Located between Vero Beach and Melbourne along on the north end of the Florida Treasure Coast and the south end of the Florida Space Coast, Sebastian is considered North America’s most biologically diverse estuary. It is located across from Sebastian Inlet, Florida’s premier fishing and surfing spot on the east coast. It is also home to Pelican Island, America’s first National Wildlife Refuge, known for its world-class bass fishing to deep-sea fishing. There is kayaking, paddle boarding, pontoon & airboat tours, surfing, skydiving, and birding and wildlife viewing. Also, many people enjoy the antiquities that have been found on its shores found from the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet. There are dockside restaurants, marina fishing, sightseeing boats, art galleries, museums, or cruise the Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway. Here are some great places to visit in Sebastian:
- Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum
- La Porte Farms
- Riverview Park
- Golf Courses
- Pelican Island
Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum
Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum is the World Leader in Historic Shipwreck Recovery and the source of authentic shipwreck treasure. Mel was a dreamer and also, the World’s Greatest Treasure Hunter. The museum carries on his dream of sharing with the world the priceless historical and cultural heritage these treasures represent. They are the treasures of the Atocha and the Santa Margarita and yet other to-be-undiscovered shipwrecks. Each treasure goes through a conservation process in their state-of-the-art lab, then is studied and recorded in their database. You can purchase one-of-a-kind treasure jewelry here by visiting their online Treasure Store or one of their 3 retail locations. They still search for the wreck of the Nuestra Senora de Atocha, which sank in 1622. Come here and learn all about the conservation and history of these sunken ships!
La Porte Farms
La Porte Farms is one of our favorite attractions on the entire Florida Treasure Coast. This little petting zoo is located in a residential neighborhood. When we first drove out to the location, we were fairly certain we were lost as we drove down an unpaved road on a residential street, but tried to remain confident in the GPS. We weren’t disappointed!
When we pulled into the driveway, we were greeted with a giant red barn. The entire petting zoo is located in the backyard of the owner and founder. There is no cost for entry, but donations are appreciated. Donation boxes will be found on the fence post at the entry gate, and a few are also posted throughout the park.
The farm is home to goats, chickens, parrots, horses, ponies, donkeys, and more! There’s a small canteen where you can purchase snacks and even feed for the animals. Additionally, there was a sand pit under a nice shade where children can play and parents can relax! One of the most unique points of interest was a collection of various kinds of hobby horses. Our small children enjoyed darting to each one and rocking back and forth in a variety of ways!
Riverview Park
Riverview Park is located at the corner of Sebastian Boulevard and US1 and is located on the shores of the beautiful Indian River Lagoon. This park is the central hub of culture and events in Sebastian, Florida. Numerous festivals, markets, concerts, and other events take place in the park throughout the year, but our favorite things are the playgrounds and the free splash pad.
Located in close proximity to the park are a set of shops and restaurants where you can grab a light lunch, snack, or ice cream together as a family after spending some time enjoying the park.
Golf Courses
Two of the golf courses in Sebastian are the Sebastian Municipal Golf Course and the Barefoot Bay Golf Course. Sebastian Municipal Golf Course’s mission is to promote the game of golf, Sebastian Golf Course, and the City of Sebastian through unsurpassed customer service, various golf events, and through junior golf activities. There are annual memberships, private lessons, junior golf, 9 and 18-hole rates, and multiple events to promote golf in the area. Barefoot Bay Golf Course is actually in nearby Barefoot Bay but also has multiple activities for all golfers, including 9 and 18-hole rates, memberships, and events for golf promotion.
Pelican Island
Pelican Island is America’s first National Wildlife Refuge and is located near Sebastian. It is a little island in the Indian River Lagoon but with a large international footprint. Pelican Island and its surrounding 5400+ acres of protected waters and lands are known as the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Two 3-mile loop trails go around salt marshes, mangrove habitats, and the Wildlife Trail. There is the ¾ mile Centennial walking trail with views of Centennial Pond and has a handicapped accessible observation tower and boardwalk with a view of Pelican Island. Fall through spring are considered the best time of the year to visit the island. Its mission is to conserve and restore fish, wildlife, and plant resources for the benefit of present and future generations. There is also a fire management plan in place to manage any controlled wildland fires to help mitigate any damage, encourage new growth of native vegetation, and maintain those habitats for the benefit of plant and animal species that depend on periodic fires. They also conduct habitat restoration projects, wildlife surveys, invasive species removal, and mosquito control measures in partnership with the Indian River Mosquito Control District. The refuge was created in 1903 to safeguard the last remaining nesting habitat for brown pelicans and other birds on America’s East Coast. It also serves as a place to protect endangered and threatened species, for over 130 species of birds.
Conclusion
There are many places to visit in Sebastian, Florida. You can find lots of outdoor adventures to enjoy, or indoor places to visit. There is the required playground for the littles to enjoy in the park, or natural wildlife for them to learn from and enjoy. Whichever is your favorite, you will be sure to find something to enjoy here! Happy Vacationing!
Also, it’s just a short drive to Vero Beach, Florida for even more great things to do and see!