Playalinda Beach (Florida)

Beach information

Playalinda is considered a surfing location by many of the locals.

Playalinda is accessible from Titusville, Florida. The beach is open to the public daily between 6:00 am to 6:00 pm year round. Access to the beach may be closed periodically in preparation for rocket launches from Cape Canaveral or the Kennedy Space Center, which are just south of Playalinda Beach.

Canaveral National Seashore has concurrent jurisdiction with both the state of Florida and its counties of Volusia and Brevard. Federal, State and County law enforcement officers may enforce any and all respective laws/ordinances that do not conflict with Federal laws and regulations.

Brevard County has an ordinance that prohibits nudity in public places. Playalinda Beach is within the jurisdiction of Brevard County thus the nudity ordinance is enforceable by county and state law officers as well as federal park rangers. The laws are rarely or erratically enforced, however.

Park fees

Geography

Playalinda Beach is on a barrier island separate from the mainland by the Indian River. The first parking spot is roughly located at 28°39′53″N 80°38′21″W (28.664722,-80.639167). Canaveral National Seashore's 24 miles (39 km) of shoreline is the longest stretch of undeveloped public beach on the east coast of Florida. The stretch of drivable beach is just over 4 miles (6.4 km).

The barrier island is a thin ribbon of sand lying between the ocean and Mosquito Lagoon. In some places it is no more than 100 yards (91 m) wide. Unlike many barrier islands with primary and secondary dunes, Playalinda has only a single dune. The island provides an important buffer against tropical storms and hurricanes, absorbing the initial brunt of wind and waves.