Beach 411 ~ Playalinda Beach

Space Coast near Cape Canaveral, Atlantic Coast (central)

• Beach type: Secluded – hidden local gem.
• Beach Geography: White sand and blue sea.
• Ease of Access: Accessible by road, good parking and accessible areas at select parking markers. Head to the far north end at Parking Area 13 for the naturist area.
• Extra Costs: There is a fee of $5 per vehicle and $1 for bikers, cyclists and pedestrians/day to enter Cape Canaveral National Seashore. An annual park pass can be purchased for $35.
• Beach Amenities: Parking areas have chemical toilets and trash cans. There is a visitor’s center and lifeguards are on duty at the main beach between 10am – 5pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are no showers, running water, concessions or payphones.
• Special Note: A nature lover’s delight.
• Geo-locator: Where is Playalinda Beach?

Do you care to bare?

Move over wooden bangles and dangly earrings, we’re shedding it all when we visit Playalinda Beach, a barrier island on Canaveral National Seashore. Yes, we understand nudism is illegal in Florida, but this is one beach you can shed your clothes and no one will notice – or care.

The most northern parking area of the beach is so secluded that nudism laws aren’t enforced. You’ll find a wide variety of visitors here from heterosexual couples to gay men to true naturists. If this describes you, Playalinda Beach should be on your (nude) vacation radar. If you’re not into public displays of your body, Playalinda has a more conservative section along the earlier parking lots leading up to Parking lot #13.

Local Activities

Playalinda is renowned for the best surfing spots in Florida. Year-round guided tours are held by Canaveral National Seashore, teaching important lessons about the fragile eco-system and wildlife.

Area Attractions & Events

Bring your camera and get some great pictures of the Space Shuttle launch pads located across the beach. Take a journey to Mosquito Lagoon and watch for dolphins, manatee and shore birds. A day trip to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is great for eco-tourists. More than 140,000 acres of estuaries, marshes, coastal dunes and palm and oak hammocks await you and a little further up the Canaveral National Seashore (easier to access from New Smyrna at the top ends of the park) are the turtle breeding grounds with organized turtle walks sponsored by the National Parks Rangers.

Area Events

• Manatee Arts Festival (May): A two day event full of arts and crafts.
• Titusville Sea Turtle Festival (June): walks, events and family-friendly learning
• Taste of Titusville (Spring): Held in Titusville, sample food and treats from local restaurants at this food extravaganza.

Nightlife and Accomodations

As Playalinda Beach is deep within the Canaveral National Seashore National Park, select camping areas are offered on Canaveral National Seashore, so book early if you are looking to camp here. You’ll find hotels and motels in nearby Titusville, New Smyrna Beach, Orlando and Daytona. Check out whats available by exploring Booking.com.

For your nightlife after visiting Playalinda Beach, you’ll need to head into the surrounding communities to find the rhythm that makes you dance. Whether you’re influenced by the Cuban, Spanish or rock n roll vibe, opportunities abound with unique pubs, clubs and live concerts.

Florida Weather

They don’t call Florida the Sunshine State for no reason! With great sunshine year-round, Florida’s temps vary modestly depending on season. Summer brings temperatures between 81°F – 91°F, while winter temperatures drop between 61°F – 75°F with the rare, occasional frost thrown in when the jet stream pushes really low. As the summer heats up, so too does the chance of rain, high humidity and the risk of tropical storms. Understanding Florida is a warm climate overall, if you are from the upper states or Canada, even those winter temperatures are shorts and sandals season while the locals are bundled against the cold. Remember, you’re heading to the beach!

For more information or help planning your next Florida getaway, visit: 

• Space Coast Visitor and Convention Bureau
• Visit Florida
• Playalinda Beach on TripAdvisor

Planning your next Florida beach getaway, visit our other Florida Beaches Guides:

• Apollo Beach
• Caladesi Island State Park
• Clearwater Beach
• Cocoa Beach
• Daytona Beach
• Egmont Key
• Englewood Beach
• Fernandina Beach
• Florida's Historic Coast
• Fort DeSoto Park
• Fort Walton Beach
• Gulf Islands National Seashore
• Haulover Beach
• Honeymoon Island State Park
• Jensen (Blind Creek) Beach
• Marco Island Beach
• Naples Beach
• Navarre Beach
• New Smyrna Beach
• Panama City Beach
• Pass-a-Grill Beach
• Pensacola Beach
• Perdido Key
• Playalinda Beach
• Ponte Vedra Beach
• Seaside Beach
• Sebastian Inlet State Park
• Shell Island
• St. Andrews State Recreational Area
• St. George Island State Park
• St. Joseph Peninsula National Park
• St. Pete’s Beach
• St. Vincent Wildlife Refuge

Ever played at Playalinda Beach in Florida? We'd love to hear what you most loved about it! Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram – and let's continue the conversation!