Looking for a place to hike in Sebastian I stumbled on this natural area I had never seen before…read more It is open 7:30 AM until sunset, year-round. It turns out this is a ten acre natural area that protects the extremely rare scrub environment that was formed on an ancient dune where the ocean used to meet the land. The elevation of this type of ecosystem is high making it the perfect place to build so consequently there is very little left of it in Florida. The lack of this kind of habitat is why the scrub jay is endangered. The land that has been preserved here is a refuge to the cute little blue birds that are the only bird species that lives exclusively in Florida. This park contains oak scrub and scrubby flatwoods which are the ideal scrub jay habitat. They do not migrate and rarely move more than a few miles from where they hatched. Now because of development, their habitats are very fragmented. I have never seen one in the wild and they are highly sought after by birders. If you are lucky you may come across one on the ground burying acorns. Signs in the park advise against feeding them. Since they are a federally protected species, and it is unlawful to feed or harass these birds. I had a fun hike here today even if I the trails in the park are still under development. The trails that are here are on sandy soil so they are not ADA accessible. There are no restrooms or water. There isn't even a parking lot. You kind of just pull over on the side of the road. I hope the little scrub jays are happy here. I am glad to know that they have a place where they are safe.

I was taking an afternoon scenic drive down A1A when I spotted Golden Sands Park and pulled off to…read morecheck it out. This picturesque 6.23 acre oceanfront park is located in northern Indian River County. The park amenities at Golden Sands include beach access with daytime lifeguards, a playground, restroom facilities, showers, picnic pavilions with grills, and always my favorite beach find, free parking. This park is the northern gateway to the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, a key area for sea turtle nesting. During nesting season, May-October, you may even see sea turtles coming ashore or hatchlings making their way to the Atlantic Ocean. This park is well known for its tranquility, family‑friendly amenities, and natural beauty perfect for nature lovers like me.

I love the beach and nature here. It is beautiful. It is nice that they have free parking too…read more Bathrooms are mostly dirty and uncared for well. Nice that they have good showers here. They have a lot of rules here, but the police and lifeguards do not enforce most of the rules here, you always see people smoking, with dogs, fishing, alcohol, surfing in swimming areas, they have a lot of rules here, but do not enforce them at all. There are many signs all over saying no dogs, but people bring them anyway. Today a selfish lawbreaker lady was bringing her dog right on the public beach and it was going to the bathroom, she just covers it with sand. How sanitary is this? Will the next person who lays down there know that their is dog pee and poop there? Be careful where you sit here. We wish the lifeguards would enforce the rules here. The lifeguards are pretty lame about enforcement. Down in Palm Beach, they would blow their whistles and not allow any law breaking, absolutely no dogs are allowed, this county is too lax and allows a lot of lawlessness. Some people are very selfish here too. We just wish the lifeguards who are paid with our tax dollars would stay until 5pm. Often times they leave at 4pm, 4:30pm, 4:45pm, they almost never stay until 5pm like they are paid to, seems unfair showing no work ethic from the lifeguards here, we never saw this happen down in Palm Beach, they stay until the top of the hour as they were paid for the 8 hours. They take advantage and leave early a lot here at this beach and county beaches. The beach is wonderful, it is the people who ruin it for others with their selfishness.

I took a hike through here on a recent trip to Vero Beach. The parking is limited but you can also…read morepark at the nearby South Vero Square Shopping Center located just east of the conservation area. If you didn't bring bug spray or water pick it up at the Publix because you will need both. Trails are open sunrise to sunset and run 2.4 miles or more and there are no restrooms. Be aware the trail can get quite muddy at points. The conservation area is quite large, 298 acres!, and the back trail loops around the wetlands so you can see a lot of birds. It is jointly owned by St. Johns River Water Management District and Indian River County. There are boardwalks, an observation tower (currently closed), and a canoe launch. You enter the conservation area through the Herb Kale Trail which is named for one of Florida's most respected ornithologists. The ecosystem is made up of coastal hammock, scrubby flatwoods and estuarine wetlands. The conservation area is a designated stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail. In the coastal hammock you can find live oaks that are hundreds of years old. Ground plants are wild coffee, myrsine, marlberry, firebush, native wildflowers, saw palmetto, and cabbage palms. There are at least 20 rare plants living in this area including coral-root orchids and whisk fern. Along the hammock loop you may spot songbirds, woodpeckers, hawks, squirrels, snakes, raccoons, armadillo, and opossum. A bridge takes you over a mangrove swamp where you will encounter the most mosquitoes. Many years ago, the University of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory used this area as an outdoor lab where they studied how mosquitoes transmit diseases. The Scrubby Pine Flatwoods trails are at a higher elevation. Expect to find bromeliads, large sand pines, saw palmettos and native wildflowers. This area hotter and dryer with little shade. The ground is sandy soil. At the rear of the preserve is the Coastal Wetlands managed by mosquito control. Here the trail leads to the closed observation tower as it loops around the wetlands. I was so disappointed to see the observation tower closed since this seemed to be the best place to bird watch. All that is there now is a sketchy looking bridge of single boards that stretch over the lagoon. At the end of the hike I had gone over 2 miles, was soaked in sweat and mosquito bitten. I always think of that scene in Lilo and Stitch when Cobra saves Earth from the alien race by convincing them that the mosquito is an endangered species. LOL Anyway mosquitoes are always a treat. Despite the bugs t was a fun hike and probably even more fun in January. I don't recommend it in June although I did see a lot of people on the trail. Who would have thought all of this can be found behind a Publix!

I've been to Oslo Riverfront Conservation on several occasions. There's not a lot of parking but…read moreearly morning it's not a problem. It's a pretty good place to hike but not the best. I mean, it's behind Publix supermarket. I tend to forget about Florida's weather. Still not used to it and never will be for that matter. Florida weather always lulls me into thinking it's nice while looking out the window and once outside it's almost always not. It's hot, muggy and lots of misquotes. Fairly clean place with occasional trash here or there but pretty well maintained. I've run into a homeless person every now and then but that doesn't bother me as long as they're doing the part and not trashing the place. Worth going but I'd recommend February or March. Watch for a cold front.

Humiston Beach Park is one of those places that just works…read more Ocean views, tons of palm trees, clean grass, and plenty of shade so you're not getting cooked by the Florida sun. The covered pavilions are perfect for a quick break, a picnic, or post-run cooldown. Always a good mix of families, runners, cyclists, and beachgoers without feeling overcrowded. Best part? You're steps from the beach, food, and ice cream. Easy to park, easy to enjoy, hard to leave. Simple, scenic, and exactly what a beach park should be.

This is a great park with a little bit of everything -a play area with swings several covered…read moreareas for gatherings, seating options with sidewalks and grass options for walking around .There are bathrooms with changing rooms , sinks, soap, mirrors, hand dryers and usually they are kept clean and stocked to use. The covered areas and open areas have lots of seating and entertain with frequent festivals sometimes in mornings and others in the evenings with free parking. There are always extra toys and beach items left for others to use .I come here at least biweekly and it's a great place to enjoy!!

We stopped here to breakup our drive to a state park in central Florida, it's a beautiful area! We…read morewalked around a bit, got our feet in the ocean, and noted all of the turtle nests! Want to come back here one day soon for a beach day! The water was gorgeous that day as well! Check out this area/park/beach if you are in the area! They have a board walk as well!

If you're looking to soak up the sun, catch some waves, and maybe beat your own record for the…read morenumber of snacks eaten under an umbrella--Jaycee Park is your new happy place. The beach? Pristine. The water? Perfectly blue with just the right amount of wave action to feel like a surfer (even if you're just boogie boarding like a champ). The park area behind the beach is ideal for taking a break from the heat--plenty of shaded pavilions, a volleyball court, and a playground for the little ones who still somehow have more energy than a triple espresso. What really makes Jaycee Park shine is how family-friendly and chill the vibes are. You've got locals grilling, kids building sandcastles that'll be gone in one tide, and beachgoers just vibing to the sound of waves. Plus, the accessibility and parking make it a no-stress zone from the moment you pull up. So grab your sunscreen, flip-flops, and your most extra beach floatie--Jaycee Park is where it's at!

Castaway Point Park is a small park sitting on a peninsula between the Indian River Lagoon and the…read moremouth of Turkey Creek. While it may not be as big as some of the other area parks it has been recently renovated and the location makes this a standout spot for water based recreational activities. This park was also a favorite spot of the Native Americans and early settlers who once lived here. Recent improvements to the park include hardening of the shoreline with rocks, new north observation pier, a new boardwalk connecting the north and south pier, and new decking for the south observation pier. Other park amenities include a concrete walkway, fishing piers with fish cleaning stations, benches, pavilions which can be rented, picnic tables, grills, kayak/canoe launch, and restrooms. This park has one of the only natural beaches on the Indian River Lagoon. Many people visit this park to fish from the piers and beach. I loved it for the stunning river view and the diverse bird life it attracts. I saw anhinga, great blue herons, and egrets. If you are lucky you may even spot a manatee or dolphin. I recommend coming here for an amazing sunset view.

Oh god the amount of dead fish washed up on the beach is horrendous. There is glass in the sand out…read morein the water, I cut both feet. It also seems to be a homeless hangout.

Melbourne Riverview Park Is located on 15.4 acres of the Indian River Lagoon. The city of Melbourne…read moreassumed ownership of Riverview Park from Brevard County in June 2012. Locals and visitors will find amenities for both active recreation as well as relaxation. There are picnic pavilions with tables, grills, restrooms, Scurrah's Landing canoe and kayak launch, and a playground. For 18 years Melbourne Riverview Park has been the site of the Melbourne Farmers Market. It is open 10-2 Every Saturday October - May and the 1st & 3rd Saturday June - Sept. You can fid fresh foods, plants, artisans and more. Whether you are coming for an event or recreation, this park provides a peaceful respite from the busy downtown area. I enjoyed stretching my legs and bird watching over the river. If you have children, the recently renovated playground looks particularly inviting.

This place is meant for the fishing enthusiasts. There's not much of a park other than a swing, a…read morefew benches and and plenty of parking spots. It was a nice little outing for a stroll and that was about it for my family.

Took a long walk with my wife along the trail with beautiful views of the Indian River with small…read morewildlife and ducks wandering around. Today was super breezy so only went partially down the wooden dock leading into the river. Took some time in the Veterans Memorial across from the park. I love that Sebastian is so patriotic with American flags everywhere.

Walked around the Riverview Park with my hubby and parking was free. Most kids were at the…read moreplayground and the River was very rough today and my hair was blowing everywhere which made some funny pictures. Spent some time at the Veterans Memorial reading all of the dedication stones.