St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park
A secluded state park accessible by boat, offering pristine beaches and a scenic boardwalk teeming with wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter, more private beach time
St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park
Best Time
Quieter, more private beach time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded state park accessible by boat, offering pristine beaches and a scenic boardwalk teeming with wildlife.
"We basically had the entire island to ourselves. It was still incredibly beautiful."
🚤 Boat Access Essential
Access is primarily by boat. Limited docks available, consider kayaking or paddleboarding.
🩴 Boardwalk Comfort
Wear sandals on the 0.75-mile boardwalk; it can get warm. Enjoy the wildlife along the way!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Secluded Beach Paradise
Oceanfront
Enjoy miles of pristine, uncrowded beach. Perfect for a private escape and soaking up the sun.
Wildlife Boardwalk
Boardwalk to beach
A 0.75-mile boardwalk teeming with local flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for diverse bird species and other creatures.
Picnic and Restroom Facilities
Near beach
Convenient pavilions and restrooms are available for visitors, making a day trip comfortable and enjoyable.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat Access is Key
Prepare for the Boardwalk Trek
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚤 Boat Access Essential
Access is primarily by boat. Limited docks available, consider kayaking or paddleboarding.
🩴 Boardwalk Comfort
Wear sandals on the 0.75-mile boardwalk; it can get warm. Enjoy the wildlife along the way!
☀️ Pack for Sun
Bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water. Shade is limited on the beach.
🗑️ Leave No Trace
Pack out everything you pack in. Help keep this beautiful preserve pristine.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚤 Boat Access Essential
Access is primarily by boat. Limited docks available, consider kayaking or paddleboarding.
🩴 Boardwalk Comfort
Wear sandals on the 0.75-mile boardwalk; it can get warm. Enjoy the wildlife along the way!
☀️ Pack for Sun
Bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water. Shade is limited on the beach.
🗑️ Leave No Trace
Pack out everything you pack in. Help keep this beautiful preserve pristine.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park for its incredible seclusion and pristine, uncrowded beaches, often feeling like they have the entire island to themselves. The scenic boardwalk with wildlife viewing opportunities is a significant draw, though the limited boat dockage and the 0.75-mile walk can be considerations for some. Overall, it's a highly recommended spot for those seeking a peaceful, natural escape.
"Visited this via private boat a few weeks ago. It's great for a secluded and private time at the beach. The very few dock slips reflect that. The boardwalk is in good shape but, better use sandals when walking on it. The walk to the beach is about. 75 miles and is full of wildlife. Would recommend. There are pavilions, showers, and bathrooms along the way."
Malvin B. Cedeño
"Great spot if looking for a little privacy on the ocean. Boat only access and only a couple docks available now. Hopefully the old dock complex gets rebuilt to allow more boats. You dock your boat via the intracoastal and then walk a wide, well maintained boardwalk out to the beach. In addition to pavilion area and bathrooms out by the ocean we could take a short walk and have your own stretch of private beach."
Joe Rubino
"What an awesome place. We basically had the entire island to ourselves. It was definitely a windy day so the sand on the beach was whipping a little bit, but it was still incredibly beautiful. About a little less than a mile walk to get from where you park the boat to the beach. Once you’re there, there’s restrooms grills and a little tricky to get out of the sun. I definitely recommend going here and exploring little island and pick up trash along the way to help out!"
Taylor Engel, FL Keys Realtor (South Florida Realtor)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is primarily accessible by private boat, kayak, or paddleboard. There are limited dock slips available. You can also access it via the Intracoastal Waterway. +1
No, direct vehicle access to the beach is not available. The park is designed for watercraft access.
Limited dock slips are available for boaters. It's recommended to arrive early or have a backup plan if you're arriving by boat. +1
Kayaking or paddleboarding are excellent alternatives for reaching the park. Ensure you have a basic understanding of winds and tides.
While not explicitly mentioned, local charter services or private boat rentals might offer trips to the preserve. It's best to check with local marinas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As a state park, there may be an entrance fee. It's advisable to check the official Florida State Parks website for current admission prices and operating hours before your visit.
Park hours can vary seasonally. Always check the official Florida State Parks website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
There may be fees associated with using the dock slips. It's recommended to inquire about dockage fees when planning your boat arrival.
Information on advance reservations for dock slips is not widely available. It's best to arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays, as availability is limited. +1
While there might be a general park entrance fee, specific fees for launching kayaks or paddleboards are not typically separate unless there's a dedicated launch facility with associated costs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
There's a well-maintained, wide boardwalk that is about 0.75 miles long. It's a pleasant walk with opportunities to see wildlife. +1
Yes, restrooms and pavilions are available along the boardwalk and near the beach area, making it convenient for a day trip. +1
The boardwalk is known for its diverse wildlife, including various bird species. Keep an eye out during your walk to the beach.
The beach is generally suitable for swimming, but always be aware of ocean conditions, currents, and any posted advisories.
The primary draw is the beach and the nature walk along the boardwalk. It's a place for relaxation, nature observation, and enjoying the coastal environment.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk offers great opportunities for wildlife photography, especially birds. The expansive beach provides stunning coastal landscape shots.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Drone usage in state parks is often restricted. It's crucial to check the official Florida State Parks regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife, along with a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions, would be beneficial.
Yes, the docked boats can add an interesting element to your coastal photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🛶 Kayakers and Paddleboarders
🏖️ Beach Lovers Seeking Solitude
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Boat Access
The experience of arriving by boat adds to the sense of discovery and exclusivity. Once docked, the adventure continues with a walk along a well-maintained boardwalk. This 0.75-mile path is not just a means to an end but an integral part of the park's charm, offering glimpses of the local ecosystem.
The Boardwalk Experience
Along the boardwalk, you'll find convenient amenities such as pavilions and restrooms, strategically placed to offer respite and convenience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit