Coasting along Brevard County beaches

By Tyme

Sebastian Inlet rocks

Sebastian Inlet is a unique marine environment where the Indian River meets the ocean.

Fishing for compliments…and more

Whether you are fishing for compliments or fishing for supper, the river and ocean jetties are the place to be. Anglers are hooked on Sebastian Inlet and know it as one of the better saltwater fishing spots on Florida’s east coast. Both south and north sides have beach access and fishing jetties, the north jetty extending farthest into the ocean. Pop over to the Sebastian Fishing Museum, in the south parking lot, to identify your catch of the day.

Hanging ten or less

For wave riders, it is “Cowabunga, dude!” Sebastian is one of the top surf areas, with several surf contests held each year. No, really! Check out the surf cams to see for yourself.

Beauty and serenity, behold

The undisturbed natural beauty and serenity of this three-mile stretch of beach appeal to all who call this their favorite.

“My favorite Brevard beach is Sebastian Inlet because it is cleaner, there are nicer shells, the water is prettier,” said Samantha, Brevard County resident. “I just like walking out on the beach and not seeing a lot of buildings.”

Not-so-buried treasure

Sebastian Inlet State Park is chocked full of treasures. The fee-based park offers 51 campsites, riverfront pavilions, picnic areas, restrooms, and a gift shop with snack bar. Two museums call the park home:

• The McLarty Treasure Museum features the history of the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet.
• The Sebastian Fishing Museum provides history about the area’s fishing industry.

There are two unattended, no-charge areas of the park:

• Brevard County: 9500 South A1A. Parking is on the west side of the road at the entrance to the park marina.
• Indian River County: approximately 1/4 mile south of the Inlet bridge. Several other beach paths also are available.

The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. A cost of $5 is charge per multi-passenger vehicle ($3 for single-occupancy vehicle) and $1 for those on bike or foot.

“Last year our attendance was 631,838 visitors of which 590,939 were day use,” said Ron Johns, Park Manager.

For more information about the park, beach and ramp closings, tide charts, and upcoming events, visit the Sebastian Inlet State Park website.

Watch the Sebastian Inlet video.

Click map to view interactive Google Map of Brevard County Beaches.