Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
4.5
About
A favorite spot for local fishermen in St. Lucie County.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










Top ways to experience Fort Pierce Inlet State Park and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
73 within 3 miles
Attractions
55 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- JasonGreen Cove Springs, Florida2 contributionsA sunny December day on Ft. Pierce InletMy wife and I have been visiting all of the state pas n Florida. We were headed to Miami for a cruise and decided to stop at Ft. Pierce Inlet State Park. The journey from the interstate to the the park is very scenic, passing through small seaside community. Admission to the park was $6 a vehicle. There was ample paved parking when we arrived. From our car, it was an easy walk to the sandy beach on the Inlet. The permanent bathrooms were closed, but the park had a very clean set of portable bathrooms nearby. There is 2 covered picnic pavilions overlooking the inlet. One was occupied by a family. There was a sign posted saying the pavilions could be reserved by calling a number. It did not specify if you had to pay a fee to reserve the pavilion. Next to the pavilions, there was a grilling area. The beach on the inlet was flanked on the left by small jetties that had several people fishing, and a lengthy stretch of nice sand to the right that ended at a set of woods. On the other side of the woods, there was another beach with several groups of people and tents visible. The park sign listed a bunch of different animals that make the park home including panthers. We saw several large gopher turtles during our visit. Along the large parking area, there were 3-4 walkways to different entrances to the inlet. On the day of our visit, it was very windy along the beachfront, and the wind was kicking up sand so we did not spend a lot of time there. Since this was a quick stop on our way to Miami, we only spent about an hour here. They had several bike/walking trails but we did not walk them on this visit. I do not know if the are dirt or paved trails. The entire park was very clean, not crowded (Sunday), and seemed very safe. There was lots of Families with small children. We would visit this park again, and had a good time.Visited December 2022Traveled with familyWritten December 30, 2022
- slidermuzzOrlando, Florida1,133 contributionsWorth itI ended up buying the annual state park pass, but it’s $6 to enter the park. I loved how it was not crowded at all the day I went! It was nice and well taken care of. Trails are neat out here. I highly recommend it and was very surprised at all there was to do and see.Visited January 2020Traveled soloWritten January 26, 2020
- S1BlumNew Orleans, Louisiana69 contributionsChanging rooms closed. Beach nice.Beach was nice but disappointed in the fact the building that was supposed to be for changing clothes/bathrooms was closed. A portable trailer was in the parking lot as bathrooms. Waves were great and beach was great. Wind surfers and surfers shared the beach with swimmers.Visited March 2022Traveled with familyWritten March 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
343 reviews
Excellent
227
Very good
85
Average
26
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Moximom
Vero Beach, FL45 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
Went to the Fort Pierce Inlet State Park this AM only to find that the kayak launch had been privatized. WHAT?? You have to pay to enter the park, then if you want to launch on the cove you have to pay $5 per vessel. Needless to say we left! How outrageous that the state park is doing this! The state should be ashamed. 😡 The worst part was the attitude of the ranger at the gate... when I tried to discuss that you should tell people before they pay...didn’t think it was an issue! I’m all for private enterprise but not in the state park!
Written April 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg M
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
Used to be a nice place. Now, you still have to pay the 6$ entry fee but the bathrooms are chained shut and the showers dont work I think I'll go 2 blocks away where there's working showers to rinse off and clean bathrooms to use. For free
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wendy l
22 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Great beach to just chill. Excellent low tide areas to walk. Found fabulous shells intact. Only downside was the shower house was closed but had flush portable commode/ sinks.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mwagner75
Fort Pierce, FL10 contributions
Sep 2016 • Friends
Growing up here, snorkeling has been part of my life and this beach (known to locals as "pay beach") has been the place in Ft. Pierce to go for great snorkeling along the rocks. The water on calm days is clear, the fish ate abundant. I even saw a manatee (juvenile with mother) in August.
Ample parking, large restrooms. Only one outdoor shower so be prepared to wait to rinse off. Be kind to our beaches and if you visit pick up your trash. As with all beaches what's left on the shore if not disposed of properly will affect our wildlife eventually. This beach is usually clean.
Ample parking, large restrooms. Only one outdoor shower so be prepared to wait to rinse off. Be kind to our beaches and if you visit pick up your trash. As with all beaches what's left on the shore if not disposed of properly will affect our wildlife eventually. This beach is usually clean.
Written September 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FoodSnobsFL
Jensen Beach, FL404 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
This is highly recommended for couples, families, anyone really. Walk to end of jetty, lots of friendly fisherman. Awesome people watching, boat watching, dolphins, sharks...fun time brought friends that had Newberry berm and they loved it.
Written April 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrick O
Florida104 contributions
May 2019
We arrived by water in our dinghy. You can anchor off shore on the sandbars. We were there at the incoming tide and the water was a beautiful blue. There are passages through the mangrove islands, so it was fun to motor around. Manatees would swim by and they were fun to watch. We did snorkel along the mangrove edges. saw a few fish and some colorful Sergeant Majors.
Written May 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ryurecka
Vero Beach, FL124 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
My wife and I have boated the Florida coastal waters, keys, and near islands for several years. Only recently did we take a trip to Fort Pierce and were so surprised that the area is a boaters paradise. The area is perfect for cruisers whether making an overnight stop or spending the season at one of the many marinas or anchorages. The Fort Pierce inlet is a great jumping off point if you are heading to the Bahamas. We liked the area so much we decided move and our dock our boat at the Harbortown Marina and continue our boating adventures from there.
There are several boat yards and marine supply stores, which includes a West Marine, Taylor Creek Marine, Whitcar Boat Yard, etc. Marinas include Harbortown Marine with both diesel and gas, Pelican Yacht Club, the Fort Pierce Public Marina, and others.
If you are a day boater there are several boat ramps from which to launch. On any given weekend we saw dozens of boats anchored or beached at the numerous sandy beaches and sand bars.
There are numerous restaurants on the water with dockage nearby, Cobb’s Landing, The Original Tiki Bar and Restaurant, Harbor Cove, to name just a few. A short walk from the city marina you will not only find restaurants but also you can find gelato, a bakery, and the neatest general store that has an amazing selection of bottled soft drinks and beers, plus a great luncheon menu. In the evening several of the restaurants have live entertainment
The downtown area has gone through a revitalization with many shops and galleries. Other attractions in the area are the U.S. Navy Seal/UDT Museum, Fort Pierce Lady deep sea fishing party boat, Indian River Lagoon State Park, and more.
There are several boat yards and marine supply stores, which includes a West Marine, Taylor Creek Marine, Whitcar Boat Yard, etc. Marinas include Harbortown Marine with both diesel and gas, Pelican Yacht Club, the Fort Pierce Public Marina, and others.
If you are a day boater there are several boat ramps from which to launch. On any given weekend we saw dozens of boats anchored or beached at the numerous sandy beaches and sand bars.
There are numerous restaurants on the water with dockage nearby, Cobb’s Landing, The Original Tiki Bar and Restaurant, Harbor Cove, to name just a few. A short walk from the city marina you will not only find restaurants but also you can find gelato, a bakery, and the neatest general store that has an amazing selection of bottled soft drinks and beers, plus a great luncheon menu. In the evening several of the restaurants have live entertainment
The downtown area has gone through a revitalization with many shops and galleries. Other attractions in the area are the U.S. Navy Seal/UDT Museum, Fort Pierce Lady deep sea fishing party boat, Indian River Lagoon State Park, and more.
Written June 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Departure36662
Mustang Ridge, Texas1 contribution
the fort pierce inlet was in our back yard, being ststioned at the old coast guard station, (science center now ) back in 1942 & 43.we went to sea many times out thru the inlet. the ss republic, and the java-arrow were both torpedoed off the coast. many survivors were brought into fort pierce, thru the inlet. some had servere steam blisters and burns. the coast guard cutter vigilant picked up some survivors, later transfering them onto a navy 4 staker destroyer, that brought them into fort pierce. some survivors who were not injured, all went to the beach casino, owned by mr. mrs. alexander.they had a merry old time there, i know, i was off duty and with them. my commanding officer was charles culpepper. a great man. the fishing in the inlet back then was superior. on watch i pounded the beach wwith a 1903 fixed bayonet springfield. all alone, long before the k-9 were brought into the captain of the port, by me, from front royal, va. i also spent many hours on watch in the tower near the ocean and the beach casino. i use to roller skate with the girls at the old barn roller rink in town. many good memories of fort pierce, florida. i visit the inlet often. thank you. jack cavanaugh. michigan and texas.
Written May 29, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Puppyb
Palm Bay, FL15 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
Short walk to the beach. Very pretty and peaceful at low tide. Beach was not very crowded. Restrooms by the beach not so good. Not even so much as hand sanitizer. So bring your own! Aside from that a very pleasant trip. Even got to see an eel in the rocks. Will return for sure
Written April 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LivingInWien
Vienna, Austria909 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
We come here every summer and it's our favorite beach in this area. Natural beauty, clear wide beach, close access to parking and a showers and changing facility.
Water today was clear and green just like a swimming pool. We got some boogie boarding in early but then had to clear the beach because a group of sharks had cornered a huge school of mullet fish up against the beach. Beautiful and fascinating to watch nature at work. No humans in any harm - just amazing to see the black tipped sharks patrolling the coast and making runs at the large schools of fish. After about 45 minutes they pushed down the coast and freed up the beach area again.
Water today was clear and green just like a swimming pool. We got some boogie boarding in early but then had to clear the beach because a group of sharks had cornered a huge school of mullet fish up against the beach. Beautiful and fascinating to watch nature at work. No humans in any harm - just amazing to see the black tipped sharks patrolling the coast and making runs at the large schools of fish. After about 45 minutes they pushed down the coast and freed up the beach area again.
Written August 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you drink alcohol
jeepjj77
Port Saint Lucie, FL69 contributions
No it’s illegal to drink any type of alcoholic beverage in a state park
Fabrizio M
Montevideo, Uruguay98 contributions
Hello Bruce, please if you be so kind to let me know if i go to Fort Pierce Inlet Park from Miami, is there any charge to pay like an entrance fee? Is it public? How much does it cost the parking for hour or day? are the any restaurants to have lunch? The access to the beach is free? Do they rent sun umbrella or should i take one?
Thank you very much for the information you can provide to me.
CW D
Stuart, FL34 contributions
Are senior park passes valid at ft PIERCE inlet state park?
Suzanne7Losangeles
Los Angeles, CA174 contributions
No passes needed. FREE!
Is it safe to swim across the inlet if your a good swimmer and boating traffic is minimal?
Suzanne7Losangeles
Los Angeles, CA174 contributions
Not Safe! And Illegal!
Peregrine67
Herndon, VA37 contributions
Do you snorkel along the jetty or are there other rocks? Also, did you need to have a diver down flag while snorkeling? I read somewhere that FL requires that now. Going to Fort Pierce Apr 1-9.
Thanks :-)
fiegas2017
New York City, NY22 contributions
Snorkeling is not advised along the jetty and the inlet. Very strong currents, fishermen, and windsurfers.
Try the Inlet State Park... across the causeway to the mainland and back over the next causeway.
northportmarsha
Blairsville, GA3 contributions
are pets allowed?
Sherri H
Atlanta, GA20 contributions
Yes, dogs on leashes are permitted. If you walked north along the beach a short ways the park boundary ends & you could let your dog have a beach romp. Just be sure to put him back on the leash before returning inside the park. There is a sign posted marking the boundary.
Can I find trail maps on line?
EvaRies
Fort Pierce, Florida, United States5 contributions
Go to the park's website, I believe there are trail maps online.
Recently viewed
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingFort Pierce Inlet State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
- We recommend booking Fort Pierce Inlet State Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Fort Pierce Inlet State Park tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Fort Pierce Inlet State Park:
- (0.09 mi) Sunrise Sands Beach Resort
- (0.19 mi) Royal Inn Beach Hutchinson Island
- (0.66 mi) Hutchinson Island Plaza Hotel & Suites
- (0.41 mi) Private Beach Front Cottage unit 3
- (0.11 mi) Beachfront Inn
- Restaurants near Fort Pierce Inlet State Park:
- (0.08 mi) Hurricane Grill & Wings
- (0.13 mi) Square Grouper Tiki Bar
- (0.32 mi) Manatee Island
- (0.37 mi) Archie's Seabreeze
- (0.77 mi) On The Edge Bar & Grill
- Attractions near Fort Pierce Inlet State Park:
- (0.03 mi) Jetty Park
- (0.10 mi) Jetty Lounge
- (1.25 mi) Get Up And Go Kayaking - Fort Pierce
- (1.87 mi) Motorized Kayak Adventures
- (1.83 mi) Navy Seal Museum
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park Information
| Excellent Reviews | 227 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 85 |
| Fort Pierce Inlet State Park Photos | 141 |














































































