Last Updated on January 14, 2024
Sebastian Inlet State Park is a Florida State Park located on the Treasure Coast. It is approximately 16 miles south of Melbourne Beach and 18 miles north of Vero Beach.
The park is situated on both sides of the Sebastian Inlet on the border of Brevard County and Indian River County.
This state park is known as a fantastic surfing spot and a great place for fishing. With gorgeous beaches, plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, and camping options, nature lovers have tons to enjoy at Sebastian Inlet State Park.
These are some of the best things to do during your visit to Sebastian Inlet State Park, including dining and camping options.
From surfing thrills to nature trails, check out all the places you can explore on a visit to this cool barrier island destination.
Planning Your Visit to Sebastian Inlet State Park
There is a lot that visitors can experience at Sebastian Inlet. There are many adventurous things to do, a restaurant, and numerous opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Because of all this park offers, we recommend planning ahead to ensure you have a great time.
TIPS:
- Sebastian Inlet State Park is open 24 hours a day.
- Admission fees are $8 per vehicle of 2 to 8 people. Fees for single-occupant vehicles are $4. Extra passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists are charged $2 each.
For more information, visit the official Florida State Parks website.
Sebastian Inlet State Park Address: 9700 S A1A Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Things to Do in Sebastian Inlet State Park
Sebastian Inlet State Park is a popular park to visit, thanks to its location. The Indian River Lagoon is located on the west side of the inlet, and the Atlantic Ocean is on the east side.
The park is also home to not one but two museums.
Surfing
Surfing is a huge draw that brings visitors to Sebastian Inlet State Park. The north side of the inlet offers some of the best surfing conditions in the area.
Check out the iconic spots like First Peak and Monster Hole promising a thrilling challenge for skilled surfers.
The Sebastian Inlet District hosts live webcams of different coastal areas in the inlet. The website includes information on the current temperature, humidity, wind speeds, wind direction, and other useful data.
The website is also a great tool to determine the conditions of water activities like surfing and swimming
Fishing
Fishing is another popular outdoor activity at this state park. The premier saltwater fishing spot is a great place to reel in fish like Spanish Mackerel, snapper, grouper, and more.
Choose between inshore and offshore fishing, which each offer different experiences. Inshore fishing offers a diverse selection of fish from the Indian River Lagoon and St. Sebastian River.
This is also a great area for offshore fishing. Enjoy the waters of the inlet, or if you are up for a challenge, steer over into the Atlantic Ocean, where you may be able to catch fish like tuna and barracuda.
TIPS:
- Before fishing, check for up-to-date information about regulations from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as a fishing license may be required.
- Spearfishing is prohibited at Sebastian Inlet State Park.
Bicycling
Bicyclists enjoy choosing from the park’s three different mountain bicycle trails. The mountain biking trails take cyclists through sandy and swampy flatland areas.
If you prefer paved routes, there is a multi-use paved path that runs through the park and sections of A1A, parallel to the Indian River Lagoon. The path extends over 40 miles, with multiple beach access options.
Birding
It’s a haven for birdwatchers with its wide variety of feathered residents and migrants. Over 200 different types of birds have been spotted in this area.
These are some of the top spots within Sebastian Inlet State Park for birding:
- The Indian River Lagoon: This vast estuary is home to a variety of shorebirds such as herons, egrets, and spoonbills. You may also spot ospreys and bald eagles fishing in the lagoon.
- The Mangrove Trail: This short trail takes you through a dense mangrove forest where you can see warblers, woodpeckers, and other songbirds.
- The Marina: The marina area is an excellent place to spot pelicans, gulls, and terns flying overhead or perched on boats.
The Park offers Guided Tours so be sure to check their website before venturing out.
Hiking
Visitors most likely will see a variety of wildlife while hiking in Sebastian Inlet State Park.
The Hammock Trail takes hikers on a short walk past mangroves and palm trees.
The mile-long trail goes through a variety of the inlet’s natural environments, such as coastal and sub-tropical areas, and is home to many unique plant species.
Paddling and Boating
While visiting Sebastian Inlet, make sure to explore the St. Sebastian River and Indian River lagoon. Kayak, paddleboard, and boat rentals are offered through BG’s Surfside Grill & Adventures, located within the park.
Single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and paddleboards are available to rent by the hour or full day. Pontoon boats are available to rent for four, six, or eight hours.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Scuba diving and snorkeling are two other exciting ways to explore the water.
Other than the boat channel and the Sebastian Inlet Bridge, divers and snorkelers have access to most areas and can discover great spots, such as the rock reefs.
TIPS:
- Dives must be done with at least two divers and completed at least an hour before sunset.
- Divers and snorkelers must be within 100 feet of a dive flag at all times.
- Summer months provide the best visibility in the water.
Sea Turtle Watching
Sea turtle nesting season runs from March 1 through October 31. However, it’s always a good reminder year round to take care of the beaches.
Sebastian Inlet sits between two segments of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Reserve. This area boasts the highest nesting densities of loggerhead and green sea turtles in the Western Hemisphere.
It’s fascinating that Leatherback sea turtles lay approximately 110 eggs.
The temperature of the sand during incubation determines the sex. If it’s 86 degrees or hotter, the baby sea turtles will be female. If the sand is any cooler, they are likely to be male.
Archie Carr was established by Congress in 1989 and covers 20.5 miles of beaches in Brevard and Indian River counties.
If you want to learn more about Florida Sea Turtle Nesting Season and Sea Turtle Walks, we are in the process of updating these articles for 2024.
Museums at Sebastian Inlet State Park
McLarty Treasure Museum
The McLarty Treasure Museum is located within Sebastian Inlet State Park. The museum answers the question of how the area became known as the Treasure Coast.
Located on a survivors camp of the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet, learn about how the fleet was hit by a hurricane off the coast. It left so much gold, silver, and jewels, that they are still salvaging artifacts to this day.
TIPS:
- The McLarty Treasure Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
- Admission to this museum is $2 per person.
Sebastian Fishing Museum
The Sebastian Fishing Museum is another museum located within the park. This museum is dedicated to the local fishing industry.
Learn about Sebastian’s first fish houses and the families that operated them. You can also see historic photos and artifacts on display.
TIPS:
- The Sebastian Fishing Museum is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
- Admission to this museum is included in park admission.
Eating in Sebastian Inlet State Park
There are a couple of great options for eating in Sebastian Inlet State Park: picnicking and dining at the park’s onsite restaurant.
Picnicking
There are a couple of picnic areas located within the park, including a picnic area on the north side by the beach.
There’s also one on the south side, which overlooks the Sebastian Inlet.
Whichever spot you choose, a picnic table with a beautiful view is awaiting you.
BG’s Surfside Grill
BG’s Surfside Grill is an excellent place to dine in Sebastian Inlet State Park. Visitors can order freshly prepared meals at the restaurant’s counter.
This spot serves breakfast and lunch. Breakfast options include their Sunrise Sandwich and Sunrise Burrito, both served with tater tots.
Lunch options include burgers, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, hotdogs, salads, and seafood. Their onion rings are exceptionally good.
BG’s Surfside Grill is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Camping at Sebastian Inlet State Park
Sebastian Inlet State Park Campground is a great place to camp. It is conveniently situated between the beach and the inlet.
The campground offers both RV sites and tent campsites. The sites all come with water and electric hookups, a picnic table, and a fire ring with a grill.
There are restrooms and a dump station as well.
The Bayside Marina also has primitive camping available, perfect for those looking to go fishing in that area. Primitive camping includes a tent site without electricity or running water.
Toilets are available, and shower facilities are accessible for a small fee.
TIPS:
- Camping fees are $28 per night plus tax, in addition to a $6.70 reservation fee.
- There is a $7 utility fee RV units pay for water and electric hookups.
- Check-in starts at 3 pm. Check-out is at 1 pm.
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