Experiences & Amenities

The park's varied habitats provide excellent opportunities for birding enthusiasts to view many different species of bird life. The park is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

St. Lucie is a great place to see wading birds and shorebirds, including great blue herons, brown pelicans, white ibis and the purple plover.

The park is accessible only by private watercraft. 

There are several good areas for fishing in the park. From the docks: snook, snapper and sheepshead are regularly hooked. From the beach: snook, pompano and bluefish are caught. Offshore, along the reef: cobia, snapper and mackerel are regular catches.

• All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.

A 3,330-foot boardwalk meanders from the dock to the beach. Along the way, you will traverse two coastal hammocks and a skunk-like aroma is from the white stopper, a tropical tree.

Some of the common plants observed along the way are live oak, cabbage palm, paradise tree, wild lime and several species of native fern. Along the beach, you will see gray nicker bean, sea grape and federally listed plants such as the beach star.

Although no rentals are available, there are miles of tidal creek waiting to be explored with your own kayak or canoe.

The nearest launch point is at the end of Cove Road where it meets the Intracoastal Waterway.

An extensive Anastasia rock reef is located just offshore of the park extending 4.7 miles along the coast and up to 1 mile offshore. Depths range from 5 to 35 feet. This reef is the northernmost limit for the ranges of several species of corals found in South Florida.

In addition, many species of marine plants and tropical fishes are associated with the reef. 

• No spearfishing is permitted within state park boundaries. Park boundary is marked by yellow buoys and extends 1 mile out from shore and 4.7 miles south of the St. Lucie Inlet. Display of a "diver-down" flag is required by law.

You can see a variety of sea life just a few hundred feet from shore. An extensive Anastasia rock reef is located just offshore of the park extending 4.7 miles along the coast and up to 1 mile offshore. Depths range from 5 to 35 feet.

Remember to "take nothing but photos and leave nothing but ripples."

• No spearfishing is permitted within state park boundaries. 
• A "diver-down" flag must be displayed when snorkeling or diving.

The water temperature varies from the mid- to upper 80s in the summer, to mid- to lower 70s in the winter. Riptides can occur on days with strong onshore winds. There are no lifeguards on duty. Swim at your own risk.

Many species of wildlife may be observed at St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park, including bobcats, otters, raccoons and more. Morning and late afternoon are the best times to see most wildlife, since that is when they are feeding and most active.