Sebastian Inlet is a watery playground for a stretch of coast that extends from Cocoa to Vero Beach. Sebastian Inlet State Park straddles both sides of the inlet. On the south side, a 51-unit campground and boat ramp offers a great place for a long term stay. Day visitors will enjoy the north side of the park, where they can fish from the jetty, swim in the calm-water lagoon, or surf what has been called "the best break in Florida." The park also boasts concessions, a full-service marina, canoe and kayak rentals, ecotours, and a museum.

Sebastian Inlet State Park lays claim to three miles of ocean beach. The El Dorado of surfing on the east coast of Florida, the waves crash impressively against the shore here, particularly in the area around the inlet. Surfing is best on the north side of the inlet, right at and just north of the jetty, and is dangerous on the south side, where an area called "Monster Hole" poses hazards. On an incoming tide, the water rushes with a speed and fury that stirs up stiff winds in its vicinity, making the inlet a pleasant place to be on a hot day.

Located within the park, the McLarty Treasure Museum tells the story, via exhibits and recovered treasures, of a Spanish fleet that wrecked offshore in 1715. Laden with gold and silver from Mexico and Peru, much of its scattered treasure has remained on the ocean floor for more than two and a half centuries. Salvage operations began in earnest in the mid-1950's and major finds have been made as recently as 1990.

HOURS OF OPERATION:

8:00 a.m. to sundown, 365 days per year

ACTIVITIES:

Swimming, surfing, camping, canoeing, ecotours, boating, museum

DETAILED DIRECTIONS:

From Melbourne, take A1A on Melbourne Beach south approximately 20 miles to the park entrance.

INFORMATION AND CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS:

Sebastian Inlet State Park
9700 South A1A
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
(321) 984-4852