Things to Do in Sebastian, Wabasso and the Inlet
The first national wildlife refuge, a famous fishing inlet and Spanish shipwreck history.
See top-rated activities »About Sebastian
Sebastian is a small, easygoing town strung along Indian River Drive on the west shore of the lagoon. Fish houses, bait shops and docks line the river road, and Riverview Park, on the water in the middle of town, is where the community gathers for festivals and the Christmas parade. It is a town for fishing, boating and watching the sun set over the river from a dockside bar.
Pelican Island, a small mangrove island in the lagoon just south of town, is where the national wildlife refuge system began. In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt set it aside to protect brown pelicans and other birds from plume hunters, after a local German immigrant, Paul Kroegel, had spent years guarding the colony on his own. You cannot land on the island, but the refuge has trails and an observation tower on the mainland that look out over it, and boat and kayak tours pass nearby.
Sebastian Inlet, about 15 minutes away on the barrier island, marks the line between Indian River and Brevard counties. Sebastian Inlet State Park covers both sides; the south side, in this county, has the campground and the McLarty Treasure Museum, built on the site of the salvage camp used by survivors of the 1715 fleet. The museum has been reported closed for repairs in 2026, so check before you go. The inlet’s jetties are among the most popular fishing spots on Florida’s east coast, and the north jetty draws surfers from across the state.
Between Sebastian and Vero Beach, the Wabasso Causeway crosses to the island and the Environmental Learning Center, which has boardwalks, a canoe trail and exhibits on the lagoon. On the ocean side, part of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge protects one of the most important sea turtle nesting beaches in the United States. In town, Mel Fisher’s Treasures shows coins and artifacts recovered from the 1715 wrecks.
Don’t Miss
The first national wildlife refuge, created in 1903, with mainland trails and a tower overlooking the bird island.
Jetty fishing, surfing, beaches and camping; the McLarty Treasure Museum on the south side may be closed for repairs.
Coins, silver and artifacts recovered from the 1715 Spanish fleet, shown by the family of treasure hunter Mel Fisher.
A waterfront park on the lagoon that hosts the Clambake and other town festivals.
Boardwalks, a canoe trail and lagoon exhibits on an island along the Wabasso Causeway.
A refuge set aside for nesting loggerhead and green sea turtles along the barrier island.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Sebastian
Bookable tours for Sebastian are limited right now — ask a travel specialist to arrange activities for your dates.
Plan your time in Sebastian
Tell us when you are coming and what you enjoy. A travel specialist will put together hotel, activity and travel options for you — free, with no obligation.
Get free trip quotes »Sebastian — FAQ
Can you visit Pelican Island itself?
No. The island is closed to people to protect nesting birds. You can see it from the refuge’s observation tower on the mainland or from a boat or kayak at a respectful distance.
Is Sebastian Inlet good for fishing?
It is one of the best-known fishing spots in Florida, especially for snook, redfish and bluefish from the jetties. A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you fish with a licensed charter.
