Sebastian Inlet is a dynamic Florida coastal passage celebrated for world-class surfing, abundant fishing, and rich wildlife along the Treasure Coast.
Sebastian Inlet cuts through a barrier island on Florida's Treasure Coast, separating Brevard County to the north from Indian River County to the south. The inlet has been managed and maintained since the early twentieth century, and the surrounding Sebastian Inlet State Park protects more than 500 acres of beach, dune, and estuary habitat. The park draws over a million visitors a year, making it one of the most visited state parks in Florida.
Surfers know Sebastian Inlet as one of the premier breaks on the East Coast. The north jetty produces powerful, hollow waves that have launched professional careers and hosted national competitions. Beyond surfing, the inlet is legendary among anglers for its year-round snook fishery, and fishing from the jetties or by boat is a daily ritual for locals. Guided fishing charters operate out of nearby marinas for visitors who want to work the deeper channels.
The waterway connecting to the inlet borders the Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park, a mosaic of mangrove and seagrass that shelters manatees, ospreys, and dozens of wading bird species. Kayakers and paddleboarders frequently explore these calmer backwaters at dawn, when wildlife activity peaks.
Sebastian Inlet rewards visitors who take time to look beyond the surf, offering a layered experience of natural history, coastal sport, and quiet estuary beauty that is hard to match anywhere on Florida's Atlantic shore.
Visit during fall and winter swells for the most consistent surf breaks, when waves at the inlet's north jetty regularly draw competitive-level riders.
Bring a rod and a Florida saltwater fishing license to cast from the jetties, where snook, redfish, and bluefish are common catches year-round.
Arrive early on weekday mornings to secure a parking spot inside Sebastian Inlet State Park before the gates fill up by mid-morning on weekends.
Pack a mask and fins and wade along the calmer south side of the inlet at low tide, where clear water reveals sea turtles and rays moving through the shallows.
Stop at the McLarty Treasure Museum inside the state park to learn about the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet that wrecked along this stretch of coastline.
Rent a 23’ pontoon boat on the Indian River Lagoon, fuel included
Fish, swim, and set your own pace on a private charter
Hands-on inshore fishing with a private captain