Located directly across A1A from Round Island Oceanfront Park, Round Island Riverside Park has something for everyone.
In addition to a boardwalk, a bridge crosses over to an island with fishing piers and a tall observation tower.
Boardwalk and island bridgeKayaking is popular in the lagoon, where countless waterbirds scout the shallow waters in search of food.
The park also serves as an access point for pair of scenic trails in Round Island South Conservation Area.
View from the observation towerResources
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Overview
Location: North Hutchinson Island
Trailhead: 27.561444, -80.324972
Address: 2200 South Highway A1A, Vero Beach
Fees: Free
Restroom: Yes
Land manager: Indian River County
Phone: 772-567-8000
Open 7 AM to sunset. No pets allowed.
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 left side of the road.
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 Riverside Park is on the right at the traffic light; Round Island Oceanside Park is on the left.
About the Park
The entrance road descends through a open grassy landscape before circling around a pavilion and revealing the sparking waters of the Indian River Lagoon.
Next to the boat ramp, a boardwalk leads out along an edge of the lagoon, one of the best spots to catch glimpses of manatees and dolphins.
Boat launch and boardwalkThe boardwalk wraps around to a tall bridge that allows access to a small island forested with Australian pines and an impressive tower overlooking the lagoon.
Kayaking under the bridge and around the island offers opportunities to see a variety of wildlife in an ecologically diverse habitat.
Observation towerFishing is popular at the park, particularly from a pier near the observation tower.
Round Island South Conservation Area adjoins the park at the southern end, providing quiet hikes among more natural scenery on two trails in distinctly different habitats.
Round Island South Conservation Area signOn the other side of A1A, Round Island Oceanfront Park provides access to a sea grape-lined beach on the Atlantic Ocean.
This smaller sister park features several covered picnic pavilions and a playground.
It also has artifacts and interpretation about both the naval amphibious training center and a German attack on shipping off this coast. Yes, Nazi submarines caused trouble at Fort Pierce Inlet.
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.
Beach accessHike
Across the island bridge, a wide pathway leads through a stand of Australian pines to a pair of loop trails.
Although the routes are not well marked, the path is generally obvious as the 0.4 mile North Island loop weaves between trees to a patch of mangroves on the tip of the island.
Australian pine forest on the North Island Loop TrailReturn to the main trail. From it, the South Island Loop Trail leads westward on a 0.3 mile round trip, passing the observation tower and fishing pier.
Portions of this trail cut through a stand of mangroves where the path is likely soggy at high tide.
Lagoon view on the South Island Loop TrailAt the eastern end of the park, a large sign marks the Upland Trail at Round Island South Conservation Area.
Lush vegetation envelops the 0.6 mile path through a maritime hammock ecosystem. Wild limes, coral bean, and wild coffee flank the trail under a shady canopy of epiphyte covered live oaks.
Shady hammockNext to the boat ramp, the Impoundment Trail enters Round Island South Conservation Area, traveling out and back 1.2 miles along the western edge along a raised berm.
Tall mangroves border the pathway on both sides, providing a jungle-like sanctuary for birds.
Yellow-crowned night heron on the Impoundment TrailTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
A walk through Round Island Riverside 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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