Located at the northern end of Mosquito Lagoon, Turtle Mound is the largest shell midden in the mainland United States. It stands around 50ft high and consists of 1.5 million bushels (53 million liters) of oyster shells, the remains of the Timucuan culture, an ancient civilization that hunted rodents, reptiles and birds on these shores for five centuries prior to European contact. It can be reached via hiking trails from Apollo Beach and offers panoramic views over the park and ocean.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
29.42 MILES
Within this 140,000-acre campus, the dreams of some of the greatest scientific minds of the 20th century took flight all the way to the moon and back…
Daytona International Speedway
22.91 MILES
The Holy Grail of raceways has a diverse race schedule. Ticket prices skyrocket for good seats at big races, headlined by the Daytona 500 in February. It…
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
20.7 MILES
This unspoiled 140,000-acre refuge is one of the country's best birding spots, especially from October to May (early morning and after 4pm). More…
14.93 MILES
The stretch between Apollo and Playalinda is as pristine as it gets: there are no roads and it's accessible only on foot or by bike (if you are skilled…
14.38 MILES
The 24 miles of pristine, windswept beaches here comprise the longest stretch of undeveloped beach on Florida's east coast. They include family-friendly…
Southeast Museum of Photography
22.93 MILES
We love this hidden treasure in Daytona, a service of the Daytona State College: it's the only museum in Florida dedicated solely to photography. This…
18.3 MILES
At Daytona Beach Drive-In Church you can get your daily dose of (Protestant) religion from the comfort of your car. Pull in to the former drive-in movie…
Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum
28.45 MILES
What started off as a hobby for 12 combat veterans has grown into a 1500-member-strong club and fascinating museum, which celebrates the region's aviation…
Nearby Space Coast attractions
1.56 MILES
Eldora was a small waterfront community of around 100 citrus farmers and fishers, many of them veterans of the Civil War, who settled here between 1877…
2.88 MILES
This 6-mile beach, at the northern end of the park and immediately south of New Smyrna, attracts families. It has boardwalk access (wheelchair accessible)…
11.96 MILES
We were impressed by this center's rescue, rehab and release programs for sea turtles and seabirds that nest on Daytona's beaches. It's a fun and…
4. Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
11.99 MILES
Those prone to vertigo may wish to forgo the 203-spiral-step climb to the top of Florida's tallest lighthouse and enjoy the interesting historical…
5. Canaveral National Seashore
14.38 MILES
The 24 miles of pristine, windswept beaches here comprise the longest stretch of undeveloped beach on Florida's east coast. They include family-friendly…
14.93 MILES
The stretch between Apollo and Playalinda is as pristine as it gets: there are no roads and it's accessible only on foot or by bike (if you are skilled…
17.32 MILES
Twenty minutes south of Daytona but a million miles away, the winter estate of the Gamble family (of Procter & Gamble fortune) lies in a sun-dappled glade…
8. Daytona Beach Drive-In Church
18.3 MILES
At Daytona Beach Drive-In Church you can get your daily dose of (Protestant) religion from the comfort of your car. Pull in to the former drive-in movie…