Playalinda Beach for Families: A Day Trip from Orlando
If you’re looking for a quiet beach day near Orlando, look no further than Playalinda Beach. An hour from downtown Orlando, Playalinda Beach is perfect for families that want to escape the crowds and tourist shops of bigger beaches (like Cocoa or New Smyrna). As a part of the Canaveral National Seashore (a national park!), the shoreline stretches, untouched and undeveloped, for 24 miles. Learn more about this beautiful beach and save a few tips for your visit!
Why Playalinda Beach?
While it might not be the most convenient beach, Playalinda more than makes up for it in charm. There are no highrises, no construction noise, no brightly colored restaurants. It truly feels like you’re sitting on a beach in old Florida. The dunes are stunning, and the beach is quiet. For us, the natural beauty makes it worth the drive and park fee (more info below)!
How to Get There
Playalinda Beach is located near Titusville on Florida’s east coast. After passing through Titusville, you’ll continue east through Florida shrub and marshes on small, two-lane roads. Eventually, you’ll reach the Playalinda Entrance Station.
There is a fee for entrance to the park, credit card only. It is $25 per private vehicle, or $45 for a Canaveral National Seashore Annual Pass. If you’re planning on visiting more than once, purchase the annual pass. An America the Beautiful Annual Pass (for national parks) works, too! You can always purchase your pass online before your visit.
Beach Amenities
From the Entrance Station, you’ll follow the road to one of the parking lots. There is plenty of parking in each lot, but if the lot seems full, just drive to the next one! Each parking lot has its own boardwalk to the beach and a set of bathrooms.
Just be warned that the toliet is literally a hole in the ground! It did the job, but it was easier to change the kids in the car than in the bathroom. (I also highly recommend bringing along a portable potty* for the littlest beach-goers, just in case.) There also aren’t any showers to rinse off – which can be difficult with small kids.
Beach Day: Your Packing List
Because Playalinda is a national park, there are not any stores or restaurants nearby. You’d have to go back to Titusville (about a 20 minute drive). With this in mind, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve packed what you need for your beach day, from extra water to plenty of sunscreen.
Wondering what I pack for a family day at the beach? Check out my post – How to Pack for the Beach with Toddlers.
Safety Tip
Perhaps the most important tip for families – there are no lifeguards at Playalinda. This is definitely something to consider when choosing to visit. (And why I recommended bringing your own first aid kit!)* Know your family’s swimming abilities and emphasize water safety. On our visits, we also make sure to check the flag warnings for the day and adjust our water rules with the kids accordingly.
Know Before You Go
Playalinda is one of the best spots to watch a rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center! In fact, it is because of the space program that Playalinda and the Canaveral National Seashore became a national park! If planning to visit for a rocket launch, be sure to check both NASA and the park’s websites for information, as access to the park is only available during opening hours, and they sometimes close the park depending upon the type of launch.
Perhaps one of the most famous aspects of Playalinda – the beach area connected to parking lot 13 is clothing optional. It is easy to avoid, though. Just make sure you park in one of the earlier numbered lots! Other activities popular in the park – fishing, surfing, and bird watching!
Final Thoughts: Playalinda Beach
Playalinda is a great family choice if you’re looking for somewhere quiet but within easy driving distance of Orlando. It does have its challenges without access to easy shops, abundant restrooms, or showers, but I think the old Florida charm makes up for it! Be sure to add Playalinda Beach to your list if looking for a more nature-focused beach experience.
