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Safety Updates

Effective Feb. 6: Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is now federal law that all persons on a tour boat, ferry or other park-provided watercraft within Florida State Parks are required to wear a mask. Florida State Parks will comply with this order and continue efforts to provide for staff and visitor safety. Please review individual park pages for specific information for each location.

View details about online payments, park and campground closures, park programs/events and facial coverings.

Limited Visitation at this Park

Effective November 10, 2020: St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park is open for day use activities, including tram services (see hours of operation and fee information below). Due to local orders, facial coverings or masks are required inside buildings for staff and visitor safety. Restroom availability may be limited. All other park facilities are closed. Visitors are expected to maintain distances of at least six feet apart.

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Experiences & Amenities

Back to St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park

Park Menu

  • Hours & Fees
  • Experiences & Amenities
  • History

Experiences

Birding
Birding

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.

Boating
Boating

The park is accessible only by private watercraft. 

Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Fishing
Fishing

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.
Hiking
Hiking

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.

Paddling
Paddling

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.

Picnicking
Picnicking
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving

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.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling

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.
Swimming
Swimming

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.

Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

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.

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities

St. Lucie Inlet State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all of our visitors. These amenities include:

  • Elevated boardwalks to the beach, which ends about 150 feet from the picnic area and 300 feet from beach. A sandy path to each of these would need beach wheelchair to access the beach.
  • Beach wheelchair available (call office in advance to schedule)
  • Picnic facilities with tables and grills.
  • Interpretive exhibit.
  • Shower station.
  • Dock with accessible ramp.
  • Restrooms.

Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.

Beach
Beach

The park provides 2.7 miles of white, sandy Atlantic beach for your enjoyment. Sunbathe, stroll or just watch the waves wash ashore. From March to October, the beach is an important nesting area for leatherback, green and loggerhead sea turtles.

  • A beach wheelchair is available by reservation. Please contact park in advance for reasonable accommodations.
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion

A covered picnic shelter is available with eight picnic tables and two grills for your enjoyment.

Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Shower Station
Shower Station

Freshwater shower is available at the beach restroom to wash off the salt and sand after a fun day at the beach.

Florida State Parks

Main Menu

  • Plan your visit
    • Accessibility
    • FAQs
    • Fees
    • Rules & Regulations
    • Camping & Lodging
    • Outdoor Florida
  • Find a Park
  • Learn
    • Newsletter
  • Resources
  • Experiences & Amenities
    • Educational Opportunities
    • Programs
    • Research & Collecting
  • Events
  • Get Involved
    • Corporate Partners
    • Doing Business with Parks
    • Work for Us

Have Questions?

Contact the Statewide Information Line:
(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:
FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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