Playalinda is a beautiful beach, and you can see amazing views of the Kennedy Space Center Assembly Building and one of the launch pads. For a small fee you can enjoy the entire Merritt Island Wildlife Reserve from dawn until dusk. It is almost completely undeveloped with no running water and just a small bathroom every few miles. Playalinda Beach is great for a day with the family but it is also known for being one of the few nude beaches left in Florida.
When you get to Playalinda Beach you will first notice the giant sand dunes you must cross to get to the beach. Make sure that you use the beach walk over because the dunes are protected by Florida State Law. If you look to the south you won’t be able to miss one of NASA’s launch pads. It is truly amazing because it feels so close. You can continue to walk to the south until you reach a certain point which has a barrier explaining that beyond that fence there is to be no trespassing because it is NASA’s property. Some might think that this would be an amazing place to view a launch and I am sure it is but the public will never really know because they close the beach one day before and one day after a launch.
If you go further north you will eventually see a boardwalk and you will also notice a change in attire. This is where you find the nude sunbathers. In Brevard County Florida it is illegal to display nudity in public places but I’ve heard that because it is on federal property this law is often overlooked. So do this at your own risk. Most people come to the beach with children, so if you do make sure to stay to the south side of the beach.
When enjoying this amazing beach make sure that you bring lots of sunscreen and plenty of water and snacks to get you through the day because there are no stores and there is no running water as I previously mentioned. If you are staying for the entire day I would recommend bringing at least three bottles of water per person and some snacks that won’t dehydrate you such as fruit. You might also want to bring an umbrella because the Florida sun can be harsh, especially on people with fair skin, and be sure your sun block has at least an SPF of 35.
Directions –
From Interstate 95 – take State Road 406 exit at Titusville. After crossing the Indian River, take a right fork onto State Road 402 and continue east to the beach.
From Cocoa Beach – take Highway A1A north to State Road 528 and go west to State Road 3 and follow it north to State Road 402, then turn east (right) and proceed to the beach.
