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.

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.

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.

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.

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.