Sebastian Inlet State Park
The Amazing Opportunities Of Sebastian Inlet State Park
The Jewel of Florida
Sebastian Inlet Jetty.
Sebastian Inlet State Park is a paradise on the east coast of Florida. Anglers come for the Spanish mackerel, redfish, bluefish and snook. Surfers gather for the waves and the yearly competitions and two exceptional museums supply the area’s history. The fishing industry is represented by the Sebastian Fishing Museum and the history of the Spanish treasure fleet of 1715 along with the details of the Florida shipwreck of the English Quaker Jonathan Dickinson is spectacularly displayed at the McLarty Treasure Museum. The beautiful beaches stretch for three miles and offer swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba diving and shelling. The waters often reflect kayaks and canoes in the Indian River. The Hammock Trail is a mile long and the perfect place for a relaxing stroll. Families frequent the picnic areas and waterfront pavilions for family outings. There are even boat ramps and campsites available with full facilities.
The Beauty of Nature
A Loggerhead Sea Turtle at Sebastian Inlet State Park. Photo credit floridastateparks.org
Sebastian Inlet State Park is an extraordinary place to observe wildlife. In excess of 180 different bird species flock to the area during the year. The beaches have more nesting sea turtles than anywhere in the United States including loggerhead sea turtles. The Indian River Lagoon provides seagrass beds to feed juvenile green sea turtles. Atlantic bottlenose dolphins often frolic in the waters around the Atlantic. Visitors arriving from March through October will see Manatees in the waters. The right whale is the worlds most endangered whale with only 300 remaining. They sometimes come near the coast in January and February. The most common animals include opossums and racoons but river otters, alligators and bobcats are sometimes seen.
The Outdoor Activities
The campgrounds are very close to the beach and the inlet. There are 51 campsites providing electrical hook-ups, picnic tables and a fire ring with a grill. Visitors will enjoy the restroom facilities, laundry facilities, dump station and pay phones. The park also provides the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library. These are picture books enjoyed by campers from ages four to nine. The pirates and sea turtles ensure the children become acquainted with the real Florida. RV camping is also available and numerous families come just for the incredible swimming. Lifeguard protection is provided from Memorial day until Labor Day. The Cove is a favorite spot due to the gentle slope, hard bottom and protection of the area. This is the perfect place for kids to spend the day swimming, splashing and having fun with their families.
The Amazing Water Activities
Surfers refer to this as The Green Room. Photo credit Richard Vogel on floridastateparks.org.
The first peak is right near the north jetty and provides consistent surf breaks. The Monster Hole is on the south side of the inlet and an extremely hot spot for surfers. When the surf is high, the ocean floor rises to form long lines of waves. This increases the length of the ride. Snorkelers and scuba divers can enjoy all the waters except the boat channel and beneath the Sebastian Inlet Bridge. The water visibility during the summer is sensational. There are miles of enticing rock reefs extending from south of the inlet. Boat ramps are provided for access to the salty Atlantic Ocean, the freshwaters of the Sebastian River, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Indian River Lagoon’s brackish waters. The ramps are located on both sides of the inlet with the main facility offering four boat ramps on the south side of the inlet. Anyone with a sailboat, kayak or canoe can easily launch from the non-motorized boat
Photo credit floridasnaturalwonders.com.
launch. This is located at Coconut Point. Spending time on the water is an amazing way to enjoy the day.
The Joy of Bicycling and Fishing
There is a paved path at Sebastian Inlet State Park perfect for bicycling running parallel to the Indian River Lagoon in certain areas. This path stretches for forty miles and even provides numerous points for beach access. The park itself has three trails for mountain bicycles. The off-road cyclists will discover a welcome challenge in the swampy and sandy flatlands. For those who prefer a nice stroll there is Hammock Trail. This nature trail encompasses the fringe of the mangroves, oak hammock and palms. This is the place to enjoy the coastal shade. There are signs describing the unique species in the area that are fascinating. Visitors can bicycle or stroll down the beach and through the nature trail. Inlet, river and beach anglers will adore the fishing provided by the waters. Many people are graced with an impressive catch. There are so many activities available and so much to do many people have wished they could live right here.
The Sebastian Inlet Camping Facility offers spaces for RVs up to 40 feet in length; all 51 campsites have water and electric hookups. For more information, visit the Florida State Parks website. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance online or by calling 800.326.3521 between 8am to 8pm eastern. Pets are allowed but please review their Pet Policies prior to bringing your pooch.
