Indian River Drive Scenic Byway Florida
A pristine Florida coastal gem offering swimming, fishing, surfing, and wildlife spotting with beautiful inlet and ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Indian River Drive Scenic Byway Florida
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pristine Florida coastal gem offering swimming, fishing, surfing, and wildlife spotting with beautiful inlet and ocean views.
"This park is a peaceful, adventure-ready slice of Florida paradise for everyone."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends for best inlet parking. Separate lots for inlet & ocean sides.
☀️ Shade & Sunscreen
Minimal natural shade. Bring pop-up tents, wide hats, and plenty of sunscreen.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fort Pierce Inlet Jetty
Inlet side
Cast a line for a chance at great bites, but be prepared for rough waters and bring heavy sinkers.
Ocean Side Beaches
Ocean side
Enjoy swimming and sunbathing in beautiful, clear waters with a family-friendly vibe.
Mangrove Trails
Various points
Explore small, scenic trails offering opportunities for bird-watching and spotting marine life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Gear Up for Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends for best inlet parking. Separate lots for inlet & ocean sides.
☀️ Shade & Sunscreen
Minimal natural shade. Bring pop-up tents, wide hats, and plenty of sunscreen.
💧 Hydration is Key
Pack coolers with water and electrolytes; no quick access to drinks once on the sand.
🛒 Beach Cart Essential
A collapsible wagon or beach cart makes hauling gear much easier.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends for best inlet parking. Separate lots for inlet & ocean sides.
☀️ Shade & Sunscreen
Minimal natural shade. Bring pop-up tents, wide hats, and plenty of sunscreen.
💧 Hydration is Key
Pack coolers with water and electrolytes; no quick access to drinks once on the sand.
🛒 Beach Cart Essential
A collapsible wagon or beach cart makes hauling gear much easier.
🎣 Inlet Fishing Tips
Bring heavy sinkers for bottom fishing on the jetty; can get busy when fish are biting.
🦚 Bird Watching
Look for diverse bird species along the trails and shoreline.
🐢 Turtle Sculptures
Admire the decorative turtle sculptures at the park entrance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Fort Pierce Inlet State Park for its beautiful, clean beaches and family-friendly atmosphere. The affordable entry fee and variety of activities like fishing, swimming, and exploring trails make it a highly recommended destination. Some minor notes include the lack of lifeguards and the need for preparation regarding shade and supplies.
"First visit to this state park and our whole family loved it! We have 5 kids and they loved the beach. It was very child friendly. It was only $6 to get in. There were bathrooms, some outdoor grills and a very nice beach area. Not too crowded. We went to the inlet side but we were told there are also ocean side beaches. Absolutely beautiful clear water and lovely scenery! Will be back again and again!"
Ashley Johnson
"State Park pass holder so no fee for me but I took a photo of the current cost for non-pass holders. Beautiful state park. Inlet access. Ocean access. Separate parking for each. Baskets to help pick up things left behind. Park was clean. Rangers were present. A couple walking the beach areas and saw one cleaning up trash. They stay on top of their duties. One of the trails was a. It over grown. Bathrooms, picnic tables, grills, pavilions, beach showers, parking seemed plentiful. Lovely turtle sculptures at the entrance and also love the canoe with plants."
J. Ray
"Accessible beach for children with special needs.
We had a wonderful experience. Morgan was very kind and got us a special beach wheelchair so we could easily bring our daughter with a disability down to the beach. It made all the difference! We’re very grateful for the thoughtful service and accessibility."
Deborah Moya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located at 905 Shorewinds Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34949. It's accessible by car, with separate parking areas for the inlet and ocean sides.
Public transportation options directly to the scenic byway are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to explore the area.
Driving is ideal for the scenic byway, allowing you to stop at various points of interest. Consider a paddleboard or kayak for exploring the waterways.
The closest major airports are Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) and Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB), both about an hour's drive away.
While parts of Indian River Drive are suitable for cycling, it's a busy road. Be cautious and aware of traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is $6 per vehicle for non-pass holders. State Park pass holders get free entry.
The park is open daily from 8 AM to sundown.
No advance booking is typically required for general park entry. It's a first-come, first-served basis for parking.
The park is veteran-welcoming, and while specific discounts aren't detailed, it's generally considered affordable.
The $6 per vehicle entry fee covers parking for both the inlet and ocean side access points.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include swimming, sunbathing, fishing off the jetty, surfing, paddleboarding, hiking on small trails, bird-watching, and spotting manatees and dolphins.
Yes, the park is very child-friendly with calm waters on the ocean side and accessible beaches.
Yes, swimming is permitted on both the ocean side beaches and in calmer waters near the inlet. There are no lifeguards on duty.
No, there are no lifeguards stationed at the beaches within Fort Pierce Inlet State Park.
The park offers accessible beach wheelchairs, making it easier for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the beach.
While not the primary focus, snorkeling and diving are possible, especially around the inlet structures.
Yes, the park has picnic tables and covered pavilions, along with outdoor grills.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within the park itself. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks or dine in Fort Pierce.
Fort Pierce offers various dining options, including food trucks like Los Altos de Jalisco for authentic Mexican flavors.
Yes, the park provides outdoor grills for visitors to use.
Fort Pierce has a diverse food scene, from local eateries and breweries like Sailfish Brewery to food trucks offering international cuisine. +1
Yes, supermarkets and a pharmacy are located about 5-7 minutes away from the park for stocking up on supplies.
📸 📸 Photography
The inlet jetty at sunset offers dramatic views. The beaches, mangrove trails, and decorative turtle sculptures also make for great photo opportunities.
Fort Pierce is known for its beautiful sunsets, especially when viewed from the inlet or along the Indian River Drive.
You might photograph various bird species, and with luck, manatees and dolphins in the water.
The turtle sculptures at the entrance and the canoe with plants are unique visual elements.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting. Early mornings are also good for wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎣 Anglers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Waterways
For anglers, the Fort Pierce Inlet jetty is a prime spot for shore fishing. Redditors suggest bringing plenty of heavy sinkers to keep your line on the bottom, as the water can be rough.
Beach Life and Activities
For those seeking more active pursuits, surfing and paddleboarding are popular. Rentals are available just a short drive away, typically 10-15 minutes from the park.
Community and Accessibility
The park is also praised for its cleanliness, with rangers actively maintaining the grounds and beach areas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit