One of few places where the Indian River Lagoon mingles with the Atlantic Ocean, Sebastian Inlet is the central feature of Sebastian Inlet State Park, which protects the tips of two barrier islands.
Resources
Resources for exploring the area
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Overview
Location: Sebastian Inlet
Trailhead: 27.864878,-80.450994
Fees: $4-8 per vehicle. Boat ramp fee additional $4.
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Open 8 AM until sunset daily. Museums open daily 10-4.
Leashed dogs welcome except in buildings and at beaches.
Directions
From US 1 in Sebastian, drive south to Wabasso. Turn left on CR 510 to cross the Indian River Lagoon. At the T intersection with SR A1A, turn left. Drive 7.7 miles north to the main entrance.
About the Park
In 1715, a fleet of Spanish galleons foundered in a hurricane and crashed into the rocky shoals offshore Sebastian Inlet.
Ever since the first archaeological discovery offshore, the glimmer of gold has attracted divers looking for their own buried treasure.
Along A1A inside the park, the McLarty Treasure Museum showcases finds from dives on the treasure fleet, most notably the Atocha.
The Sebastian Fishing Museum, also inside the park, features the history of fishing in this region – and some fine fishing it is.
Anglers cast off a lengthy pier reaching out into the pounding Atlantic Ocean, hoping for snook, redfish, and Spanish mackerel.
Surfers ride the waves, which seem to never end, thanks to the swift flow of water through the inlet.
The islands are slender here, so the boom of the waves echoes throughout the park. A large campground sits along the calm waterfront of the Indian River Lagoon, with easy access to launch a kayak.
The park straddles Brevard and Indian River counties. It is cut in half by the inlet, with SR A1A bisecting the park north-south, making it a set of quadrants.
The marina, watersports rentals, and tent camping is in the northwest quadrant. The northeast quadrant is home to the main beach with its concession and famous pier.
More beaches stretch down the southeast quadrant, which is where the museums are located. The campground is in the southwest quadrant.
Explore the park
Reserve Campsite Official Website