Experiences & Amenities
Experiences
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 40-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 Bayside Marina.
- Check with the Inlet Marina staff before venturing out on any trail.
- Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
Sebastian Inlet State Park is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and is home to many types of shorebirds and migratory species.
Please ask for the Sebastian Inlet Bird Checklist at our ranger station, or download a copy from this site. The Pelican Island Audubon Society has completed a video on a birding field trip to Sebastian Inlet State Park.
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.
The central location of Sebastian Inlet's tent and recreational vehicle (RV) 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. Accessible sites are available. Also available are accessible restroom facilities, a dump station, and a Wi-Fi hotspot near the marina. Beach wheelchairs are available at no charge.
Well-behaved pets are allowed in the campground but are prohibited on the beach in accordance with our Pet Policy.
- Maximum RV length is 40 feet.
- For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
Sebastian Inlet has primitive camping located at the Bayside Marina. Although most are walk-in/carry-in sites, there are a couple that can accommodate a vehicle drive up and drop off.
- Pets are permitted in accordance with our Pet Policy.
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 ADA accessible. Boat launch facilities provide access to nearby offshore fishing and diving.
- Information on fishing regulations is available at both entrance stations. Spear fishing is prohibited.
- Saltwater fishing licenses may be obtained at all county tax collectors’ offices, online or by dialing toll free, 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356).
- A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices. It's effectively an inexpensive, interactive, high-tech treasure hunt that's a great way to learn geography. Participants use location coordinates to find caches.
Some caches are easy to find; others are more difficult. The biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place where you have never been. Geocaching should have minimal impact to the environment and conscientious land-use ethics should be followed.
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 park's Bayside Marina.
- Check with Bayside Marina staff before venturing out on any trail.
- 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 40-mile-long path with numerous beach access points.
Canoes and kayaks can be paddled to islands and along the mangrove-fringed shoreline of the Indian River Lagoon.
- Rentals are available from Bayside Marina. Call 321-724-5424 for inquiries or visit their website.
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.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
- Four waterfront picnic pavilions are clustered together on the south side of Sebastian Inlet. Each can accommodate up to 60 people.
- The picnic pavilion rental time is from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For reservations, please call 772-589-9659.
- Nearby restroom and pavilion have ADA accommodations.
Sebastian Inlet State Park is an excellent gathering spot for family reunions. Smaller groups can utilize just about anywhere in the park without special accommodations. Larger groups can rent the covered picnic pavilions on the south side of the park.
Scuba diving and snorkeling are permitted in 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.
For everyone's safety, the following rules must be observed:
- All persons participating in scuba diving activities do so at their own risk.
- Each diver must dive within the limits of their certification.
- A dive party must consist of at least two divers.
- A diver-down flag must be displayed.
- Fossils and artifacts must not be disturbed or removed. Aquatic plants must not be trampled or disturbed.
- Do not carve or otherwise deface rocks or any other surfaces.
- Keep a minimum distance of 50 feet between you and manatees at all times.
- Dives must be completed one hour before sunset.
- Spearfishing is not permitted within state park boundaries.
Scuba diving and snorkeling are permitted 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.
Over 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 (not a hole, but a shoal!), located about a third of a 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 opportunities abound along the 3 miles of Sebastian Inlet State Park's Atlantic Ocean beaches. 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. The cove is a great alternate destination for visitors who are not strong swimmers or when the Atlantic surf is too rough for safe swimming.
- Always make sure children are closely supervised. Everyone needs to swim with a buddy. Water depth in both the surf and the cove ranges from a few inches to 15 feet.
- Beach wheelchairs and a specially designed floatable wheelchair are available upon request.
- The Florida Park Service prioritizes the safety of its visitors. Staff look for the best ways to provide a safe environment at each park.
- Lifeguards are not present at all parks that offer swimming. At these parks, clearly marked signs state that visitors can swim at their own risk.
- Visitors to coastal parks are reminded to pay close attention to the Warning Flag Signs posted at welcome stations and on the beaches. These flags indicate the swimming conditions at the beach:
- Double red flags mean absolutely no swimming because of high winds and undertow currents
- Yellow flag means swim with caution and stay close to shore
- Green flag means that the waters are safe
- Purple flag means that marine pests are present.
Weddings and receptions can be held and catered at BG's Surfside Grill and Adventures, located on the north side of the park.
A second-story banquet hall can be reserved/rented that provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding park, Sebastian Inlet, ocean and lagoon.
Sebastian Inlet State Park is a wonderful place to view wildlife. Located on the tip of two barrier islands and surrounded by water, the park hosts a variety of birds. Visitors have a chance to view over 180 species of birds during the course of a year.
Sebastian Inlet State Park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. The park and surrounding beaches have the largest nesting assemblage of sea turtles in the United States.
During June and July, visitors can see nesting loggerhead sea turtles on a ranger-led walk. Reservations for these tours are necessary and can be made at Friends of Sebastian Inlet State Park.
Juvenile green sea turtles feed in the seagrass beds of the Indian River Lagoon and can be seen on the reefs off the McLarty Treasure Museum and on the south side of Sebastian Inlet feeding along the rocks. In the water surrounding the park, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are commonly seen. Manatees inhabit the waters from March to October.
The most endangered whale species in the world is the right whale, with a population of only a few hundred. 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.
- Wildlife viewing is possible at the Bayside Marina, and the marina docks are a great location for various bird species, manatee and dolphin viewing year round. Please call the Bayside Marina for inquiries about private wildlife viewing tours and canoe/kayak tours at 321-724-5424.
Amenities
Sebastian Inlet State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all of its visitors. These amenities include:
- Campsites.
- Picnic tables.
- Grills.
- Park brochure and publications (large print available).
- Park programs (sign interpreters upon advanced request).
- Fishing piers and catwalks.
- Boat ramps plus canoe and kayak launch areas.
- Covered picnic pavilions.
- Restaurant and gift shops.
- Museums.
- Beach accesses and beach wheelchair.
- Marina.
- Fishing cleaning station.
- Wildlife viewing areas.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of this park.
Over three miles of ocean-facing beaches make Sebastian Inlet State Park a favored site for beachcombing, surfing and fishing.
Visitors to coastal parks are reminded to pay close attention to the Warning Flag Signs posted at welcome stations and on the beaches. These flags indicate the swimming conditions at the beach:
- Double red flags mean absolutely no swimming because of high winds and undertow currents
- Yellow flag means swim with caution and stay close to shore
- Green flag means that the waters are safe
- Purple flag means that marine pests are present.
- Please use caution! Lifeguards are not provided.
Boat launch ramps are available on both sides of Sebastian Inlet. The main boat launch facility with four boat ramps is located on the south side of Sebastian Inlet. It is open 24 hours every day.
A mile north of Sebastian Inlet, the Bayside Marina boat ramp is open only during marina business hours. Ramp docks are ADA 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.
- The boat ramp fee is $4 plus tax. This is in addition to the park admission fee.
The central location of Sebastian Inlet's tent and recreational vehicle (RV) 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. Accessible sites are available. Also available are accessible restroom facilities, a dump station, and a Wi-Fi hotspot near the marina. Beach wheelchairs are available at no charge.
- Well-behaved pets are allowed in the campground but are prohibited on the beach in accordance with our Pet Policy.
- Maximum RV length is 40 feet.
- For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
Non-motorized water vessels can be launched at both Bayside Marina and the south side of Sebastian Inlet State Park. Inquiries to the Bayside Marina can be made by calling 321-724-5424.
The BG's Surfside Grill and Adventures restaurant, gift shop and bait shops are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Interpretive exhibits are located throughout the grounds of the park and within the two park museums. Exhibits featuring Florida's sea turtles can be viewed near the BG’s Surfside Grill and Adventures building on the north side of the park and also near the entrance to the Inlet Marina.
Other bulletin boards and interpretive displays are maintained by park staff and are found throughout the park's grounds.
The second-story banquet hall of BG’s Surfside Grill and Adventures is available for rent and makes a great spot for planned meetings and retreats with catering options available.
- The room provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding park, Sebastian Inlet, Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon and can be reserved by calling 321-724-2112.
- Covered outdoor picnic pavilions are also available through the park and can be reserved by calling 772-589-9659.
Experience why this area has come to be known as the Treasure Coast. The McLarty Treasure Museum is located at the south boundary of the Sebastian Inlet State Park.
Situated on a survivors camp of the wrecked 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet, the museum features artifacts, displays and an observation deck that overlooks the ocean.
An Arts and Entertainment television production, "The Queen's Jewels and the 1715 Fleet," tells how the ill-fated fleet was returning to Spain when a hurricane struck them off the Florida coast. Still today, salvagers work to recover gold, silver and the "queen's jewels" that were lost to the sea and sandy shores.
- The final movie for the day begins at 3:15 p.m. at the McLarty Museum.
The Sebastian Fishing Museum is devoted to the rich cultural history of Sebastian's fishing industry. The lives and history of the people who lived in Sebastian were interwoven with fishing and the Indian River Lagoon.
The museum commemorates three of Sebastian's early families who operated fish houses: Sembler, Smith and Judah. Inside you will find a replica of an original fish house and dock. A homemade fishing boat, nets, fishing gear and photos of fishing in the lagoon are also on display.
Hours & Fees
- The Sebastian Fishing Museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week, except major holidays.
- The McLarty Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Entry fee for the McLarty Museum is $2 a person. There are no additional fees for the fishing museum beyond normal park entry fees.
Parking spaces are located throughout the park, on each the north side of Sebastian Inlet, as well as the south side of the inlet. Visitors are reminded that parking spaces fill quickly on the park's north side during busy weekends and holidays. Additional parking can be found over the bridge on the south side of the park.
- Visitors are encouraged to carpool and help reduce parking congestion.
Domestic pets are permitted in designated day-use areas at all Florida State Parks. They must be kept on a handheld leash that is six feet or shorter and be well-behaved at all times. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and properly dispose of droppings.
Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks. For more information, please review the Florida Park Service Pet Policy.
Four waterfront picnic pavilions are clustered together on the south side of Sebastian Inlet. Each picnic pavilion can accommodate up to 60 people each and can be reserved from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- For reservations, please call 772-589-9659.
- Nearby restroom and pavilion have ADA accommodations.
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 ensure that adult supervision is provided at all times.
Both RVers and tent campers enjoy this park. For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
All facilities at Sebastian Inlet State Park are wheelchair accessible, and the park is continually improving its existing 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.
- A beach wheelchair is available upon request. Call 321-984-4852.