Wildlife and Nature Viewing

Opportunities for nature observation are everywhere at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park! Gazing across the beach as the sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean, you can often see hundreds of shorebirds along the beach and along the inlet. The park is a designated stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail because over 300 species of birds migrate through the area and everything from herons, to egrets, to plovers to loons can be spotted throughout the park. Be sure to look for bald eagles in the tops of trees and ospreys perched atop mangroves on the west side of the park searching for food in the Indian river.

In the cooler months, gopher tortoises and bobcats can be spotted along the park’s multi-purpose trail or even on the coastal hammock trail that winds its way through a beautiful canopy of oaks, sea grapes and sabal palms.

Before you leave, don’t forget to stop for a picnic at one of our waterfront pavilions and take in the scenery of anglers, sailboats and surfers that add to the relaxing and serene atmosphere here at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park!

More opportunities exist for viewing wildlife about 1 mile north at Jack Island Preserve where there are 15 miles of trails surrounded by mangroves and an observation tower that gives you bird's-eye view of the area.