Discover Indian River: Lagoon, Nature and Culture
Accommodation in Indian River
Indian River combines the landscape of the Indian River Lagoon with extensive conservation areas, trails through coastal and wetland landscapes, as well as museums and gardens. Those looking for a vacation rental or vacation home can take their preferred pace into account when choosing their base: nature experiences, water activities, cycling routes and culture are available as different focal points throughout the region.
Lagoon, Conservation Areas and Distinctive Landscapes
The Indian River Lagoon is considered the most ecologically diverse estuary in North America. Indian River County has more than 100,000 acres of protected conservation land and more than 22.4 miles of beaches. There are also very different types of landscapes. The Captain Forster Hammock Preserve encompasses mature maritime hammock forests, hydric hammock forests, depression marshes, tidal mangrove swamps and coastal strand. At the Carson Platt Estate, dry oak scrub, scrubby flatwoods and pine flatwoods, palmetto prairie, and forested and herbaceous wetlands alternate.
Smaller natural areas also each offer their own way to experience the landscape. The Lost Tree Islands Conservation Area encompasses approximately 508 acres of upland, wetland and submerged areas in the Indian River Lagoon. The North Sebastian Conservation Area has more than 10 miles of trails with boardwalks through wetlands and allows horseback riding. At the Oyster Bar Marsh Conservation Area, a three-mile loop trail runs along the Indian River Lagoon; there is also a 500-foot-long pollinator trail.
Trails for Active Vacation Days
The Indian River Lagoon Greenway runs on a boardwalk through mangroves from the edge of the coastal forest to the shore of the Indian River Lagoon. Two observation platforms for birdwatching are located at a mangrove pond and at the end of the trail. In the Harmony Oaks Conservation Area, an unpaved trail and a boardwalk lead through coastal forest and freshwater wetlands to the shoreline of the Indian River Lagoon.
A particularly historic natural area is the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. In 1903, Pelican Island was designated as the first national wildlife refuge in the United States by an order of President Theodore Roosevelt. The refuge encompasses Pelican Island as well as more than 5,400 acres of protected waters and land. The public-use areas outside Jungle Trail are open from 7:30 a.m. until sunset. The ¾-mile Centennial Walking Trail leads to a 500-foot-high, ADA-accessible observation tower with a boardwalk. The Historic Jungle Trail begins in the refuge and runs for eight miles through the coastal forest of a barrier island strip.
Water, Cycling and Wildlife Observation
Kayaking, boating and swimming are possible in the lagoon waters around Pelican Island. Indian River County also offers kayaking and canoeing through protected conservation areas; a designated launch site for canoes and kayaks is located in the Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area of the Fellsmere Water Management Area. There are also cycling and hiking opportunities along many miles of levees. The area attracts migratory waterfowl and endangered wildlife species. Fishing in the river or the ocean is also one of the region’s visitor activities.
For horseback riding excursions, the North Sebastian Conservation Area and the Carson Platt Estate are suitable choices. At St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, more than 60 miles of multi-use trails are available for hiking, horseback riding and cycling. When looking for accommodation, you can therefore weigh a focus on the lagoon and wetlands, extensive trails or water-related activities.
Museums, Garden Culture and Regional Discoveries
In addition to nature, there are cultural destinations. The Vero Beach Museum of Art has five art galleries and offers visitors of all ages guided tours of selected exhibitions by advance reservation. In 2007, the museum created the Alice and Jim Beckwith Sculpture Park. 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 every year.
The Indian River Citrus Museum explains how citrus seeds reached Florida and displays artifacts, photographs, memorabilia and crate labels. The Environmental Learning Center additionally offers eco-excursions. Further local destination pages for Vero Beach and Sebastian are available. This makes it possible to choose a suitable vacation rental or vacation home in Indian River based on the preferred mix of nature, water, trails and culture.
For the overarching travel overview: Florida.
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