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Bird and Wildlife Watching
Indian River Lagoon and Seashore
Space Coast South
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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
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Beachside ||| Mainland
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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 |
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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) |
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 |
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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
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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
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Mainland
All
sites listed below are associated with
the Lagoon
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Beachside ||| Mainland
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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