Visitor Reviews for Sebastian Inlet State Park, a Florida State Park located near Melbourne, Melbourne Beach and Palm Bay

Sebastian Inlet State Park Sunrise over the inlet © Richard Vogel
This show the sun just about to breach the horizon. The setting is Sebastian Inlet, Florida.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Juvenile Sea Turtle © Richard Vogel
A juvenile loggerhead sea turtle can easily be viewed on an incoming tide.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Sebastian Bridge © Richard Vogel
This shows the Sebastian Inlet bridge with the museum in the distance.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Restaurant and Bait Shop © Richard Vogel
Peering through the bridge, the Sebastian Inlet Restaurant, and bait shop are shown on the north side of the inlet.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Last Light Before the Barrel © Richard Vogel
A body boarder is about to get tubed.

Sebastian Inlet State Park A Black Skimmer in Action © Richard Vogel
Black skimmer get their name from the way they forage for food. The skim the surface of the water, looking for small fish that inhabit the surface.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Juvenile Gannett © Richard Vogel
A juvenile gannett spies his meals and goes for the capture.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Caught on the Inside © Richard Vogel
Wrong Side of a Perfect Peak

Sebastian Inlet State Park Ruddy Turnstone Embracing the Morning Sun © Richard Vogel
A lone ruddy turnstone embracing the morning sun.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Nap Time © Richard Vogel
An adult brown pelican snuggles in to take a nap. The pelican is framed looking through hole of a large piece of driftwood that found its way to the shore.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Sir Laughs A lot © Richard Vogel
Pelicans squabble for prime position on the rocks. This photo could also have gone with a funnier caption

Sebastian Inlet State Park Heading Out © Richard Vogel
Serious fishermen head off shore in hopes of filling the cooler.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Shorebirds on the Coast © Richard Vogel
A mix group of shorebirds glide in for a landing after a brief time feeding at the waters edge.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Willet in Flight © Richard Vogel
A flock of willet take to the air and are caught mid turn as they display the markings on their wings.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Pirates of the Sky © Richard Vogel
It seems that it is easier to steal someone elses catch, than do catch you own.

Sebastian Inlet State Park The Game is On © Richard Vogel
Shorebirds try to steal each others catch, but intimidation, or any other means possible.

Sebastian Inlet State Park A Hard Time Staying Dry © Richard Vogel
Wind driven waves keep the fishermen on their toes.

Sebastian Inlet State Park The Snow Princess Arrives © Richard Vogel
The snow princess meets the locals.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Brown Pelican © Richard Vogel
A brown pelican, in full breeding plumage, glides over the water.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Up Before the Sun © Richard Vogel
Fishermen stand on the tip of the south jetty and typically arrive well before the sun breaks the horizon.

Sebastian Inlet State Park A Perfect Day for Surfing © Richard Vogel
Waves were going off that day.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Just Washing Up © Richard Vogel
A shorebird bath in progress

Sebastian Inlet State Park Sea Turtle © Richard Vogel
A juvenile sea turtle surfaces for air momentarily before going back under.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Locals Only © Richard Vogel
A pelican catches the perfect wave, without a surfer in sight.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Ruddy Turnstone © Richard Vogel
The ruddy turnstone is a handsome bird. Their small size doesnt deter them from turning over rocks, almost as large as them, when foraging for food.

Sebastian Inlet State Park North American Stork © Richard Vogel
The north american stork is most beautiful in flight. The pattern on the outstretched wings can be identified easily from a distance. He does have a face that only a mother could love.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Gangster Stare © Richard Vogel
A brown pelican, in his breeding plumage, gives the photographer the gangster stare, after being awoken by the click of the camera.

Sebastian Inlet State Park American Avocet © Richard Vogel
An avocet hunts along the shoreline of the tidal pool adjacent to the inlet

Sebastian Inlet State Park A Secret Fishing Spot © Richard Vogel
Fisherman have the whole beach to themselves

Sebastian Inlet State Park A Proud Fisherman © Richard Vogel
An osprey, with catch in hand, has that determined look in his eye not to loose his hard won prize.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Flaring Tail Feathers © Richard Vogel
A seagull flares its tail feathers are it turns into the wind.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Black Skimmers Grace the Shoreline © Richard Vogel
A group of black skimmers fly along the shoreline in search of a treat.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Strolling Along the Shore © Richard Vogel
A willet strolls along the shore in search of a place to settle down and relax his bones.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Lunch in Hand © Richard Vogel
A royal tern returns to shore with lunch in hand.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Being Escorted by Experienced Fishermen © Richard Vogel
Walking the coast with an escort of experienced fishermen, an old salt waits for his cue from the local guides before casting out.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Black Crowned Night Heron © Richard Vogel
A black crowned night heron patiently waits for bait fish to get chased to the shore where he can grab a fast meal.

Sebastian Inlet State Park South Jetty © Richard Vogel
Fishermen crowd the south jetty on a windy day. The north jetty provided a little protection from the oncoming winds, allowing a break from the wind and waves.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Clean Waves and Cleaner Water © Richard Vogel
Sebastian Inlet is infamous for its beautifully formed First Peak break. Clean waves and even cleaner water make this an epic place for surfing.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Closer Inspection © Richard Vogel
The brown pelican in breeding plumage is quite a sight to see. The colors are vivid and these majestic birds love to be photographed

Sebastian Inlet State Park Dressed for Success © Richard Vogel
A fishermen stands along the rocks of the south jetty in his favorite spot. Dressed for success, he doesnt worry about the water breaking over the rocks.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Some Locals are More Engaging Than Others. © Richard Vogel
If looks could kill. I wasnt sure if I was standing on his rock, or just imposing by taking a photo, but this guys was quite engaging none the less.

Sebastian Inlet State Park The Green Room © Richard Vogel
They call it the Green Room for obvious reasons. Sebastian is a surfers, boaters, and fishermans paradise. Beach combing isnt so bad either.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Pelicans Grace the Shoreline © Richard Vogel
Brown pelicans are found in and around the park. They are constantly diving into the water and soaking up sun on the shoreline. Great photo opportunities exist at the park.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Sebastian Inlet - drift fishing through the inlet © Richard Vogel
A solitary fishermen lets the tide do the work, as he drift with the current, through the inlet. The biggest catches are those made drifting along with the bait.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Sebastian Inlet - view from the bridge © Richard Vogel
A breathtaking view of the restaurant and bait shop on the north side of the inlet. Nothing but sunshine and blue water are on the menu - all year long.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Sebastian Inlet - searching for bait © Richard Vogel
A fisherman tries sneaking up on some bait fish, with the hopes of filling up his bait bucket. This is a common morning ritual shared by all avid fishermen.

Sebastian Inlet State Park The North Jetty © Richard Vogel
There is lots of space for fishermen. Huge redfish, snook, and other prize fish are commonly caught during season.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Large Fish is Landed on the Beach © Richard Vogel
The women on the beach lands a rather large fish, while a couple of men watch in awe, as she drags it ashore.

Sebastian Inlet State Park A Winters Day © Richard Vogel
Heavy seas dont deter the avid fisherman. Proper gear and determination is all that is needed.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Sports Fishing in style © Richard Vogel
Big boys come to play at the inlet. This guy is rigged for some serious fishing.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Morning Commute © Richard Vogel
Local fishermen on their way to work parade through the inlet during the early morning hours.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Searching for Food © Richard Vogel
A willet searches for a quick snack as the tide gently sweeps over the rock he was standing on.

Sebastian Inlet State Park On Alert © Richard Vogel
A pair of ruddy turnstones appear to be on alert. The grass is always greener on the next rock. A watchful eye is needed to move quickly when food has been located.

Sebastian Inlet State Park You Know When the Fishing is Good © Richard Vogel
You know the fishing is good, when the tide comes in, and the fishermen wont give up their spot.

Sebastian Inlet State Park The Early Bird Gets the Beach to Himself © Richard Vogel
With nothing but sand between his toes, this early bird gets a front row seat along the seashore.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Warmth from the Morning Sun © Richard Vogel
A willet closes its eye as the sun rises over the horizon. Who can resist that feeling you get, when you feel the warmth from the sun, as it falls upon your bones.

Sebastian Inlet State Park He Couldnt Resist © Richard Vogel
Who could resist taking a dip in a natural bubble bath. No this guy. He looked as if this was more than just a normal day at the beach.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Just for the Fun of It © Richard Vogel
The only thing that these guys were sure to catch was a cold. Some guys will go fishing in any conditions, more for the sport of just killing time.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Friends Just Hanging Out © Richard Vogel
The brown pelicans are on the prowl for a mate. Dressed in their breeding plumage, these guys put on quite a display.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Morning has Broken © Richard Vogel
A man casts a silhouette as he watches a boater haul in a net full of mullet. In the distance fishermen have already arrived. The day has just begun.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Early Morning Fishermen Arriving © Richard Vogel
A trio of early morning fishermen arrive for a day at the beach. After breakfast, theres plenty of time for laying back and soaking up a little sunshine.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Mid Turn © Richard Vogel
A flock of black skimmers are mid turn with the north jetty as a backdrop. From the side the bird bills appear quite thick. A straight on view will show the bill to be razor sharp to be able to cut through the water - hence the name Black Skimmer.

Sebastian Inlet State Park More Than a Feeling © Richard Vogel
A black skimmer comes directly at the camera. The razor sharp bill is used to cut through the water as is skims the surface is search of food. A magnificent view to behold.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Frozen in Time © Richard Vogel
A willet stops to pose for a picture, not paying attention to an incoming wave. He was able to move out of the way and actually enjoyed some playtime in the surf

Sebastian Inlet State Park Even the Birds Know Where to Go to Get Away © Richard Vogel
Black skimmers hang out along the shore. These birds skim the waters surface for small fish.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Heading South for the Winter © Richard Vogel
There is no place like Florida in the Winter... Birds of all different feathers wait their turn to take flight in search of a meal.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Sebastian Inlet southern shore © Richard Vogel
View overlooking the south jetty and beaches. Fishermen spend a relaxing day, with hopes of a fresh catch, to bring home to the family.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Always Sunny Somewhere © Richard Vogel
Florida weather - if you wait and hour it will change. You can always find it sunny somewhere

Sebastian Inlet State Park At the Speed of Flight © Richard Vogel
A seagull drifts along over the water without a care in the world. Life is so much simpler when all you have to do is exist.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Natural Framing © Richard Vogel
A brown pelican in breeding plumage is framed by the remnants of a fallen tree. Photo opportunities are abundant, since the pelicans are so friendly.

Sebastian Inlet State Park A Family that Plays Together... © Richard Vogel
Silhouetted by the rising sun, it was obvious that a father and son were there to pass the time, as generations before them did.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Pilates Instructor © Richard Vogel
While on vacation in Florida, even the birds are staying in shape with pilates.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Endangered Species © Richard Vogel
A lone surfer walks along the shoreline after a full filling day of surfing.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Silhouetted Fisherman © Richard Vogel
Rough seas and morning skies gave a nice backdrop to this icon photo of a true sportsman.

Sebastian Inlet State Park Bringing Home the Bacon © Richard Vogel
An osprey, flies slowly in front of the fishermen, with proof of who is the better fisherman.

Sebastian Inlet State Park A Sign that the Storm is Over © Richard Vogel
A break in the storm clouds, silhouetted by one of the locals, signaled the end the storm was upon us.

Park Visitor: Comments, Memories and Reviews

May 31 Cox, Hodges, McNeil family fun 2023 by Cleveland_C_

Our family had an amazing time on the water. We fish, we swim, we rode the pontoon around the crisp beautiful gulf blue waters.

September 23 Beautiful . by Rita

September 16 North Jetty by Jackfinal

Beautiful setting. But the jetty has become clutter with large fishing rigs and chairs ,leaving a small walkway. I took my brother-in-law out in his wheel chair. Even in this small aisle, I had to maneuver around bucket and casting nets. The people were rude and intimidating. The end area was covered with bait and cut up fish part and smelled awful. What a shame that such a lovely place has been taken over by people who have little regard for keeping it as beautiful and neat as it once was.

December 2 awesome and beautiful, surfing by little blind t-bud/raindogtom

this is one of the best parks in the country. quiet. great camping, some of the best surfing on the east coast (competitions held here); fishing in the ocean or the river; i wish i could live here

July 18 Nothing Special by stateparklover

The park is really for fishing, not for swimming. It is a man made inlet that has a huge bridge and a lot of fisherman, which makes it difficult for someone who just wants quiet, relaxation and swimming. The Rangers are nice, the camping is good, bathrooms and showers clean. There is a lagoon for swimmers, but that is only reached by car across the bridge.

Florida State Parks

Florida State Parks