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Bird and Wildlife Watching
Indian River Lagoon and Seashore
Space Coast South
Bird and wildlife watching opportunities associated with the Indian River Lagoon and Beaches along Florida's Space Coast.
This Symbol indicates that the site is a designated site of the Great Florida Birding Trail
Beachside
Riverside Park (Lagoon) (Quick Stop)
Location: North end of Riverside Place adjacent to Indian River Lagoon, Indialantic. From A1A and 5th Avenue (192) in Indialantic, head west on 5th and turn right onto Riverside Place North just before the first relief bridge on the causeway. Park is just past the overflow parking for the Eastminster Presbyterian Church and across the street from the church.
GPS N 28 05.383 W 80 34.581
Google Satellite Image
 

Melbourne Causeway (Lagoon) (Quick Stop)
Location: Extends along north and south side of S.R. #192. Indialantic.Size: 6,900 feet of river frontage or 6.3 acres. Facilities: Undeveloped off-road parking, access to water.
GPS N 28 05.266 W 80 34.885
Google Satellite Image

 

Douglas Park (Lagoon) (Quick Stop)
Location; Southeast end of Melbourne Causeway and Indian River, Size: 1.17 acres. (Indialantic) From A1A and 5th Avenue (192) in Indialantic, head west on 5th and turn left onto Riverside Place South just before the first relief bridge on the causeway. Facilities: Benches available for viewing Indian River Lagoon and activities along causeway.
GPS N 28 05.317 W 80 34.572
Google Satellite Image

 
Ryckman Park and Melbourne Beach Pier(Lagoon) (Quick Stop)
Riverside Dr / Ocean Ave Melbourne Beach, FL 32951. From A1A and 5th Avenue (192) in Indialantic, head South on A1A until it runs into Ocean Avenue, turn west and follow Ocean Ave until in runs into Riverside Drive at the park.
GPS N 28 04.106 W 80 33.960
Google Satellite Image
 

Coconut Point Park(Ocean) (Quick Stop)
3535 S Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach
FROM US-192 (Melbourne Cswy), go south on Miramir Ave (SR-A1A) 1.0 miles and the road becomes Oak Street (SR-A1A), continue 4.5 miles.
Possible sightings include various shorebirds, gannets and other seabirds offshore.
Open after 7:00 a.m. until dark, except for scheduled use.
ADA ACCESSIBLE: Parking, 1 Dune Crossover, Restrooms, Pavilion, Drinking Fountain
GPS N 28 01.337 W 80 32.161
Google Satellite Image

 
Coconut Point Sanctuary (Lagoon) (Noteable Stop)
4000 S Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach
From US-192 (Melbourne Cswy) go south 6.1 miles on A1A. The first trailhead is on the west side of A1A, 0.25 mile south of the Publix shopping plaza, a second trailhead is a few hundred yards further south. Park in the Publix shopping plaza. Or you can park at Juan Ponce de León Landing (Just Below), cross A1A and walk north on the Bike Path to the south trailhead. This is actually a shorter walk. A bike rack is located at the southern trailhead.
The 62-acre habitat of coastal strand, oak scrub, coastal oak forest, and mangrove forest at the Coconut Point Sanctuary rolls over ancient sand dunes from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River Lagoon. Early Native Americans, known as the Ais Indians, once lived along the shores of the Indian River Lagoon in this area and ate native plants, shellfish, birds, and fish. It was also near this site that historians believe Juan Ponce de Leon set foot in Florida in 1513. Along the hiking trail is an observation platform over the Indian River Lagoon--an ideal spot to view wading and shorebirds, soaring osprey, and the occasional pod of dolphin. Although they are hard to see, juvenile sea turtles also swim in the Indian River Lagoon and feed among the sea grasses growing here.
GPS (South Trailhead) N 28 00.708 W 80 31.867
Google Satellite Image (South Trailhead Marked)
 
Juan Ponce de León Landing (Ocean) (Quick Stop)
4005 Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach
On SR-A1A 6.2 miles south of US-192 (Melbourne Cswy).
Possible sightings include various shorebirds, gannets and other seabirds offshore.
This is also believed by some to be the site where the Spanish Explorer San Juan Ponce de Leon first landed in Florida in April of 1513 and gave the land it's name. He is generally credited with discovering Florida even though there is evidence that Spanish slave ships looking for Indians for the slave trade may have landed here sooner. A marker at the park commemorates the landing.
ADA ACCESSIBLE: Parking, Restrooms
GPS N 28 00.636 W 80 31.811
Google Satellite Image
 
Maritime Hammock Sanctuary (Lagoon) (Noteable Stop)
6200 S Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach
From US-192 (Melbourne Cswy) go south 10.3 miles on A1A. There are two trailheads on the west side of A1A. One trailhead is north of the Mark's Landing development, and the other is a few hundred yards to the south. Parking is available at the north trailhead.
The Maritime Hammock Sanctuary is in the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge west of A1A on the barrier island. This 150-acre sanctuary features a hiking trail with 2 bridges, boardwalk over wetland areas, and an observation deck over a marsh pond. Visitors experience a variety of protected barrier island habitats: coastal strand, maritime hammock, and mangrove forests. A portion of this sanctuary was once the site of an exotic plant nursery. Many of the nonnative plants that were grown at the nursery, such as Madagascar periwinkle and asparagus fern have escaped into the hammock. An intensive nonnative invasive plant removal project is underway. Acquired in partnership with the State of Florida.
GPS N 27 57.379 W 80 30.163
Google Satellite Image
 
Bonsteel Park(Ocean) (Quick Stop)
8455 Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach
FROM US-192 (Melbourne Cswy) go 14.6 miles south on SR-A1A.
FROM Sebastian Inlet, go 2.4 miles north on SR-A1A.
Possible sightings include various shorebirds, gannets and other seabirds offshore.
ADA ACCESSIBLE: Parking, Dune Crossover
GPS N 27 54.091 W 80 28.252
Google Satellite Image
 

Barrier Island Sanctuary;(Ocean to Lagoon) (Noteable Stop)
8385 S Hwy A1A
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
From I-95 take Melbourne Exit-180/US-192 east across the Melbourne Causeway to SR-A1A. Turn right and go 14.5 miles south on Hwy-A1A. The Center is on the left. From Sebastion Inlet: Go to 1.5 miles north to the Center.
This property managed by the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program in partnership with the Carribbean Conservation Corporation, the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge and the Ocean Conservancy. The 34-acre Barrier Island Sanctuary consists of the Management and Education Center site along with two adjacent parcels stretching across the narrow barrier island—from the Indian River Lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean. The Sanctuary offers visitors a unique interpretive hiking trail that weaves through a cross section of all the barrier island habitats.
Possible sightings range from shorebirds, gulls and pelagics from the beach, to roseate spoonbills, wading birds, ospreys, and alligators at the lagoon. In between you may see bobcats, screech owls, and one other way cool little animal. Along the trail several benches are provided. Sit and remain still a few minutes and soon you will notice giant land crabs emerging from their holes in the dirt among the trees of the Maritime Hammock.
Trail Map
GPS
N 27 54.171 W 80 28.306
Google Satellite Image

 
Long Point Park (Lagoon) (Noteable Stop)
700 Long Point Road, Melbourne Beach
FROM US-192 (Melbourne Cswy) go 16 miles south on SR-A1A and turn right into the park.
FROM Sebastian Inlet go 1 mile north on SR-A1A.
This 84.5-acre conservation area and urban district river park offers shoreline fishing, waterfront full service camping, a fishing dock, a pond for wading birds, another pond for swimming, a small bridge connecting to Scout Island for over a mile of nature trails.
GPS N 27 52.475 W 80 28.213
Long Point Park Campground Website
Site Feature Map

Google Satellite Image
 
Sebastain Inlet State Park (Ocean and Lagoon) (Destination)
One of Florida's most popular state parks, Sebastain Inlet is a mecca for snook fishing and is easily located on Highway A1A about 15 miles south of Melbourne Beach. When you see the big bridge, you are there. Sebastain Inlet State Park has something for just about everyone. There are hiking trails, biking trails, good snorkeling, diving, great fishing, kayaking, boating, two museums, and a great sand bottom shallow swimming and wading lagoon. Don snorkeling gear and swim along the rocks separating the wading lagoon and the inlet and you will see snapper, sheepshead, and many other small fish species. (More info on Space Coast Outdoors Snorkeling page.) A boat ramp can be found on the south side on the lagoon. There are two museums on site. The McLarty Treasure Museum tells the story about the Spanish Treasure Fleet of 1715, that wrecked along the Florida southeast coast in that year. The El Capitan was the northernmost shipwreck of the 11 ship fleet that was driven ashore by a massive hurricane in July of 1715 and broke apart on the shallow reefs within a mile of the south jetty. All 11 ships were lost and over 1,000 sailers died. The museum is on the site of the survivors of the El Capitan campground. The Sebastian Fishing Museum tells the history of the area's fishing industry.
Map of Sebastain Inlet State Park
GPS N 27 51.683 W 80 26.931
Google Satellite Image
 

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge(Lagoon) (Destination)
From Melbourne Beach, take A1A south, cross Sebastian Inlet and continue south. Facilities are located on the west side of A1A on the north end of historic Jungle Trail, which is a great birding location itself, especially during migration. From Wabasso, head North on A1A and you will see the entrance to the wildlife refugeand jungle trail on the left before you get to Sebastian Inlet.
Established by an executive order of President Theodore Roosevelt on March 14, 1903, Pelican Island was the first national wildlife refuge in the United States. It was created to protect egrets and other birds from extinction by plume hunters as hats with plumes had become a fashion rage in the country at the time. This was the first time that the federal government put land on the side for the sake of wildlife. In 2003, to celebrate it's centennial, new public facilities such as an observation tower and boardwalk have been installed. These new facilities are providing the public with the first opportunity, in it's 100-year history, to view the Pelican Island rookery from land and without the use of a boat. Located 1/2 mile south on Jungle Trail, the viewing are includes parking and two foot trials. Park at the Viewing Area; Pete's Impoundment Foot Trail is accessible from the Centennial Trail. Bicycles, horse back riding, pets and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trails.
GPS N 27 48.218 W 80 25.607
Google Satellite Image

 
Mainland
All sites listed below are associated with the Lagoon
 
Kiwanis Park at Geiger Point; (Quick Stop)
1313 East New Haven, Melbourne
On the Indian River at the southwest end of the US-192 Melbourne Causeway.
2 designated shoreline fishing sites.
ADA ACCESSIBLE: Parking, Pavilion, Paved Walkway
Open after 7:00 a.m. until dark, except for scheduled use.
GPS N 28 04.816 W 80 36.006
Google Satellite Image
 
Claude Edge Front St. Park (Quick Stop)
2210 Front Street, Melbourne.
Claude Edge Front St. Park is located on Front Street along the Indian River in Downtown Melbourne at the base of the Melbourne Causeway. Features include boat ramps, picnic areas, fishing pier, pavillion, benches, shuffleboard.
GPS N 28 04.722 W 80 35.980
Google Satellite Image
 
Melbourne Riverview Park (Quick Stop)
2400 Riverview Drive, Melbourne
FROM SR-192 go 0.4 miles on US Hwy 1, turn left on Prospect Avenue and go 0.1, then turn right onto Riverview Drive and go 0.1 miles.
ADA ACCESSIBLE: Parking, Pavilion, Playground
Open after 7:00 a.m. until dark, except for scheduled use.
GPS N 28 04.394 W 80 35.953
Google Satellite Image
 
Lagoon House (Noteable Stop)
3225 Dixie Highway (US 1) Palm Bay, FL 32905
The Lagoon House is a two story building which showcases turn-of-the-century Florida vernacular style architecture. The building houses a visitors center, historical center, and an environmental learning center for the Indian River Lagoon. It is located on the left about 1.6 miles south of the intersection of US-1 and SR-192 (Melbourne Causeway). from the southbound lane you will have to make a U-Turn south of the location and approach the site from the south.
GPS N 28 03.592 W 80 35.505
Google Satellite Image
 
Castaway Point Park (Quick Stop)
2990 Bay Blvd. NE Palm Bay, FL 32905
This park is located on the northern shoreline of Palm Bay (The city's namesake bay) at the mouth of Turkey Creek and has two docks and a beach suitable for launching kayaks. The site overlooks the lagoon and the bay. On US-1 3.4 miles south of the Melbourne Causeway, turn east on Bay Blvd NE. Park will be on right.
GPS N 28 02.420 W 80 34.898
Google Satellite Image
 
Stearns Point Center (Quick Stop)
4295 Dixie Highway (US 1) Palm Bay, FL 32905
Located at the mouth of Turkey Creek where the creek enters the namesake bay for Palm Bay. It is located on the north east side of the US-1 / Turkey Creek Bridge just south of the Palm Bay Road US-1 intersection. Has a canoe dock, gazebo, lighted fishing area.
GPS N 28 02.049 W 80 34.818
Google Satellite Image
 
Pollak Park (Quick Stop)
1455 Main Street NE Palm Bay, FL 32905
This park features a boat ramp into Turkey Creek near the mouth with the Indian River Lagoon and a small shoreline fishing area. From US-1 take Palm Bay Road NE west and take the first left after going over the railroad tracks (Main St. NE). Follow Main St. south to the end. Provides a view of undeveloped islands in Turkey Creek.
GPS N 28 01.934 W 80 34.967
Google Satellite Image
 
A J Goode Park - Captain's House(Quick Stop)
1300 Bianca Drive NE Palm Bay, FL 32905
This park features a boat ramp and fishing pier and is located on the south shore of Turkey Creek. To get there from US-1 in Palm Bay take Port Malabar Blvd westward to Bianca Drive NE, turn right and follow the road to the end. There are some undeveloped islands in Turkey Creek just off the parks boatramp.
GPS N 28 01.788 W 80 34.940
Google Satellite Image
 
John Jorgensens Landing (Quick Stop)
5045 Highway 1, Grant
LOCATED on the Indian River Lagoon 2-miles south of Valkaria Road (0.3 miles north of First Street).
Boat ramps open 24 hours a day.
This active .49-acre boating area includes 300' of shoreline and boat ramps with docks and parking for 25 cars and trailers.
ADA ACCESSIBLE: Parking, Dock
GPS N 27 56.250 W 80 31.791
Google Satellite Image
 
First Street Boat Ramp (Quick Stop)
4727 1ST Street, Grant
FROM Valkaria Road, go 2.3 miles south on US Hwy 1, turn left to the Indian River.
Boat ramps open 24 hours a day.
This .54-acre boating area provides access to the Indian River. Facilities include a 1-lane boat ramp, parking for 30 cars and 6 trailers, and a boat dock.
ADA ACCESSIBLE: Parking, 160' Dock.
GPS N 27 55.750 W 80 31.561
Google Satellite Image
 
Fishermans Landing (Quick Stop)
5795 S US Highway 1, Grant-Valkaria
FROM US-192 (Melbourne Cswy), go south 11 miles on US Hwy 1, entrance is on the left.
Featuring the Grant Historical House, this scenic 7.48-acre community river park is a perfect wayside stop for travelers and a convenient site for community events. The shaded pavilion and 2 grills with restrooms nearby, path and boardwalk invite picnics and leisurely strolls. The fishing deck accommodates fishing, and may be used by boaters to access the restrooms and picnic area. Although motorized boat launching is not permitted, hand-carried canoes and kayaks may put-in from the north parking area.
Open after 7:00 a.m. until dark, except for scheduled use.
ADA ACCESSIBLE: Parking, Restrooms, Pavilion, River Boardwalk, Fishing Dock.
GPS N 27 55.273 W 80 31.186
Google Satellite Image