A sweep of natural oceanfront on North Hutchinson Island, Round Island Oceanfront Park provides both public recreation and protects a historic site.
Its interpretive displays explain the German submarine threat to the Florida coastline during World War II, and a key naval training base later established here for the war.
Interpretive display central to the picnic areaResources
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Overview
Location: Vero Beach
Trailhead: 27.561416, -80.323884
Address: 2200 South Highway A1A, Vero Beach
Fees: Free
Restroom: Near the entrance
Land manager: Indian River County
Phone: 772-567-8000
Open sunrise to sunset. No pets or overnight parking permitted.
Directions
From the intersection of A1A and US 1 in Fort Pierce, head east on A1A, crossing the Indian River Lagoon before turning left to follow the coastline. In 5.5 miles, the park entrance is on the right at the traffic light, directly across from Round Island Riverside Park.
From the intersection of US 1 and SR 60 in Vero Beach, drive east a half mile to Indian River Blvd. Turn south and continue 0.4 mile to 17th St (CR 656) to cross the bridge and causeway over the Indian River Lagoon. Reaching A1A, turn right and continue south 5.3 miles. Round Island Oceanfront Park is on the left at the traffic light.
About the Park
The oceanfront side of Round Island in southern Indian River County has a storied past. Along the broad path to the beach, an interpretive sign provides context.
World War II was underway. The Germans were sinking ships in Atlantic shipping channels and nosing along the coastline of Florida with their submarines.
Walkway with historic marker along itOn May 5, 1942, a German u-boat torpedoed and sunk the Java Arrow, a United States tanker eight miles off Fort Pierce.
A volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliary crew rescued 22 survivors, but U-333 torpedoed two more ships that same night.
The Atlantic Ocean at Round IslandProtecting the coastline from invasion was a necessity. Massive concrete tank traps with steel rails protruding were sunk offshore.
Our troops needed to learn how to overcome such obstacles themselves to drive enemy troops back from the beaches of Europe and the Pacific islands.
An example of the tank traps sunk offshoreRound Island became part of Fort Pierce Naval Amphibious Training Base, a 19,000 acre military installation established in 1943 on North Hutchinson Island.
It provided soldiers training on how to breach fortified enemy beaches during WWII. One key program was Underwater Demolition Team training.
Teaching frogmen how to destroy underwater obstacles, it was the predecessor of Navy Seal training. A museum covering UDT and the history of the base is farther south along A1A.
Picnic areaAn interpretive display with the remains of some adjoins the picnic pavilions between the parking areas.
Outdoor showers adjoin the path to the beach, where a lifeguard is normally on duty. The park also has a small playground.
Oceanfront lifeguard stationAcross the street at Round Island Riverside Park, you’ll find hiking trails, some of which are accessible boardwalks with overlooks on the Indian River Lagoon.
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.Trail Map
Explore More!
Video
A walk through Round Island Oceanfront Park
Slideshow
See our photos from Round Island Oceanfront Park
Nearby Adventures
Avalon State Park With a sandy strand more than a mile long, Avalon State Park offers an escape to an uncluttered seashore along the Treasure Coast where sea turtles retreat to lay their eggs. 
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.
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park When the waves start crashing at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, surfers command the beach. Offshore shoals of the rocky Atlantic Coast Ridge create strong surf.
Oyster Bar Marsh Conservation Area Boardwalks and a wide perimeter trail explore coastal mangrove forests and scenic overlooks on the eastern shore of the Indian River Lagoon.
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