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Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
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FORT PIERCE INLET STATE PARK
FORT PIERCE INLET STATE PARK
905 Shorewinds Drive
Fort Pierce, Florida   34949

Phone: 772-468-3985
The shores and coastal waters at this park provide an abundance of recreational opportunities. The breathtakingly beautiful half-mile beach welcomes visitors for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and scuba diving. Beachcombing, picnicking, or just relaxing on the sand are also popular activities. Dynamite Point was once the training site for WWII Navy Frogmen, but is now a haven for birdwatchers. Along the south end of the park, Fort Pierce Inlet is a popular place for anglers to catch their dinners. Jack Island Preserve, located one mile north of the park, has trails for hiking, bicycling, and nature study. At the west end of the Marsh Rabbit Run Trail, visitors can climb an observation tower to get a bird's-eye view of Indian River and the island. A primitive youth/group campground is available on a reservation basis; please call the park. Located four miles east of Fort Pierce, via North Causeway.
Nature of the Area
Due to our location, bird watching is a popular pastime. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, the park affords a variety of habitat and food sources for all types of coastal and migratory birds.
History of the Area
Ft. Pierce Inlet State Park?s half-mile stretch of white sand is not just another sunny Florida beach. During World War II, it was the birthplace and training ground for U.S. Navy Frogmen, forerunners of today?s Navy Seals. Here, many of the 140,000 personnel stationed in the area practiced for the D-Day invasion of Europe. ?Dynamite Point? earned its name from the activities of the Navy Underwater Demolition Team. The park, located in St. Lucie County, consists of two separate sections. The smaller part, the state park, borders the north shore of Ft. Pierce Inlet and fronts on the Atlantic Ocean. The other part is the larger Jack Island Preserve, which is 1.5 miles north of the park. Together, they offer not just history, but a chance to discover eight biological communities typical of the barrier islands that line Florida?s east coast.

Ft. Pierce?s military connection dates back further than World War II. It was named for the U.S. Army fort built in 1838 during the Second Seminole War by Lt. Col. Benjamin Pierce. The fort was reached from the ocean through the old Indian River Inlet, a natural waterway located just northeast of Jack Island. When this inlet closed in the early 1900s, a man-made inlet was cut at its present location in Ft. Pierce.
Passes
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.
Camping
Youth Camping

Available only to organized youth groups, our primitive Youth Camp is located along the famous Indian River Lagoon. It?s a very enjoyable place to relax and observe the native wildlife that visits the lagoon everyday looking for food. Please contact the park for availability and reservations.
Swimming
Swimming is permitted in the Atlantic Ocean which is easily accessible from one of our four boardwalks. Lifeguards are on duty only in the summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Beaches
Park visitors can enjoy the great beauty of our beach that we are well-known for. The beach offers a firm sandy bottom and a beautiful view of the Florida coastline. Take a leisurely stroll and find the ?gems? we call seashells in a variety of beautiful shapes and colors.
Boating
The park, located in Florida, offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There are boat ramps available that provide easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon where you can enjoy sailing or motorboating. Canoeing and kayaking opportunities also abound with rental facilities on-site for convenience. Fishing is popular among boaters as well due to the diverse marine life present in these waters.

Canoeing
Canoeing or kayaking the Indian River Lagoon is a great way to spend the day. The park offers several areas from which you may launch your canoe or kayak, most just 30-40 yards to the water?s edge. Bring a picnic lunch and explore the lagoon?s pristine estuary and diverse wildlife.
Fishing
If you like to fish, this is one of the hottest places you can fish from land! At certain times of the year, you may see fish migrating along the coast or passing through the inlet. You can catch various species of fish including Bluefish, Snook, Red Drum, Flounder and Trout. All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. Non-residents of Florida must purchase a Florida license to fish from shore.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a popular recreational activity, weather permitting. Snorkelers can enjoy the beautiful tropical sea life that awaits them below. Most of year, our waters are so clear you just might think you?re in the Bahamas! A Diver Down flag must be displayed.
Surfing
Ft. Pierce Inlet State Park has been ranked as the #1 place to surf in South Florida by the Palm Beach Post in March 2008! Our great surf is due to the reef line lying just outside of the jetty; with incoming and high tides, the waves are at their best and surfers pour in. Because of our impressive waves, the park is home to a wide range of surfing competitions held yearly between September and February.


Location
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is located near Fort Pierce, Jensen Beach and Port Saint Lucie

Picnicking
The park has 5 covered pavilions that are available either on a first-come, first-served basis or by reservation. Pavilions # 1, 2, and 3 are our large pavilions. Each pavilion has 12 standard picnic tables as well as 2 ADA-accessible tables. No electric or water is available with any of our pavilions. For availability and reservations, please contact the park.
Bicycling
We have a paved bike path that begins outside the park, winds through the park taking you to our playground, picnic area, or if you prefer, the beach.
Trails
Our Oak Hammock Trail leads visitors through one of the few remaining oak hammocks on a south Florida barrier island. It?s a nice, leisurely walk and only 30-minutes long. You can see many native trees including Gumbo Limbo, Red Bay and a variety of oaks.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 180 species recorded, including shorebirds and migratory birds. Birdwatchers can explore various habitats such as beaches, coastal dunes, and maritime hammocks. The site is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail which provides a guide for enthusiasts.

Area Attractions
Scuba diving is available; we have a reef about 100 yards from the beach. This is where you can explore our Atlantic "underwater paradise." A Diver Down flag must be displayed.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
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Area Campgrounds
Tanglewood Village
1060 South U.S. 1
Vero Beach, FL
772-567-9173
Sunnier Palms
8800 Okeechobee Road
Fort Pierce, FL
Road Runner Travel Resort
5500 Saint Lucie Boulevard
Fort Pierce, FL
772-464-0969
Easy Livin' RV Park
4611 South US Highway 1
Fort Pierce, FL
772-461-0800
Port St Lucie RV Resort
3703 Southeast Jennings Road
Port St. Lucie, FL
772-337-3340
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Directions from Orlando, Florida to Fort Pierce Inlet State Park:

- Start on I-4 W.
- Take exit 77 for the Florida Turnpike S towards Miami.
- Merge onto FL-Turnpike South.
- Continue straight and stay on this road for about 115 miles.

From West Palm Beach, Florida:

- Begin by heading northbound on I95-N
- Drive approximately 60 miles until you reach Exit #129 (FL70-Okeechobee Rd)

From Tampa Bay Area:

- Head eastward via FL60-E/Brandon Blvd toward Plant City/I75/Sarasota/Tampa/Crosstown Expy
- Follow signs leading to US98-S/Bartow/Lakeland

Once in Ft.Pierce area:

- Look out for Seaway Dr./Hutchinson Island signposts at Okeechobee Road intersection.

Final steps regardless of starting point:

- Make a right turn onto Seaway Dr., continue till it ends at Jetty park entrance,
where your destination is located.

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Florida
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Florida State Parks

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