Bodies of Water

Indian River County boasts 22 miles of beautiful, uncrowded beaches, accessible by 13 public access points offering a range of amenities, including free and ample parking. If calmer waters are more your speed, the Indian River Lagoon offers additional opportunities for sailing, boating and observing birds and wildlife. The Sebastian Inlet to the north of Vero Beach connects the lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular location for fishing, surfing and more. For even more variety, visitors and locals alike enjoy exploring the St. Sebastian River and Blue Cypress Lake.

Seagrape Trail Beach Access 8302 N. Highway A1A

Turtle Trail Beach Access 8102 N. Highway A1A

Beachfront Parks

Beach

Boat Launch

Camping

Dogs Allowed

Fishing

Lifeguard

Parking

Playground

Picnic Tables

Rentable Space

Restrooms

Walking Trails

Tracking Station Park 800 46th Place, N. Highway A1A

Jaycee Park Ocean Drive at Conn Way

Sexton Plaza Beach Sexton Plaza at the east end of Beachland Blvd

Humiston Park Ocean Drive at Easter Lily Lane

South Beach Park Ocean Drive at 17th Street

Round Island Oceanside Park 2200 S. Highway A1A

Beaches

Indian River County beaches from north to south:

Sebastian Inlet State Park

9700 Hwy. A1A

Located about 7 miles north of County Road

510 (Wabasso Bridge), Sebastian Inlet State Park offers surfing, fishing, boating, walking trails, a restaurant, picnic pavilions, camping, restrooms and showers, a bait shop, and beach wheelchairs. Like other state and national parks, the inlet charges an entrance fee, but we're confident you'll find the experience well worth the cost.

Ambersand Beach

12566 Hwy. A1A

This beach, located about 6 miles north of County Road 510, is unguarded and has no amenities — no man-made ones, that is. Ambersand is a quiet spot located within the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, a 248-acre property designed to protect habitat in this important sea turtle nesting area.

Treasure Shores

11300 Hwy. A1A

This unguarded beach nearly 3 miles north of County Road 510 is known for its sand dunes and wide-open beach vistas. Amenities include a pirate ship-themed playground, restrooms, showers and walking trails.

Golden Sands

10350 Hwy. A1A

This guarded beach, part of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, includes a playground, restroom facilities, showers and picnic pavilions.

Wabasso Beach Park

1820 County Road 510

Located at the east end of the Wabasso Bridge, this guarded beach park offers picnic pavilions, restroom facilities, showers, a boardwalk and other amenities.

Beach Safety

Seagrape Trail Beach

8302 Hwy. A1A

Found a half-mile south of County Road 510, this unguarded beach is pristine and secluded. It has been the site of many coin discoveries related to the 1715 Treasure Fleet.

Turtle Trail Beach

8102 Hwy. A1A

This unguarded beach is peaceful and quiet — a great place to plant your chair and umbrella and dive into your latest beach read.

One of the first things you will see at a guarded beach is the flag flying at the lifeguard station. These color-coded flags provide a wealth of information, even before your toes touch the sand.

GREEN

The coveted green flag indicates calm conditions and low hazard. A certain degree of caution is always called for, but if the green flag is flying, you’re probably in for lots of fun in smooth seas.

YELLOW

The commonly seen yellow flag signifies medium hazard due to moderate surf and/or currents. Entering the water is permitted, but extra caution is advised.

RED

If you see the red flag, you’ll be wise to stay out of the water due to high hazard risk brought on by strong surf and/or rip currents. Don’t take chances; there will be plenty of other times to enjoy the ocean.

DOUBLE RED

If the lifeguard is flying two red flags, one atop the other, he or she has closed the water to the public due to extremely hazardous conditions unsuitable for even the strongest swimmers, such as extremely rough surf, rip currents or even a shark sighting.

PURPLE

A purple flag indicates the presence of dangerous marine life. Jellyfish are a common culprit.

In addition to the flag(s), you will find a sign near the lifeguard station with a chalkboard on which the lifeguard has written up-to-date information such as water temperature and any special conditions. Always consult the lifeguards with your questions, as they are there to keep everyone informed and safe.

South Beach

Tracking Station Beach

800 46th Place

Just off Hwy. A1A near the CVS pharmacy, Tracking Station is a guarded beach that is popular among local sunbathers and surfers alike.

Jaycee Park

4200 Ocean Drive

Located just two miles north of the Merrill Barber Bridge, this is the northernmost beach within the city limits of Vero Beach. In addition to a guarded beach, the spacious grounds include a boardwalk, playground, picnic pavilions, sand volleyball courts, showers and restrooms, making it a favorite locale for family outings.

Sexton Plaza

Easternmost end of Beachland Boulevard

This unguarded beach, adjacent to the legendary Ocean Grill restaurant, is located in the heart of the oceanside shopping district. It is just a hop, skip and jump from fantastic beachside shops and eateries. It's a popular place for ocean gazing and sunrise spotting.

Humiston Park

3000 Ocean Drive

Humiston Park, a short distance south of Sexton Plaza, is conveniently located amidst shopping and restaurants. A guarded beach, large playground, picnic pavilions, restrooms and showers make this a favorite among residents. It is also the site of the popular Farmers Market Oceanside every Saturday morning.

Round Island

South Beach Park

1702 Ocean Drive

A straight drive east from the Alma Lee Loy (17th Street) Bridge brings you to the southernmost beach within the Vero Beach city limits. It features wide, guarded beaches, restrooms, showers, sand volleyball courts and covered pavilions.

Round Island Park

2200 Hwy. A1A

This county park, located about 7 miles south of the Alma Lee Loy (17th Street) Bridge, is divided in two by Highway A1A. Oceanside you'll find a guarded beach, playground, picnic pavilions and restrooms. The lagoon side includes boat and kayak launches, a playground and picnic pavilion, walking trails and a three-story observation tower. It's the best place around for spotting manatees and the occasional dolphin.

Sea Turtles

Loggerhead turtles, the most numerous visitors to our shores, may be 3 feet long and weigh as much as 250 pounds. Watching one of these magnificent creatures emerge from the sea to nest on the beach can be a magical experience. Several local organizations lead turtle walks — guided evening beach tours — that offer participants an opportunity to observe a turtle coming ashore to lay her eggs. Reservations are required and spots fill quickly, so don't wait too long!

Juvenile green turtle

Turtle Walks

Friends of Sebastian Inlet State Park at the Sebastian Fishing Museum

14257 Hwy. A1A

772-589-2147 fsispturtlewalk.org

Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge

8385 Hwy. A1A

Melbourne Beach

321-723-3556 fws.gov/refuge/archie_carr