Thinking of heading out to Playalinda Beach? Canaveral National Seashore will begin implementing temporary closures and reduced operating hours on Thursday in support of the Artemis II launch campaign.

The restrictions were requested by NASA Launch Security. They will take effect on March 19th as SLS arrives back on Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center to be prepared for liftoff.

Playalinda Beach sits within view of Launch Complex 39B and is one of the closest public vantage points for watching SLS launches. The restricted access is standard practice when NASA maintains heightened security around an active launch vehicle and also at a time when our country is engaged in a foreign conflict.

On Thursday, Playalinda Beach will operate from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Beginning Friday, March 20, hours will shift to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — a schedule the Playalinda District will maintain until Artemis II successfully launches.

Several areas within the park will be off-limits for the duration of the pad campaign. Parking areas 1, 2 and 3 will be closed to the public, and the beach south of parking area 4 will be restricted from foot traffic. All beach road vistas will remain closed while the rocket is on the launch pad.

Canaveral National Seashore officials noted that additional temporary closures may be implemented up to and including launch day as the park continues to support NASA’s security requirements. Normal operations will resume once Artemis II is successfully off the pad.

Visitors with questions are encouraged to check the Canaveral National Seashore website or call the park before visiting.