Indian River: Lagoon, Nature and Culture

Lagoon shores, mangroves, and wetlands shape many of the nature experiences in Indian River County. Trails and boardwalks offer different ways to explore this landscape: some lead directly to the water, while others pass through forests and wetlands or reach birdwatching spots. Longer trails and activities around the lagoon are also part of the Indian River experience.

Trails Through Forests and Wetlands

At the Indian River Lagoon Greenway, a boardwalk winds through mangroves from the edge of the coastal forest to the shore of the Indian River Lagoon. Two birdwatching platforms complement the trail: one is located by a mangrove pond, and the other at the end of the trail. Together, they offer a defined route and designated observation points.

At the Harmony Oaks Conservation Area, an unpaved trail and a boardwalk pass through coastal forest and freshwater wetlands to the lagoon shoreline. The Oyster Bar Marsh Conservation Area offers trails of different lengths: a 500-foot pollinator trail and a three-mile loop along the Indian River Lagoon. The North Sebastian Conservation Area has more than ten miles of trails and boardwalks through wetlands; horseback riding is also permitted there.

Visitors interested in different habitats can find mature maritime and hydric hammock forests, depression marshes, tidally influenced mangrove swamps, and coastal strand at Captain Forster Hammock Preserve. The area is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. The Lost Tree Islands Conservation Area encompasses about 508 acres of uplands, wetlands, and submerged areas in the Indian River Lagoon. Public access is via a boardwalk on the eastern side of Joe Earman Island; a trail allows visitors to explore part of the island.

Pelican Island and Experiences on the Water

Pelican Island was designated the first national wildlife refuge in the United States in 1903 by an executive order from President Theodore Roosevelt. The public-use areas of Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge outside the Jungle Trail are open from 7:30 a.m. until sunset. The ¾-mile Centennial Walking Trail on Pelican Island leads to an accessible observation tower with a boardwalk.

The Historic Jungle Trail begins at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge and runs for eight miles through the coastal forest of a barrier island. The lagoon waters around Pelican Island offer opportunities for kayaking, boating, and swimming. Other visitor activities in Indian River County include kayaking and canoeing through protected conservation areas, as well as fishing in the river or the ocean.

There are also a variety of trails and access points farther into the county. St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park offers more than 60 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, horseback riding, and cycling. At the Fellsmere Water Management Area, the Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area has a designated launch site for canoes and kayaks. Cycling and hiking opportunities extend along many miles of levees; the area attracts migratory waterfowl and endangered wildlife species.

Gardens, Museums, and Regional History

McKee Botanical Garden is an 18-acre tropical garden listed on the National Register of Historic Places. More than 100 varieties of water lilies grow there each year. This gives the garden a different focus from natural areas with trails through mangroves, coastal forest, and wetlands: here, the highlights are the designed garden and its diversity of plants.

The Indian River Citrus Museum explores how citrus seeds came to Florida. Exhibits include artifacts, photographs, memorabilia, and crate labels. The Vero Beach Museum of Art created the Alice and Jim Beckwith Sculpture Park in 2007 and has five art galleries. Guided tours of selected exhibitions are available to visitors of all ages by advance reservation.

When planning, you can choose according to your interests: trails and habitats, water activities, or gardens and museums. Trail types also vary considerably—from a short pollinator trail to a loop trail to multi-use trails totaling more than 60 miles. If you’re looking for a hotel in Indian River, these interests can help you narrow down the right themes for your stay.

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