Sebastian Inlet State Park

Sebastian Inlet State Park is a Florida state park located 10 miles south of Melbourne Beach and 6 miles north of Vero Beach in Florida. The park lies on both sides of the Sebastian Inlet, which forms the boundary between Brevard and Indian River counties. The land for the park was acquired by the state of Florida in 1971. In 2010, it was the second most visited state park in Florida.[1]

Sebastian Inlet State Park
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
Indian River shoreline of Sebastian Inlet State Park
LocationBrevard and Indian River counties, Florida, United States
Nearest citySebastian, Florida
Coordinates27°51′05″N 80°26′41″W
EstablishedAugust 12, 1970
Visitors700,000 (in 2006)
Governing bodyFlorida Department of Environmental Protection

Geography

The park occupies 755 acres (3.06 km2) on the barrier island on the Atlantic coast of Brevard County, at a point where a channel links the Indian River intracoastal waterway with the Atlantic. Part of the park is south of the inlet on Orchid Island in Indian River County

History

A Spanish fleet was wrecked in this area in 1715. The site where the survivors camped was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on August 12, 1970, under the title of Spanish Fleet Survivors and Salvors Camp Site. Today, the McLarty Treasure Museum (a part of the park) exhibits artifacts relating to the wreck.

Recreational activities

The park mainly provides leisure activities, particularly fishing from both its Atlantic and Indian River shores; fishing jetties extend from both sides of the inlet into the ocean. There are facilities for swimming, surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving from the 5 km (3.1 mi) of Atlantic beach. Boats can be launched into the Indian River, and there is a marina complex at the north end of the park. Camping is permitted in a designated area.

Wildlife is abundant in the park, and the casual visitor can reasonably hope to see ospreys and many species of shorebird. Sea turtles nest in the park, and visitors during the summer may make reservations for a nighttime foray to observe nesting loggerhead turtles. The park also contains two museums: McLarty Treasure Museum and Sebastian Fishing Museum.

A tidal pool (Robert Campbell Cove) within the state park contains varied marine and bird life and permits a safe area for swimming and a beach for children.

A new activity, which will include interactive signs that highlight different birds throughout the park, should be ready for visitors to use by May of 2021. Guests can use a QR code to learn as they walk the designated path to find out various information and facts about these birds. Bonnie Lizer, who passed away last yea[2]r, made a significant contribution to the Florida State Parks Foundation, which is allowing this current project to be funded.

Hours

Unlike many state parks, Sebastian Inlet is open 24 hours per day.

Notes
  1. Waymer, Jim (31 January 2011). "Park is 2nd most visited in state despite 10% drop in attendance". Florida Today. Melbourne, Florida. pp. 7A.
  2. Treadway, Tyler. "Bird watcher's $1 million gift to foundation will buy signs at Sebastian Inlet State Park". TCPalm. Treasure Coast Newspapers. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
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