Turtle Mound National Historic Site
Turtle Mound National Historic Site
Turtle Mound National Historic Site
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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82 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
304 reviews
Excellent
174
Very good
97
Average
25
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Ward D
Satellite Beach, FL2,623 contributions
Mar 2020
This site is inside the Canaveral National Seashore park and so has a national park entrance fee for the vehicle. After entering you travel about 1 mile after entering the park. It is on the west side of the road but there are only about 10 spaces to park. There is a wooden boardwalk about 300 feet long that leads you to a “T”. The site is under construction. The right hand turn on the “T” is closed with a sign across the gate. The left hand side leads down to an open area close to the river. There is a plaque that describes the site by the river. If you look to the right from the plaque you will see a shell walkway that leads along the river. The short walk through the mangroves leads to a secluded beach right on the river. It is a very pleasant place to visit.
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
markus2229
Holland, MA89 contributions
Jun 2021
When we visit NSB, we spend a lot of time at Canaveral National Seashore. We always manage to make it up to turtle mound a few times. The walk ways are newer and well maintained and the two viewing areas at the top offer wonderful views of the river and ocean. Always a nice relaxing breeze as well. Great opportunities for photography and always see quite a few butterflies.
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CNDfamilytravelor
21 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
So much to see, from armadillo’s on the side of the road, beautiful beaches, dolphins, hiking trails, places to fish and more. We purchased a seasons pass so my husband could go daily while I worked. Amazing place - a must see.
Written February 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eliz.W
11 contributions
Feb 2023
Seriously, we couldn't tell if what we were walking up was the turtle mound or not. Very little signage around and I totally expected something a little more. The mound is covered in vegetation so you can't really even see that once was a mound of shells. The story is great however and inspired us to visit. Worth going if only to drive on down the road to experience the rest of the park.
Written February 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wendy K
20 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
The turtle mound is not much to see but the walk on the boardwalk on a nice day is simply beautiful. the 360° view is absolutely worth it. The beaches at the park are nice. However ...fair warning ...the last beach is not suitable for children or anyone that doesn’t want to take their clothes off! We were taken by surprise, unfortunately. This is not posted anywhere nor were we warned at the entrance gate.
Written December 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gemz_12
Schenectady, NY27 contributions
Apr 2017 • Solo
Turtle Mound is part of the Canaveral National Seashore. I went there four times while I was in FL this year. The visitor center is helpful because you can get info on upcoming talks and activities. There is a wooden foot bridge up to the top of Turtle Mound which consists of sort of an overgrown mountain of oyster shells. When you get to the top there is the most amazing view of the ocean to the right and the inland waterway to the left.
Written May 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris F
Farmington, CT645 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
The Turtle Mound prehistoric site is located just inside the Cape Canaveral National Seashore. It is a large shell midden built up over hundreds of years by the Timucan people around 1000 BCE. The mound is accessed by a wooden ramp way that takes you to the top where there are views of both the seashore and the many connected inland lakes. An audio tour is available for your smart phone with access explained on a sign at the beginning of the ramp. Picnic grounds are located nearby.
Written February 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
3kiddosfromGA
Clayton, GA73 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
Only reason I am not giving excellent rating is we went to the visitor center which is very nice, had an informative video about the park, but I asked the lady at desk which parking spot was best to go to the beach, she said all were nice, 1 was best because had a shower, went to 6 and set up chairs and it was a NUDE beach!! In a national park?? If would have been signs or ranger should have told me not to go with my kids! I will be back to the park because it is a beautiful spot but not to parking 6
Written July 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
32818LynMick
Orlando, FL35 contributions
May 2017
Have heard of Turtle Mound for years but this was first visit. Has a good view of surrounding land and water of Mosquito Lagoon. It is a midden or shell mound. Empty shells visible all the way up the climb. Glad I can now say I've been there but glad it was included with other things on our drive down Canaveral National Seashore.I would have been disappointed to drive and only see the Mound.
Written May 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GailCheryl
Iowa City, IA3,243 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
What a lovely and peaceful way to experience the primeval land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River. The walk through the mangroves at Turtle Mound was made possible by a beautifully crafted boardwalk with multiple overlooks. We saw red admiral and monarch butterflies there, an osprey, herons, willets, plovers at the beach. . . the ranger told us to look out for a mama bobcat and two young kits, and though we didn’t get a view of the family it was a thrill to know they were about. The staff at the visitor center was very helpful and enthusiastic. We pulled into the boat access at the end of the road to look for more birds and were treated to a sighting of two river otters playing near the shore of the river. They were curious and came up close to check us out, squeaking. On the way out we saw that two black vultures had perched on the signposts – they were magnificent in their buzzardy way. The beach is spectacular. Wild and clean and seemingly endless, the dunes held down by the oatgrass and fan palms . . . giving a sense of how much of Florida must have looked a hundred years ago.
Written October 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JasonNTeri
Umatilla, FL15 contributions
One of the reviews said there is a nude beach. Yuck! Is that true?? Hopefully not as I was hoping to visit this Historic Site.
David B
Troy, United States40 contributions
No. No nude beaches. We took our children. We would have not had our children there if that had been the case.
StevenMcIntireAllen
Boulder, CO4 contributions
What are the visitor center hours please?
joy12Blairsville_GA
Blairsville, GA803 contributions
On the National Park Service web site for Canaveral National Seashore Florida the hours are stated under the heading "All Park - Canaveral Seashore" - Standard hours quoted are 6 AM - 8 PM with the Apollo Visitor Center open from 9 AM - 5 PM.
The visitor center has a lot of useful information and several "touch" items which all ages will enjoy.
E859FGmargaretp
San Pierre, IN2 contributions
Can you see a launch from turtle mound park
David B
Troy, United States40 contributions
There was no launch while we were there, but I'm sure we would have been able to have seen it if there had been one.
Is there a kayak launch?
GilliganIslandFan
Daytona Beach, FL11 contributions
Yes located across from parking lot#5 and I believe after the entrance on the right hand side.
Jill J
New Smyrna Beach, FL33 contributions
what is the cost
Riwist
Burke, VA124 contributions
The Turtle Mound is part of the Canaveral National Seashore National Park. The fee, according to their newest web site, is $10 per vehicle unless you have one of the National Park Service passes listed in the other answers. Once on the Park, all the other sights, walks, and beaches are free. Enjoy!
Kim L
Vernon, New Jersey, United States
What time does it close
pjpowers82
Hanson, MA295 contributions
Right now they are on summer house - 6am to 8pm
Winter hours are only until 6pm because of the earlier sunset
They won't kick you out right at closing, but will ask visitors to leave shortly after to avoid issues with turtle activity at night
Jim T
Savannah, GA4 contributions
Is Turtle Mound in New Smyrna Beach dog-friendly
GilliganIslandFan
Daytona Beach, FL11 contributions
No, it's not. I wish it was my babies would love it here!
Can you still fish there?
GilliganIslandFan
Daytona Beach, FL11 contributions
Yes, sometimes they get good catches.
BeachcomberT
Daytona Beach, FL104 contributions
How do you reach this site from U.S. 1?
josie5689
86 contributions
Take State road 44 east over the south causeway (the tall bridge) and it turns into A1A and veers south. Keep going to the gatehouse at the Canaveral National Seashore. It is about 8 miles from US1, New Smyrna Beach.
Turtle Mound National Historic Site (New Smyrna Beach) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Turtle Mound National Historic Site
- Turtle Mound National Historic Site is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Turtle Mound National Historic Site:
- (3.01 mi) Night Swan Intracoastal Bed and Breakfast
- (2.53 mi) Anchor Inn B&B
- (2.96 mi) Inn On The Avenue Bed & Breakfast
- (3.29 mi) Black Dolphin Inn
- (3.34 mi) Atlantic Plaza
- Restaurants near Turtle Mound National Historic Site:
- (0.18 mi) Lost Lagoon Wings & Grill
- (0.18 mi) AirGate Café
- (0.43 mi) Bello Valentino's
- (2.39 mi) Uncle Chicken's
- (2.84 mi) AA Garden Fusion