This entry reads best as a bring-your-own-horse destination rather than a horse-rental stop, and amenities should be confirmed directly before travel. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near New Smyrna Beach before heading deeper into federal-land access points.