Park Summary for Print - Sebastian Inlet State Park

This is an aerial photo of Sebastian Inlet including the surrounding State Park.

Welcome to Sebastian Inlet State Park

The premier saltwater fishing spot on Florida's east coast, this park is a favorite for anglers nationwide for catching snook, redfish, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel from its jetties. Surfing is also a popular recreation and several major competitions are held here every year. Two museums provide a history of the area. The McLarty Treasure Museum features the history of the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet; the Sebastian Fishing Museum tells the history of the area's fishing industry. Three miles of beautiful beaches provide opportunities for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, shelling, and sunbathing. Canoeing and kayaking in the Indian River Lagoon are also favorite pastimes. Visitors can relax with a stroll down the mile-long Hammock Trail. Waterfront pavilions and picnic areas are great for family outings. Full-facility campsites and a boat ramp are available. Located on State Road A1A 15 miles south of Melbourne Beach.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Sebastian Inlet State Park, please call 321-984-4852.

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Get more information on making a reservation.

Hours of Operation

The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Sebastian Fishing Museum is open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The McLarty Treasure Museum is open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Driving Directions

From Indian River County:From Interstate 95, take the Fellsmere/Sebastian exit and go east (towards Sebastian) on County Road 512. After a short distance, turn right on County Road 510. This road will intersect with U.S. Highway 1. Continue east, over the Indian River, to State Road A1A. Turn left (north) and go 7 miles on State Road A1A, you will have arrived at Sebastian Inlet.From Brevard County:From Interstate 95, take the U.S. 192 exit and go east until you reach State Road A1A in Indialantic. Turn right (south) on State Road A1A and go 18 miles to get to Sebastian Inlet.

Park Fees

Admission Fees - $5.00 per vehicle for up to 8 people; $3.00 for a single occupancy vehicle or motorcycle.
Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers, Passengers In Vehicles With Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit - Admission Fee $1.00 Camping Fee
All Year: $23.00 plus tax For annual pass fees or other fees pertaining to specific park activities, please call 321-984-4852 or 772-589-9659.

Activities at Sebastian Inlet State Park

	Beaches Sebastian Inlet State Park has three miles of beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches. There is one mile of beach north of the inlet and two miles south of the inlet. Favorite activities conducted from the beach include surfing, swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, shelling and sunbathing. Beach wheelchair is available upon request. For information about our beach wheelchair call 321-984-4852. Beach wheelchair available upon request. For more information about our beach wheelchair, please call 321.984.4852.
	Bicycling A multi-use, paved path runs through the park parallel to state road A1A and ,in sections, parallel to the Indian River Lagoon. Bicyclists will enjoy this forty mile long path with numerous beach access points. Three mountain bicycle trails are located within the park. Florida is known for its flatland, and the term "mountain bike trail" is used where sandy and swampy flatland challenge the off-road cyclist. The three trails are a combination of off-road and paved courses. All three trails begin and end at the State Park Inlet Marina. Check with Inlet Marina staff before venturing out on any trail.
	Boat Ramp Boat launch ramps are available on both sides of Sebastian Inlet. The main boat launch facility with 4 boat ramps is located on the south side of Sebastian Inlet. It is open 24-hours, everyday. A mile north of Sebastian Inlet, the Inlet Marina boat ramp is open only during Inlet Marina business hours. Ramp docks are A.D.A. accessible. A non-motorized boat launch is located on the south side of Sebastian Inlet at Coconut Point. Canoes, kayaks and sailboats are easily launched from this sandy, gentle sloping area.
	Boating Boat ramps are located on both sides of Sebastian Inlet State Park. Boaters have access to the brackish waters of the Indian River Lagoon, the Intracoastal Waterway, the freshwater of the Sebastian River, and to the salty water of the Atlantic Ocean. The Gulf Stream is located about 25 to 30 miles east of Sebastian Inlet. For powerboat and pontoon boat rental contact the Inlet Marina at 1-800-952-1126. The Inlet Marina has boat dockage available for a monthly or an overnight stay.
	Canoeing & Kayaking Canoes and kayaks can be paddled to islands and along the mangrove fringed shoreline of the Indian River Lagoon. Rentals are available at the Inlet Marina. For more information call 1-800-952-1126.
	Concession/Restaurant The Inlet Waters snack bar and gift shop is open daily except, Christmas and Thanksgiving, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The snack bar serves breakfast and lunch as well as a variety of snacks and drinks. The gift shop offers a great selection of t-shirts, shorts, hats, nature books, souvenirs and jewelry. Surfboards, boggie boards, snorkel gear, beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent.
	Facilities We have two bathhouses with ADA access on the north side of the park. We have restrooms with ADA access at the fishing museum, the L-dock and the boat ramp area. There are also two bathhouses with ADA access to toilets and showers in the campground. There is a bathhouse with ADA access in the day-use area. There are also restrooms at the McLarty Museum.
	Fishing Sebastian Inlet and the surrounding waters provide fantastic Florida fishing for beach, river, and inlet anglers. Impressive catches are often made from the two jetties extending into the Atlantic Ocean. Both jetties and bridge catwalks are A.D.A. accessible. Boat launch facilities provide access to nearby offshore fishing and diving. Information on fishing regulations is available at both entrance stations and salt water fishing licenses can be obtained at the bait shop. Spearfishing is prohibited. Do you need a Fishing License? Both jetties, catwalks and the L-Dock are ADA accessible.
	Full Facility Camping The central location of Sebastian Inlet’s Tent campground makes it a popular camping spot. It is a mere stone’s throw from the inlet and a short stroll from the beach. All 51 campsites have water and electrical hook-ups, a fire ring with grill, and a picnic table. Also available are full restroom facilities (A.D.A. accesible), a dump station, laundry facilities, and pay phones. Reservations are offered up to 11 months in advance. Check-in time is from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Reservations for campsites may be made by contacting ReserveAmerica, toll-free, at 1-800 326-3521 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm), 1-888-433-0287 (TDD) (For Hearing Disabled). A.D.A. campsites may be requested. Sebastian Inlet State Park also offers the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library of picture books for campers aged four to nine. From sea turtles to pirates, the Lending Library is a fun way to enhance your child’s experience in the Real Florida. For a quiet afternoon or bedtime, share a story with your child to help explain the sights and sounds of Sebastian Inlet. Ask the Ranger Station to find out how to check out a book.
	Nature Trails For a relaxing stroll, take a walk down the Hammock Trail. This mile long nature trail meanders under the shade of a coastal, sub-tropical, palm/oak hammock and along the fringe of the mangroves. Plant identification signs tell about many of the unique species in this habitat. A 10-km Volksport walking trail begins on the north side of the park at the Inlet Concession. The walking trail goes on the jetty, down the beach, around the cove, down part of the nature trail and partly on a paved walking/bike path. The Volksport trail covers most of the north side of Sebastian Inlet State Park. Here's a wonderful map of our trails.
	Pavilion Four waterfront picnic pavilions are clustered together on the south side of Sebastian Inlet. Each picnic pavilion can accommodate up to sixty people each and can be reserved at a cost of $60.00 for a pavilion or $30.00 for a half pavilion. The picnic pavilion rental time is from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For reservations, please call 772-589-9659. Nearby restroom and pavillion have A.D.A. accomodations.
	Pet Camping Pet camping is available at Sebastian Inlet State Park. Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Please report all lost pets immediately. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m.--8:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles and birds must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the campground.
	Picnicking Picnic areas are located on both sides of Sebastian Inlet. The north side picnic area is adjacent to the beach, catching the ocean breeze, under the shade of a hundred palm trees. The picnic areas on the south side of the park overlook the waters of Sebastian Inlet.
	Playground Children will have fun on a modern playground facility overlooking the Indian River Lagoon. Featuring swings, slides and a big green dinosaur, the playground is located by covered picnic pavilions #1 and #2. For your child's safety please insure that adult supervision is provided at all times.
	RV Camping All 51 sites can accommodate RV's up to a maximum of 32 feet. Current electric services is 30 amps - standard plus. Some sites require extra long hose length. Four sites have been modified to service our A.D.A. campers. Please notify Reserve America of your needs at the time of reservations. Sites are on a first come, first serve basis for campers without reservations. Please report lost pets immediately so recovery can be assisted by our staff.
	Scuba Diving Scuba diving and snorkeling are permitted in all in the waters of Sebastian Inlet State Park, with the exception of under the Sebastian Inlet Bridge and in the boat channel. Rock reefs stretch for miles starting south of Sebastian Inlet in the nearshore waters. Water visibility is best in the summer months. All divers and snorkelers must be within 100 feet of a dive flag. Spearfishing is prohibited.
	Showers Cold, outdoor showers are available on all the beach access boardwalks and by the Sebastian Fishing Museum.
	Surfing Three miles of Atlantic beach offer some of the best surfing on the East Coast. One of the most consistent surf breaks in Florida is Sebastian Inlet's first peak, located next to the north jetty. Another hot surf spot is Monster Hole--located about 1/3 mile off the beach, on the south side of Sebastian Inlet. The contour of the ocean floor rises up and when the surf is big, the waves form long lines, giving a long ride.
	Swimming Swimming opportunities abound along the three miles of Sebastian Inlet State Park’s Atlantic Ocean beaches. There is a section of beach that has lifeguard protection from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Beach wheelchair is available upon request. For those who prefer to play in the water but do not like waves, "The Cove" on the north side of Sebastian Inlet is ideal. The Cove is a protected area with a hard bottom and a gentle slope, making it a favorite locale for parents with kids wanting to splash and swim.
	Wildlife Viewing Sebastian Inlet State Park is a wonderful place to view wildlife. Located on the tip of two barrier islands and surrounded by water, birds flock to Sebastian Inlet State Park. Visitors have a chance to view over 180 species of birds during the course of a year. The Sebastian Inlet State Park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Sebastian Inlet State Park and the surrounding beaches have the largest nesting assemblage of sea turtles in the United States. During June and July visitors have an opportunity to witness nesting loggerhead sea turtles on a ranger-led walk. Reservations for these tours are necessary. Juvenile green sea turtles feed in the seagrass beds of the Indian River Lagoon and can be seen on the reefs off of the McLarty Treasure Museum. In the water surrounding the park Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are commonly seen. Manatees inhabit these waters from March to October. The most endangered whale species in the world is the right whale, with a population of only 300. During the months of January and February, right whales can sometimes be observed traveling close to the coast. Raccoons, opossums, and many other small animals can be routinely observed. Bobcats, alligators, and river otters are occasionally seen.

Special Events for Sebastian Inlet State Park

NATIONAL SCHOLASTIC SURFING ASSOCIATION SURF CONTE
Date: August 23, 2008 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Description: The hotest scholastic surfers complete to see who is the best. All surfers must be full-time students with a 2.0 G.P.A. or above. This is their first contest of the school year.
Fees: Event is free, regular park admission fees apply.
Contact: www.nssa.org
A "Get REAL in Florida State Parks!" Event
DOCTORS, LAWYERS & WEEKEND WARRIORS BENEFIT SURF
Date: Friday, September 19 & Saturday September 20, 2008
Description: Benefit surf contest for local charities. 75 contestants, entry fee $125.00.
Fees: Entry Fee: $125.00 for surfers. Event is free, regular park entrance fees apply.
Contact: Jack Kirschenbaum 321-727-8100
A "Get REAL in Florida State Parks!" Event
QUIKSILVER 'KING OF THE PEAK' SURF CONTEST
Date: November 1 & 2, 2008, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Description: Some of the best surfers around 'shoot the tube' and 'Hang Ten' while completing for $10,000.00 in prize money.
Fees: Free event, regular park entrance fees apply.
Contact: www.quiksilver.com
A "Get REAL in Florida State Parks!" Event

Sebastian Inlet State Park Ranger Programs

SEA TURTLE WALKS
June & July, 2008 9 PM - 1 AM Learn about Florida's sea turtles and maybe see a nesting loggerhead sea turtle, on a ranger led tour. Reservations for June will be taken starting on May 15, at 8 AM. July's reservations will be taken starting on June 15, at 8 AM. Call for reservations and information
Call 321-984-4852 for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sebastian Inlet State Park

Question: Are metal detectors allowed on the beach?
Answer: Yes, metal detectors are allowed but only as described below:
1. In that area between the waterline and toe of the dune on the ocean beaches.
2. For authorized archaelogical research authorized by the Division of Historical Resources (DHR).
3. For recovery of lost personal items. (Must contact Park Manager prior to any recovery search, identify the item, be restricted to site/area specific search with DEP staff present.)
4. Metal detectors are prohibited on all other state park lands, including submerged lands under lease by state parks. Note: Some areas of submerged state park lands are under exclusive lease by Mel Fisher and heirs through leases issued by DHR.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the park at 321-984-4852.

Sebastian Inlet State Park History

The history of the Sebastian Inlet area goes back to the end of the last ice age. The barrier islands formed from sandbars off the coast of the mainland. As vegetation took hold on the sandbars, animals moved in, followed by the first human inhabitants, the Paleo hunters.

The Ais Indians were more recent inhabitants of the barrier islands. They were a tribe of hunters and gatherers who lived off the bounty of the land and sea. The Ais captured the English Quaker Jonathan Dickinson after his ship wrecked in 1696. Dickinson’s descriptions of the Ais and their lifestyles are the best record we have of these people. By 1760, all of the Ais Indians were gone. Like the other natives of Florida, they succumbed to European diseases and mistreatment.

In 1715, eleven Spanish treasure galleons sank along the east central Florida coast. One of the survivors’ campsites was located on the present day site of the McLarty Treasure Museum. Seven hundred people lost their lives in this disaster, while 1,500 people survived.

The Inlet

In 1872, Captain David P. Gibson promoted a movement to dig an inlet across a quarter mile strip of barrier island near present day Sebastian Inlet. The next attempt to dig an inlet was in 1881 by Thomas New. New’s Cut was listed on the United States geological map of 1880. It was not until 1895 that water flowed for the first time between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon at Gibson’s Cut. This was a spot where the ocean frequently washed over the dunes. The inlet was quickly closed the same year by a storm and shifting sands.

Twenty-three years later in 1918, Roy D. Couch spearheaded a project using his own dredge to cut an inlet through the sandy banks and build a jetty to project the opening. This was the first time a dredge was used to cut through the barrier island. The cut was completed but a storm wrecked the project. The next attempt to open an inlet was in 1919 organized by commercial fishermen that wanted quick access to the ocean. Working with the Florida Legislature the Sebastian Inlet Tax District was created to build and maintain a permanent inlet. Roy Couch was elected as chairman and served at this post for 32 years.

In 1924, using funds from a $100,000.00 bond issue, the Sebastian Inlet Tax District re-cut the Sebastian Inlet 100 feet wide and 6 feet deep. A 400-foot long rock jetty was constructed to protect the new Sebastian Inlet. Between 1924 and 1941 the Sebastian Inlet was opened and closed as sand washed in from the ocean and men re-dug the narrow cut. In 1941, due to fear of German attack and wartime (WWII) lack of maintenance, a sandbar formed and closed the inlet. In 1947, after World War II was over, Sebastian Inlet was moved a little south and reopened to a width of 100 feet and a depth of 8 feet. In just a few months a storm closed the inlet again. On October 28, 1948, the inlet was reopened and has remained open ever since. The jetties were also strengthened and capped with concrete. In 1952, the north jetty was extended 300 feet. In 1955, the north jetty was extended another 250 feet. The south jetty was extended 175 feet. In 1959, Brevard and Indian River County residents voted to transfer three miles of barrier island south of Sebastian Inlet. This was done in exchange for Indian River County building a bridge across Sebastian Inlet and making a paved road from Wabasso to the inlet bridge.

Revenue bonds backed by Indian River County’s share of the gasoline tax financed the project. The 1,548-foot bridge over Sebastian Inlet was opened on February 12, 1965 at a cost of $745,000.

In 1966, Mr. Robert McLarty donated seven acres to the Florida Park Service. This was the site of the 1715 Spanish salvage camp. In 1970, The McLarty Treasure Museum was opened, displaying artifacts and telling the story of the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet’s disaster. Also in 1970, the north and south jetties were extended. In 1971, Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area was opened with three miles of beachfront. In 1998, the Sebastian Fishing Museum was opened on the south side of the inlet. This museum tells the story of the early commercial fishing in the Sebastian area. In 2003, a new north jetty was constructed over the existing jetty with a larger area for fishing.