Last Updated on December 10, 2023
Are you looking for the best things to do in Sebastian, FL? We’re here to help you plan a great getaway.
The City of Sebastian is located on Florida’s East Coast, approximately 25 miles south of Melbourne Beach and 14 miles north of Vero Beach.
This Central East Florida city is situated in Indian River County along the Indian River Lagoon. Sebastian is the largest city in the county.
These are some of the top things to do in Sebastian, including places to eat, shop, and stay during your visit.
From beautiful beaches and authentic cuisine to cool shops, check out all the places you can visit on a trip to this fairly unknown destination on the Treasure Coast.
Fun Things to Do in Sebastian, FL
Sebastian Inlet State Park
Sebastian Inlet State Park is a beautiful place to visit in Sebastian, Florida.
Located on a barrier island on the East Coast of Florida, the state park has the Indian River on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
There are plenty of things to do at this state park. Enjoy wildlife viewing while walking along nature trails, or engage in water activities like fishing or surfing.
Surfing is a popular thing to do at Sebastian Inlet, with both First Peak and Monster Hole providing amazing experiences for skilled surfers.
The park is home to two museums where you can learn Sebastian’s history.
McLarty Treasure Museum
The McLarty Treasure Museum houses artifacts and information about the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet.
In a nutshell, they were hit by a hurricane off the coast which is how the Treasure Coast got its name.
Sebastian Fishing Museum
The Sebastian Fishing Museum tells visitors about the early days of the local fishing industry.
See a replica of one of the original fish houses and learn about the families that operated them.
- The Fishing Museum is open daily from 10 am – 4 pm. It’s free with regular park admission.
- The Nautical Nook Gift Shop is open daily from 10 am – 4 pm. It’s located inside the Sebastian Fishing Museum.
Sebastian Inlet State Park is open 24 hours a day.
For more information, visit the official Florida State Parks website.
Sebastian Inlet State Park Address: 9700 South Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Mel Fisher’s Treasures
Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum is a popular place to visit while in Sebastian. The museum was opened in 1992 by Mel Fisher, a world-famous treasure hunter.
Like the McLarty Treasure Museum in Sebastian Inlet State Park, this maritime museum dives into the Treasure Coast’s rich history.
The Mel Fisher Museum showcases an extensive collection of valuable treasures salvaged from shipwrecks, including gold, silver, and precious gems.
Plus, you’ll learn about Mel Fisher’s legendary treasure-hunting adventures.
TIPS:
- Mel Fisher’s Treasures is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm.
- Visit the museum’s website for a coupon for discounted admission.
For more information, visit the official Mel Fisher’s Treasures website.
Mel Fisher’s Treasures Address: 1322 US-1, Sebastian, FL 32958
Historic Jungle Trail
The Historic Jungle Trail is a part of the Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This personal favorite has a history dating back to the 1920s. The path stretches by a portion of A1A between Vero Beach and Indian River Shores.
The trail was originally built for citrus growers in the area. Today, visitors can walk or bike along this historic path, seeing the area’s coastal wetland environment and the Indian River Lagoon.
Enjoy nearly 8 miles of sandy paths that begin at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Often, you can see many species of birds along the way, including egrets, pelicans, and herons.
For more information, visit the official Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway website.
Historic Jungle Trail Address: (starting point) 4055 Wildlife Way, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Round Island Beach Park
Round Island Beach Park is a great place to enjoy beach access in the Sebastian area.
The public park has plenty of parking spots, a picnic area, restrooms, and outdoor showers onsite.
This beach is a fantastic place for surfing and fishing.
TIPS:
- Round Island Beach Park is open daily from 7 am to sunset.
- Pets are not permitted in the park.
- Nesting season for sea turtles is between March and October. Make sure to put up your trash and fill any holes you’ve dug before leaving the beach.
For more information, visit the official Indian River County website.
Round Island Beach Park Address: 2200 South A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963
2024 Event Information
Sebastian Riverfront Fine Art & Music Festival
Sebastian Riverfront Fine Art & Music Festival is one of Sebastian’s biggest annual events.
It began in 1999 and is one of our personal favorite annual events. It’s full of friendly people, fun art and fantastic views.
The festival hosts a juried art show as well as live music. It’s the perfect place to see local artists and musicians – the event boasts over 100 of them!
When: Saturday, January 20th, from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday, January 21st, from 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Riverview Park, 600 US-1, Sebastian, FL 32958
For more information, visit the official Sebastian Riverfront Fine Art & Music Festival website.
Other 2024 Events in Sebastian
Concerts in the Park
The Concerts in the Park series takes place at Riverview Park.
Thanks to a partnership with the City of Sebastian, the Sebastian River Area Chamber, and several local businesses, these eight outdoor concerts are a celebration of music, community, and local pride.
Mark your calendars! These are the dates and times for the 2024 series – 5:30 to 8:00 PM:
- January 12, 2024: Kick off with the Bobby Owen Band
- February 2, 2024: Get fiery with Johnny & The Blaze
- February 16, 2024: Rock out with St John’s Wood
- March 1, 2024: Unwind with Group Therapy
- March 22, 2024: Get bold with The Reckless Shots
- April 5, 2024: Enjoy the talents of Sebastian High School Band
- April 26, 2024: Groove with Allen Wronko Band
- May 17, 2024: Get down with Swamp Dog
- June 7, 2024: Wrap it up with Tom MacLear and Renele in a special Centennial Celebration Event Night
River Days & Craft Brew Hullabaloo
RiverDays (formerly “ShrimpFest”) & Craft Brew Hullabaloo features locally made craft brew, live music, food, craft vendors, and family-fun activities.
If you love craft beer or want to explore why Florida craft breweries are so popular, this is a unique opportunity to sample local flavors and meet commercial brewers.
There are 20+ breweries and many different craft brews to try. Proceeds benefit community youth programs.
For more information, check out www.RiverDaysFL.com
121st Anniversary of Pelican Island
The weekend of March 15-17, 2024 is also the 121st anniversary of Pelican Island as the first National Wildlife Refuge.
This celebration is new and different from the wildlife festivals hosted in years past in Sebastian.
Joe Wiegand, aka President Theodore Roosevelt, is bringing the history of Pelican Island to life.
Events are planned at various locations and feature wildlife displays and other activities.
More information is available on the First Refuge website.
Places to Eat
Hen House Eatery
Hen House Eatery is a breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot in Sebastian that we love.
Breakfast options include sweet and savory options. Choices include pancakes, French toast, and waffles for sweet and benedicts and omelets for savory.
For lunch, the sandwiches always get our seal of approval. The Chicken Fillet Sandwich is a popular option, but the Classic BLT and the Corned Beef Reuben are also top choices.
All sandwiches are served with a tasty side of your choice. Options include fries, soup, salad, and more.
Hen House Eatery is open daily from 6:30 am to 1:30 pm.
For more information, visit the official Hen House Eatery website.
Hen House Eatery Address: 11632 US-1, Sebastian, FL 32958
Mo-Bay Grill
Mo-Bay Grill is an authentic Jamaican restaurant in Sebastian. It was awarded the Best of the Best Seafood Restaurants at the 2022 Best of Sebastian Awards.
If you enjoy authentic Jamaican and Caribbean dishes, such as Oxtail Stew, this is the place for you.
Don’t miss the seafood favorites like the Stuffed Flounder with Crab Cake or the Coconut Crusted Snapper over mixed vegetables.
TIP: Save room for dessert!
Mo-Bay Grill is open Monday from 11:30 am to 9 pm, Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 11:30 am to 8 pm.
For more information, visit the official Mo-Bay Grill website.
Mo-Bay Grill Address: 1401 Indian River Dr., Sebastian, FL 32958
Marsh Landing Restaurant
Marsh Landing Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant that opened in 2002.
As far as Sebastian restaurants go, Marsh Landing Restaurant is the perfect spot for Old Florida cuisine.
You can partake in breakfast, lunch, and dinner here. We recommend more than one trip to this gem so that you can experience a variety of different, delicious options.
Marsh Landing Restaurant is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm.
For more information, visit the official Marsh Landing Restaurant website.
Marsh Landing Restaurant Address: 44 N Broadway St., Fellsmere, FL 32948
Places to Stay in Sebastian, FL
Capt Hirams Resort
Capt Hirams Resort is a popular place to stay in Sebastian. The resort is located along the Indian River Lagoon, providing a waterfront experience and tons of amenities to its guests.
This pirate-themed spot is home to two hotels, two restaurants, four bars, and a full-service marina, offering plenty to do during your stay.
Enjoy entertainment such as live music, Happy Hour, and Trivia Tuesdays.
There are a variety of accommodations to choose from on the property, including waterfront views and deluxe suites.
This resort is conveniently located by the water, allowing easy access to many different water activities.
For more information, visit the official Capt Hirams Resort website.
Capt Hirams Resort Address: 1580 US-1, Sebastian, FL 32958
Island View Cottages
Island View Cottages is a Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice accommodation in Sebastian. The property sits on the Indian River, not far from local attractions and restaurants.
We love the cozy cottages available here. Each of the 12 cottages is unique in its offerings to guests, but they all have comfortable beds and convenient kitchen areas.
Some options even include outdoor sitting areas and riverfront views.
In addition to the cottages, the property is a lovely place to stroll around. As a great bonus, guests can enjoy complimentary use of Island View’s kayaks, canoe, and beach cruiser bikes.
For more information, visit the official Island View Cottages website.
Island View Cottages Address: 11450 S Indian River Dr., Sebastian, FL 32958
Seashell Suites Resort
Not even one mile away from Sebastian Inlet State Park, Seashell Suites Resort is a great beachside accommodation in the Sebastian area.
The resort boasts eco-conscious cleaning practices and amenities like complimentary breakfast and the use of beach chairs and umbrellas.
There are eight two-bedroom suites on the property. All the suites have a living room, kitchen, and dining area, making the resort the perfect place for families and longer vacations.
For more information, visit the official Seashell Suites Resort website.
Seashell Suites Resort Address: 8795 S Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Places to Shop in Sebastian, FL
The District Sebastian
The District Sebastian is a great place to shop in the quaint city.
Located in Downtown Sebastian, the District is home to 17 businesses, which include a variety of shops, restaurants, and services.
Check out businesses like Veronica’s Candle Cove, which sells hand-poured candles and gifts. The store also offers the fun opportunity to pour your own candles.
Places like Village Tavern are excellent if you are looking for food or craft beer during your shopping venture.
The District Sebastian operating hours vary by business.
DELICIOUS FOOD
- A Taste of Asia – Authentic Asian Cuisine
- Village Tavern – Local Craft Beers & Food
- Beeb’s Beans – Fresh Roasted Coffee House
- Bubble House Bubble Tea & Cafe – Boba Teas, Treats, & Retail
GREAT RETAIL SHOPS
- Eva Tiffany Jeweler – Jeweler, Jewelry Store
- Veronica’s Candle Cove – Hand-Poured & Created Candles, Gifts and Pour Your Own Candles
- Addicted 2 STUFF – Jewelry, Handbags, and accessories
- Park House Mercantile – Coming Soon! Artist Workspace, Gallery, Retail, One of a Kind Finds & Classes
- Nicole Marie Collective – Photography Studios
- Nancy’s Treasures – Clothing, Decor & More Consignment
For more information, visit the official The District Sebastian website.
The District Sebastian Address: 1101 US-1, Sebastian, FL 32958
Rock City Gardens
Rock City Gardens is a plant lover’s dream. There are plenty of things to do at this large property that is home to over 200,000 plants.
We recommend setting aside lots of time to explore the garden center’s vast expanse of plants and flowers.
In addition to plants, Rock City Gardens has a boutique stocked with home décor and garden accents. These lovely pieces are perfect for personalizing your own garden space.
Rock City Gardens is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.
For more information, visit the official Rock City Gardens website.
Rock City Gardens Address: 9080 N US-1, Sebastian, FL 32958
Ditch 13 Gallery and Gifts
Ditch 13 Gallery and Gifts is another cool place to shop in the Sebastian area. The shop sells an eclectic collection of art, jewelry, home décor, and more.
It is a fantastic spot for unique gift ideas and souvenirs. Ditch 13 sells locally-made honey, jellies, and jams – perfect for supporting local makers and taking home tasty condiments.
Ditch 13 Gallery and Gifts is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5:30 pm.
For more information, visit the official Ditch 13 Gallery and Gifts Facebook page.
Ditch 13 Gallery and Gifts Address: 46 N Broadway St., Fellsmere, FL 32948
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