Round Island Riverside Park
A tranquil riverside park in Vero Beach, offering abundant wildlife, calm waters for paddling, and scenic views from its observation tower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful wildlife viewing
Round Island Riverside Park
Best Time
Peaceful wildlife viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil riverside park in Vero Beach, offering abundant wildlife, calm waters for paddling, and scenic views from its observation tower.
"Spotting manatees and dolphins in the calm, uncrowded waters is a highlight for many visitors."
🦨 Bring Bug Spray!
Mosquitoes and biting insects can be prevalent, especially near the mangroves. Don't forget your repellent!
👟 Watch Your Step
Paths are sandy with roots; wear sturdy shoes and be mindful of low-hanging branches.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wildlife Encounters
Indian River Lagoon
Spot playful dolphins and gentle manatees in their natural habitat. A truly magical experience for nature lovers.
Observation Tower Views
South Loop
Climb to the top for panoramic views of the river and surrounding mangroves. Perfect for photography and spotting wildlife from above.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Indian River Lagoon
Glide through calm, scenic waters. The park offers boat ramps and a canoe/paddleboard launch for easy access.
Pedestrian Bridge
Over Indian River Lagoon
Enjoy stunning waterfront vistas from this scenic bridge, connecting you to the island's natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wildlife Wonders
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦨 Bring Bug Spray!
Mosquitoes and biting insects can be prevalent, especially near the mangroves. Don't forget your repellent!
👟 Watch Your Step
Paths are sandy with roots; wear sturdy shoes and be mindful of low-hanging branches.
🐬 Dolphin & Manatee Spotting
Visit during calmer waters for the best chance to see marine life. Early mornings are often fruitful.
🛶 Easy Water Access
The park features boat ramps and a dedicated launch for kayaks and paddleboards.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦨 Bring Bug Spray!
Mosquitoes and biting insects can be prevalent, especially near the mangroves. Don't forget your repellent!
👟 Watch Your Step
Paths are sandy with roots; wear sturdy shoes and be mindful of low-hanging branches.
🐬 Dolphin & Manatee Spotting
Visit during calmer waters for the best chance to see marine life. Early mornings are often fruitful.
🛶 Easy Water Access
The park features boat ramps and a dedicated launch for kayaks and paddleboards.
📸 Capture the Views
The observation tower and pedestrian bridge offer fantastic photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Round Island Riverside Park for its abundant wildlife, particularly manatees and dolphins, and its serene, uncrowded atmosphere. The calm waters are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, and the observation tower offers beautiful views. However, some find the sandy, root-filled paths challenging for accessibility, and bug spray is a must.
"This location is a fantastic place to kayak. Generally it’s not too hot due to a nice breeze, and the waters are very nice and calm.
The majority of the times I’ve visited, I’ve seen manatees - which is always interesting if that is what you are looking for.
It also is always (thankfully) fairly empty here, so there’s no need to worry about crowds."
Michael Matirko
"Kayaking in Round Island is the best! 2 manatees and 5 dolphins. Very rich in mangroves and sustainability. Just hope it stays this way."
Katherine Vanderbogart
"We stopped in hopes of seeing some wildlife. We did see a couple of fish and 1 happy dolphins just minding his own business.
The paths are sandy with lots of roots. Definitely not wheelchair friendly. I recommend watching your step and sometimes your hat. A low branch here and there can swipe the hat right off your head.
There is a tower on the South loop. Climbed to the top. That where I got the dolphin video.
I wish there was a beachy place to set up my chair to watch for wildlife. Most water areas were not big enough for the 4 of us to sit and not be in the way.
I have no manatee to report yet but it is just Feb. I’ll try again another day."
Heather Beaird
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Round Island Riverside Park is located at 2200 South Highway A1A, Vero Beach, Florida, near the Indian River-St. Lucie county line. It's accessible by car via Highway A1A.
Yes, parking is available at the park, which is convenient for accessing the boat ramps, trails, and observation tower.
Absolutely! The park has multiple boat ramps and a dedicated launch for vessels, making it a popular spot for boaters.
The park is situated near Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge and D.J. Wilcox Preserve, offering opportunities for further exploration of the area's natural beauty.
From Vero Beach, head south on Highway A1A. The park will be on your right, clearly marked. It's a scenic drive along the coast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Round Island Riverside Park is generally free to enter, making it an accessible destination for all visitors looking to enjoy its natural amenities.
While specific hours aren't always listed, parks like this are typically open from dawn until dusk. It's best to check local listings or arrive during daylight hours.
No advance booking is typically required for general park entry. However, if you plan to use the boat ramps or picnic areas for a large group, it's wise to inquire about any reservation policies.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, it's common for Florida parks to have leash laws for pets. Always check park signage upon arrival for the most current regulations.
The main paths are sandy and can be challenging for wheelchairs. However, the observation tower and boardwalk offer some accessible viewing points.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You have a great chance of spotting manatees and dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon. Various fish and birds are also common. +1
Activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing from the pier, hiking on the trails, climbing the observation tower, and enjoying the scenic views.
Yes, the park offers covered picnic tables with grills, making it a great spot for a family outing or a relaxed lunch amidst nature.
The park features sandy paths with many roots, which can be uneven and not ideal for wheelchairs or strollers.
Yes, there is a small playground area within the park, providing a space for younger visitors to enjoy.
📸 📸 Photography
The observation tower offers elevated views, and the pedestrian bridge provides scenic waterfront perspectives. The surrounding mangroves and lagoon are also picturesque.
Late afternoons, especially around sunset, offer beautiful golden hour lighting. Early mornings can also be stunning with calm waters and wildlife activity.
Absolutely! With frequent sightings of manatees and dolphins, it's a prime location for wildlife photography. Remember to maintain a respectful distance. +1
The observation tower and the pedestrian bridge are iconic features that make for great photographic subjects.
Nature photography, wildlife photography, landscape shots, and even artistic interpretations of the bridge and tower are popular among visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the sandy trails with roots might be challenging for strollers, the observation tower and pedestrian bridge offer accessible and engaging viewpoints for the whole family. Pack plenty of snacks, water, and bug spray, and plan for a morning or late afternoon visit to avoid the midday heat and potential crowds.
🛶 Paddlers and Boaters
Expect to share the waters with abundant marine life, including dolphins and manatees, adding an extra layer of excitement to your outing. The park's location also provides access to explore the rich mangrove systems and nearby natural areas. Remember to bring your safety gear and be aware of other watercraft.
📸 Nature Photographers
+1Wildlife photography enthusiasts will find ample opportunities to capture images of manatees, dolphins, and various bird species. The best light for photography is often during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Be prepared with your camera gear and patience to capture those perfect moments in nature.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Waters: Kayaking and Boating
The surrounding mangrove ecosystems are not only beautiful but also vital for marine life, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the area. This makes kayaking or paddleboarding here a truly immersive nature experience. Remember to check weather conditions and tide charts before heading out, and always prioritize safety on the water. The park's location also makes it a convenient starting point for exploring nearby waterways and natural areas.
For those planning to launch a vessel, KnowWake's app is mentioned as a resource for locating over 8,000 launch destinations, including Round Island Riverside Park, highlighting its significance as a boating hub.
Whether you're a seasoned boater or a beginner kayaker, Round Island Riverside Park offers a welcoming and scenic environment to enjoy the water. Wildlife Watching: A Natural Spectacle
Beyond the larger marine life, the park is also a haven for various fish species and numerous bird species. The observation tower provides an excellent vantage point for scanning the water and surrounding areas for activity. Many visitors express delight in simply observing the natural behaviors of these animals in their undisturbed habitat.
To maximize your chances of spotting wildlife, visiting during calmer water conditions and quieter times of the day is recommended. Early mornings and late afternoons are often cited as prime times for sightings. Remember to maintain a respectful distance from the animals and avoid disturbing their natural environment.
Exploring the Park: Trails and Towers
A prominent feature of the park is its observation tower, located on the south loop. Climbing to the top of this tower rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian River Lagoon and the surrounding treetops. It's a popular spot for photography and for getting a bird's-eye perspective of the park's ecosystem.
Additionally, the park features a pedestrian bridge that spans the Indian River Lagoon, offering more stunning waterfront vistas. This bridge is another excellent location for enjoying the scenery and capturing memorable photographs.
While the trails may not be ideal for wheelchairs, the tower and bridge provide accessible ways to appreciate the park's scenic offerings. 
Social
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