When the waves start crashing at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, the surfers command the beach.
Offshore shoals – part of the rocky Atlantic Coastal Ridge – beat the surf to froth, and the wind coming past Dynamite Point creates just the right cocktail for South Florida surfing.
Catching waves at Dynamite PointResources
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Overview
Location: Fort Pierce
Trailhead: 27.485279,-80.303054
Address: 905 Shorewinds Dr, Fort Pierce
Fees: $4-6 per vehicle
Restrooms: At parking areas
Land Manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 772-468-3985
Open 8 AM to sunset. Gates will be closed when park capacity is reached. Leashed dogs welcome but not on beach.
Directions
From Interstate 95, drive 4.5 miles east on CR 68 (Orange Ave) to US 1. Turn left and continue 0.9 mile north through downtown Fort Pierce. Turn right on Juanita Ave (A1A) and drive 2.5 miles, crossing the causeway over the Indian River Lagoon. The park entrance will be on the right.
About the Park
Why Dynamite Point? Think wartime. In World War II, Navy frogmen trained at the inlet. Nazi U-Boats were a real threat to the shipping lanes off the Florida coast.
The National Navy UDT-Seal Museum north of the park along A1A covers the accomplishments of these earliest divers who trained in underwater demolition here.
Fort Pierce Inlet was strategically important for shipping during WWIIThe picnic pavilions and beaches fill up during the weekends, thanks to the proximity of Fort Pierce.
Birders can find a bit of quiet under the dense-knit live oaks of the maritime hammock while walking the nature trails.
Pavilions at Inlet BeachDown a side road off the entrance road is a launch with both self-launch and rentals for exploring Fort Pierce Inlet by water.
The park also includes islands in the Indian River Lagoon, with a parking area off A1A for pedestrian and paddler access.
Launch for paddling the inletTrails at Fort Pierce State Park
Two short interpretive nature trails burrow into a dense coastal hammock lining one side of the beach parking area.
A separate trail north along A1A has a pedestrian bridge leading to a loop hike on Jack Island.
Fort Pierce Inlet Coastal Hammock Trail Contrast immersive habitats in a seaside tropical hammock with expansive views along Fort Pierce Inlet on this easy 1.3 mile loop centered on the Coastal Hammock Trail.
Jack Island Preserve State Park A cluster of mangrove islands in the Indian River Lagoon, Jack Island Preserve north of Fort Pierce Inlet is a perfect destination for birding.A 1.2 mile sun-drenched linear paved path leads from Dynamite Point to the park’s main entrance to connect both via the the East Coast Greenway on Hutchinson Island.
Bike path paralleling the park roadTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
A walk through Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
Slideshow
See our photos from Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
Nearby Adventures
More worth exploring while you’re in this area.
Round Island Oceanfront Park Learn the story of one of Florida's more important roles during World War II along a wave-strummed shoreline halfway between Vero Beach and Fort Pierce Inlet.
Round Island Riverside Park Trails, boardwalks, and a boat launch on Round Island provide excellent opportunities to explore coastal habitats and spot manatees in the Indian River Lagoon.
Donald B Moore Heritage Preserve Along the Indian River Lagoon on a site farmed by one of the earliest settlers in what is now Fort Pierce, Donald B. Moore Heritage Preserve interprets regional history. 
Indrio Scrub Preserve Atop the Atlantic Coastal Ridge, Indrio Scrub Preserve is a place where unique scrub species thrive. A short interpretive loop trail leads through the preserve.
- Hal Scott Yellow Trail - November 3, 2026
- Hal Scott Preserve - October 28, 2026
- Tradewinds Park - October 27, 2026