Sebastian Inlet State Park
A stunning Florida state park offering world-class surfing, calm swimming coves, abundant wildlife, and camping.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for tide pools & fewer crowds
Sebastian Inlet State Park
Best Time
Best for tide pools & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Florida state park offering world-class surfing, calm swimming coves, abundant wildlife, and camping.
"This park is a beautiful, all-natural Florida experience without the expense of a resort."
🎯 Low Tide for Tide Pools
Plan your visit around low tide to best explore the tide pools and see starfish and crabs .
🚗 Per-Vehicle Admission
Admission is per vehicle, making it affordable for families and groups .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Calm Cove
Inlet side
Shallow, clear waters perfect for toddlers and relaxed swimming, shielded from ocean waves.
World-Class Surfing
Ocean side
Renowned surf breaks like 'First Peak' and 'Monster Hole' attract surfers globally.
Abundant Wildlife Sightings
Throughout the park
Keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, turtles, and diverse bird species.
Tide Pool Exploration
Near the inlet
Discover starfish and scuttling crabs in the fascinating tide pools during low tide.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating Park Entry and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Low Tide for Tide Pools
Plan your visit around low tide to best explore the tide pools and see starfish and crabs.
🚗 Per-Vehicle Admission
Admission is per vehicle, making it affordable for families and groups.
🦟 Bug Spray is Essential
Mosquitos and no-see-ums can be intense; bring strong repellent.
🌊 Check Water Conditions
Be aware of double red flags indicating hazardous conditions and closed water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Low Tide for Tide Pools
Plan your visit around low tide to best explore the tide pools and see starfish and crabs.
🚗 Per-Vehicle Admission
Admission is per vehicle, making it affordable for families and groups.
🦟 Bug Spray is Essential
Mosquitos and no-see-ums can be intense; bring strong repellent.
🌊 Check Water Conditions
Be aware of double red flags indicating hazardous conditions and closed water.
🎣 Fishing Gear Recommended
Bring fishing gear to enjoy the popular fishing piers and jetties.
🚲 Bike Trails Available
Explore the park's bike trails for a different perspective of the scenery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sebastian Inlet State Park for its natural beauty, diverse activities, and family-friendly atmosphere, particularly the calm swimming cove. While many enjoy the wildlife sightings and excellent fishing and surfing, some mention issues with biting insects and occasional closures of museum facilities.
"Sebastian Inlet State Park is a special place. There are two sections of the park: one north of the inlet bridge with ocean beach access, food concessions, and a swimming cove on the inlet side and one south of the bridge that offers a campground, fishing museum, gift shop, bike trails, boat launch, and fishing piers. The facilities are clean and the staff are friendly. Admission fees are reasonable. Highly recommended."
M
"Venturing forth, the adventures began with a sense of excitement. The environment felt incredibly clean, with a refreshing atmosphere. As we explored, we happened to notice many starfish along the sandy shore. Delicate and beautiful, the starfish added to the wonder of the scene. Numerous crabs scuttled across the wet sand. They scurried away as we approached, always cautious of the unknown. Such a place provided a delightful experience. Experiencing such a scene felt memorable.
😎🌴🏝"
Tania Hernandez
"We love this park and will return every chance we get. All natural Florida without the expense of a resort. Beautiful beach, fishing jetty and beautiful lagoon, shallow clear water off that Sebastian Inlet, dolphins will swim in and out and are regulars at this lagoon. Nice campground and fishing museum and another Treasure Coast museum."
BRIAN BUTZ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sebastian Inlet State Park is located between Melbourne Beach and Vero Beach, Florida. The main entrance address is 14100 State Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL. It's accessible by car and is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Orlando.
Yes, the park is well-marked and situated along State Highway A1A, making it straightforward to locate. It's a popular destination, so following GPS or signs should lead you directly there.
The park offers ample parking, especially near the beach access points and fishing piers. Parking is included with the admission fee, which is typically per vehicle.
Yes, Sebastian Inlet State Park spans both Brevard and Indian River Counties, with different sections accessible from each side of the inlet bridge.
The park offers an RV campground, indicating good accessibility for larger vehicles. Many campsites provide beautiful water views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around $8.00 per vehicle for up to 8 people,
The park is generally open daily from sunrise to sunset. However, specific facilities like museums or concessions may have different operating hours, so it's best to check their official schedule before your visit.
No, advance booking is usually not required for general park entry. You can pay the admission fee upon arrival at the entrance station.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the per-vehicle fee makes it cost-effective for groups. Check with park staff for any potential seasonal offers or special event pricing.
During peak times, especially on weekends and holidays, the park may reach capacity. Arriving earlier in the day is recommended to ensure entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors love the diverse activities including surfing, swimming in the calm cove, fishing from the jetties, exploring tide pools, wildlife watching (dolphins, manatees, birds), camping, and biking.+4
Absolutely! The shallow, calm cove on the inlet side is ideal for toddlers and young children, offering a safe swimming environment away from ocean waves.
The park is a haven for wildlife. Common sightings include dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and a variety of shorebirds and wading birds.+1
Yes, you can swim in the calm cove on the inlet side, which is perfect for families. The ocean side is popular for surfing but can have strong currents and is sometimes closed due to hazardous conditions.+2
The park features popular fishing piers and jetties, especially on the north side, known for snook, bluefish, and mackerel. The north jetty recently reopened after repairs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are food concessions available, particularly on the ocean side of the park. These typically offer casual beachside fare.
Absolutely! Sebastian Inlet State Park is a great place for picnics. There are designated picnic areas, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and beverages.
Yes, there are grocery stores in the nearby towns of Melbourne Beach and Vero Beach, should you need to stock up on supplies for a picnic or camping trip.
The surrounding areas of Melbourne Beach and Vero Beach offer a variety of restaurants, from casual seafood shacks to more upscale dining experiences.
Park rules regarding alcohol can vary. It's advisable to check the official park regulations or inquire at the entrance station to confirm current policies.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the ocean waves, surfers, diverse wildlife like dolphins and birds, the calm inlet waters, and scenic sunrises/sunsets.
Early mornings offer beautiful soft light for wildlife photography and sunrises. Late afternoons provide golden hour light for beach and inlet scenes.
The fishing piers and jetties offer elevated views of the inlet and ocean. The calm cove provides unique perspectives of the water and shoreline, especially for close-up wildlife shots.
A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife (e.g., 24-70mm or 70-200mm) is recommended. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beaches and ocean views.
Yes, the park is teeming with wildlife. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals while photographing them.+1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Beyond the swimming cove, the park offers opportunities for spotting wildlife like dolphins and manatees, which can be a thrilling experience for kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
This covers access to all the park's natural beauty and amenities for the day.To keep costs down further, pack your own picnic lunches and snacks.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
The 'First Peak' and 'Monster Hole' are legendary spots known for their powerful and consistent waves. Even if you're not surfing, watching the skilled riders navigate the challenging breaks is an exciting spectacle.Beyond surfing, the park's waters are ideal for various water activities. The inlet side offers calmer conditions suitable for kayaking or paddleboarding, while the ocean side provides the thrill of the waves. Scuba diving is also mentioned as an activity, though conditions and accessibility may vary. Always check local conditions and safety advisories before engaging in water sports.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Two Sides of Sebastian Inlet
The south side of the park offers a more diverse range of amenities, including a campground with water views, a fishing museum, a gift shop, bike trails, and fishing piers.
Whether you're drawn to the thrill of the waves or the tranquility of the lagoon, both sides of Sebastian Inlet State Park provide unforgettable experiences. The ability to easily transition between the ocean and the calmer inlet waters within the same park makes it a versatile destination for all types of visitors.
Wildlife Encounters: A Natural Spectacle
+1Beyond the marine mammals and birds, the park's sandy shores and tidal areas reveal smaller wonders. During low tide, the tide pools become miniature worlds teeming with life. Visitors have reported seeing starfish and various types of crabs scuttling across the wet sand.
To maximize your chances of wildlife sightings, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon when animals are often most active. Remember to observe wildlife from a respectful distance and avoid feeding them to help preserve their natural behaviors and habitats.
Surfing and Fishing: The Inlet's Thrills
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, the energy of the surf scene is palpable. The ocean side of the park is where these legendary waves crash, offering a dynamic spectacle for both participants and observers.Fishing is another cornerstone of the Sebastian Inlet experience. The fishing piers and jetties, particularly on the north side, are hotspots for catching species like snook, bluefish, and mackerel.
The inlet's strategic location, where the Indian River Lagoon meets the Atlantic Ocean, creates a rich environment for a variety of game fish, making it a year-round fishing destination.For those planning to fish, remember to check local regulations and obtain any necessary fishing licenses. The combination of world-class surfing and abundant fishing opportunities solidifies Sebastian Inlet State Park's reputation as a premier destination for ocean sports enthusiasts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit