Eco-Adventures in Indian River County – The Ultimate Guide
Ready to trade screen time for sunshine? Then get ready to explore eco-adventures in Indian River County, FL!
Indian River county isn't just about beautiful beaches (though we have those in abundance). It's a natural wonderland, brimming with diverse ecosystems perfect for your next Florida eco-adventure. From the birthplace of the national conservation movement to vital sea turtle nesting grounds and cypress lakes, we've got your dose of wild Florida covered.
Because all that exploring works up an appetite, we've paired each adventure with a local spot to refuel.
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
The Adventure: You're standing at the birthplace of the National Wildlife Refuge System, established in 1903 by Teddy Roosevelt to save the last brown pelican rookery on Florida's east coast. To book a FREE Tram Tour of Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge from January - April 2026 click here!
The Highlights: Start with the Centennial Trail. This 3/4-mile boardwalk is a journey through history, with planks engraved with the names of every refuge in the system established between 1903 and 2003. It culminates at an 18-foot observation tower that provides the best land-based view of Pelican Island itself. Afterward, head to the Joe Michael Memorial Trail. About a mile into this loop, you will find the salt-marsh observation deck. This spot is a birdwatcher's paradise, frequented by a variety of shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, and wading birds like the iconic roseate spoonbill. It's the perfect place to sit and watch ospreys dive for their next meal and the perfect place to start your eco-adventures in Indian River County, FL. In order to protect native wildlife from disruption, please note this location is not pet-friendly.
Where to Eat: Swing by Beach Bites on your way back. It's a local favorite for fast, fresh wraps and "beach buckets." While it's located just across the parking lot from Wabasso Beach, most people prefer to eat right at their outdoor picnic tables to soak up the coastal breeze.
Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge
The Adventure: The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most significant nesting areas for sea turtles in the world. The Sebastian portion offers a rugged, undeveloped coastline that feels raw and untouched.
The Highlights: Sea Turtle Nesting. During the summer months, the county's beaches become a magical nursery. Waling these shores at sunrise allows you to see the "crawls" which are the distinct tracks left behind by massive loggerheads and green sea turtles. It's a powerful, quiet way to witness one of natures oldest cycles. In order to protect native wildlife from disruption, please note this location is not pet-friendly.
Where to Eat: Stop by Wind & Waves Grill at Disney's Vero Beach Resort for a relaxed, coastal-inspired break. With ocean views, creative cocktails, and a laid-back feel, it's an easy place to unwind and reflect on a morning spent along these protected shores.
Environmental Learning Center
The Adventure: The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is a 64-acre island campus and your "home base" for discovering the Indian River Lagoon, North America's most biologically diverse estuary.
The Highlight: Mangrove Adventures. Explore the ELC's hidden boardwalks or take a guided pontoon tour to see dolphins and manatees. If you prefer to be at a water level, their mangrove tunnel canoe trails offer a quiet, immersive way to see the lagoon's nursery up close. Please Note: this location is not pet-friendly.
Where to Eat: Keep the coastal vibes going at Squid Lips, a lively waterfront spot serving seafood favorites with views of the Indian River Lagoon, perfect for kicking back and watching boats glide by.
Blue Cypress Lake & Conservation Area
The Adventure: Located on the western edge of Indian River County, Blue Cypress Lake is the headwaters of the St. Johns River. It offers a view of Florida that has remained unchanged for centuries.
The Highlight: Airboat Tours. To truly see the wildlife up close, you have to get out on the water. Taking an airboat ride allows you to glide over the sawgrass and get face-to-face with massive alligators, turtles, and birds of all kinds. You will also get an incredible view of the hundreds of ospreys that nest in the ancient, moss-draped cypress trees. To discover airboat adventures in Fellsmere, FL, search airboat tours in our search bar! Please note: Blue Cypress Lake is generally pet-friendly, though some rentals or campsites may charge a small fee or not be pet-friendly. Be sure to confirm policies before visiting.
Where to Eat: Marsh Landing Restaurant in Fellsmere. This is a true "Old Florida" landmark. Located in a beautifully resorted historic building, it's the perfect spot for authentic local fare like gator tail, frog legs, and catfish.
St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park
The Adventure: The St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park is a 22,000-acre park protecting the largest remaining expanse of Atlantic coastal pine flatwoods. It is "Old Florida" at its most rugged. Allowing for an assortment of activities such as cycling, birding, boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, camping and more!
The Highlight: The Florida Scrub-Jay. This is the best place in the state to find this rare, blue-and-gray bird that can't be found anywhere else in the world. In the winter, the C-54 canal overlook on the park's edge is also a prime spot to see manatees gathering by the dozens to stay warm. Please note: this location is pet-friendly allowing leashed pets.
Where to Eat: Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant in Fellsmere. It's a local staple known for friendly service and hearty portions - exactly what you need to replenish your energy after exploring the preserve's trail.
Round Island Riverside Park
The Adventure: Round Island Riverside Park is the premier spot for manatee enthusiasts, bridging the gap between the river and the sea.
The Highlight: The two-story observation tower. The park features a two story observation tower and a 400-foot boardwalk that gives you a bird's eye view of the manatees congregating in the warm cove below. It's an easy way to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Please note: this location is pet-friendly allowing leashed pets.
Where to Eat: Head to the Riverside Cafe just over the Merrill P. Barber Bridge. It's a classic spot right on the lagoon where you can grab a burger or fresh fish while watching the boats dock and the sun go down.
Oyster Bar Marsh & Oslo Riverfront
The Adventure: These neighboring south-county gems offer incredible biodiversity in a quiet, rugged setting.
The Highlight: Coastal Hiking. At Oyster Bar Marsh, the trails take you through dense mangrove tunnels. At Oslo Riverfront, the paths wind through tropical hardwood hammocks and lead to a hidden observation tower with panoramic views of the lagoon's spoil islands and seagrass beds. Please note: both of these locations are pet-friendly and welcome leashed pets.
Where to Eat: You have two great options here. For an oceanfront experience closer to Oyster Bar Marsh, visit the historic Waldo's Restaurant at The Driftwood Resort, built from salvaged driftwood. If you want something closer to the Oslo Riverfront, head to Twisted Lime Restaurant & Bar on US-1 for its creative tacos, "twisted" cocktails, and an atmosphere that's always alive.
Whether you're looking for the thrill of an airboat ride or a quiet morning watching the sunrise over a sea turtle nest, the eco-adventures in Indian River County offer a connection to nature that is getting harder and harder to find. We hope this guide helps you find your own slice of wild Florida on your next visit, and we look forward to seeing you out on the trails!
