By VISIT FLORIDA staff
The Sebastian River Area is one of Florida's authentic Treasure Coast communities on the Indian River Lagoon and is home to America's first National Wildlife Refuge Pelican Island.
The Sebastian River Area is located on the central east coast of Florida in the northernmost part of Indian River County about 15 miles north of Vero Beach and 20 miles south of Melbourne.
The area is well known for the rare antiquities that have washed upon its shores and treasure hunters continue to search Sebastian beaches for gold jewelry and other artifacts.
Sebastian Inlet, Florida is the premier saltwater fishing spot on Florida's east coast favored by anglers for catching snook redfish bluefish and Spanish mackerel from its jetties. The Indian River Lagoon North America's most biologically diverse estuary the St. Sebastian River Blue Cypress Lake and the Stick Marsh also are fishing hot spots and a boater's paradise.
Surfing is a popular recreation and several major competitions are held here every year. The Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway a nationally designated byway runs through the Sebastian River Area.
1. Golden Sands Park
10240 Highway A1A Vero Beach FL 32963
Golden Sands has east-coast sunrises and long stretches of quiet undisturbed sandy beach that have little or no artificial light essential factor to the reproductive success and survival of the 15 000 to 20 000 sea turtles nesting here annually. Golden Sands in Indian River County is the starting point of Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge a 248-acre refuge spanning 20.5 miles that is designated to protect habitat for what is the most significant area for loggerhead sea turtle nesting in the Western Hemisphere and the most significant area for green turtle nesting in North America. Golden Sands Beach has ADA beach access lifeguards a playground restrooms and showers paved parking and picnic pavilions. The park hours are 7 a.m. until sunset.
2. Seagrape Trail
8302 North Highway A1A (1/2 mile south of CR 510) Vero Beach FL 32963
This beautiful stretch of unspoiled beach is a hot spot for treasure hunters. It’s an area where a Spanish treasure galleon from the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet is suspected to have sunk evidenced by the number of silver coins found there. Seagrape Trail is an unguarded beach with a paved parking area and a boardwalk access to the beach.
3. Sebastian Inlet State Park
9700 S Highway A1A Melbourne Beach FL 32951
Sebastian Inlet, Florida is one of the most popular state parks in the southeast with three miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches that 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 about 1/3 mile off the beach on the south side of Sebastian Inlet, Florida. The contour of the ocean floor rises up and when the surf is big the waves form long lines giving a long ride. The Sebastian Inlet State Park also is a favorite for anglers nationwide who catch snook redfish bluefish and Spanish mackerel from its jetties. Other favorite activities include swimming scuba diving snorkeling shelling and sunbathing. 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 and beach wheelchairs are available upon request.
4. Treasure Shores Beach Park
11300 Highway A1A Vero Beach FL 32963
Beautiful sand dunes and verdant grounds await at this tranquil beach in Indian River County a great place to be one with nature. Children can enjoy the pirate-ship-themed playground on-site and there are plenty of picnic tables and shady spots to relax. The park hours are from sunrise to sunset. There is ADA beach access walking trails restrooms and showers picnic tables and a playground. Treasure Shores Beach Park is an unguarded beach.
5. Turtle Trail
8102 North Highway A1A (1.25 miles south of CR 510)
Turtle Trail in Indian River County boasts clear sunrises wide open spaces blue skies turquoise seas and golden sands perfect for setting up a chair and umbrella to take in all the surrounding beauty. You may come across a few beachcombers here and there as they search for rare antiquities and other lost treasure from the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet. Amenities include a paved parking area and boardwalk access to the beach. Hours are from 7 a.m. until sunset for this unguarded beach.
6. Wabasso Beach Park
1820 County Road 510 (east of State Road A1A) Vero Beach FL 32963
This Sebastian beach in FL is a favorite for treasure hunters and surfers alike. It has an exposed beach break that offers both left- and right-hand waves. In 2013 treasure hunters recovered 48 gold coins off the coast. Wabasso Beach amenities include ADA beach access restroom facilities a boardwalk paved parking showers a playground and close proximity to pizza subs snacks and more. Hours are from 7 a.m. until sunset. Lifeguards are on duty from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
