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

Nearby attractions

1. Eldora State House Museum

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. Apollo Beach

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)…

3. Marine Science Center

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…

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…

6. Klondike Beach

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…

7. Gamble Place

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…