Sebastian Inlet State Park


Stretching along a narrow strip of the barrier island, this busy park, popular with fishers, surfers, boaters and families, is divided into two sections by the inlet bridge. On the north side swimming is safe for children in the calm-water lagoon; on the south you'll find a marina with boat rental, a small fishing museum and an uninspiring campground ($31 per site).

In June and July you can join ranger-led sea turtle nesting walks (reservations necessary).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. McClarty Treasure Museum

1.44 MILES

In 1715 a Spanish ship carrying gold and treasure went down in a hurricane, and survivors built a makeshift camp. This small museum, featuring a 45-minute…

2. Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

3.09 MILES

Established in 1903 as a refuge for the endangered brown pelican, Pelican Island was America's first federal bird reservation, the forerunner of today's…

3. Environmental Learning Center

6.72 MILES

This 64-acre reserve, dedicated to educating folks about the fragile environment of the Indian River estuary, offers hands-on displays and a boardwalk…

4. Vero Beach Museum of Art

14.71 MILES

With changing fine-art exhibitions and regular outdoor jazz concerts, this sleek, white museum in Riverside Park could easily hold its own against any big…

5. Melbourne Beach

16.37 MILES

Backed by Ocean Park with its boardwalk, gazebo and showers, Melbourne Beach, along with its neighbor, Indialantic Beach (to the north), offers miles and…

6. Ryckman Park

16.59 MILES

Located in Melbourne's historic district, this family-friendly park features a large playground, bocce and basketball courts, and the nationally…

7. McKee Botanical Gardens

17.26 MILES

In Vero's early-1920s tourist heyday, Waldo Sexton (of the eponymous Waldo's) and Arthur McKee joined forces to open the 80-acre McKee Jungle Gardens,…

8. Urca de Lima

26.03 MILES

In 1715 a Spanish flotilla was decimated in a hurricane off the Florida coast. One of the ships, the Urca de Lima, went down (relatively) intact. Today,…