Mangroves and Beach at Fort Pierce Inlet

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park and nearby Jack Island Preserve encompass more than 1,000 acres of mangrove forests, coastal/maritime hammock, dunes and beaches on North Hutchinson Island.

The park stretches the entire width of the barrier island, from the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the mangroves along the Indian River Lagoon.

The mangroves provide an important habitat for fish, invertebrates and a variety of bird species such as roseate spoonbills, wood storks, terns, black skimmers and egrets. If you look carefully, you may even be able to spot a West Indian manatee near the shore in the Indian River Lagoon.

The beach at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is home to nesting sea turtles that return each spring and summer to lay eggs near the dunes. Primarily loggerhead and green sea turtle nests are found at the park. However, there are also occasional leatherback sea turtle nests. Leatherback sea turtles can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and grow to be about 7 feet in length!

Take a leisurely stroll and find seashells in a variety of shapes and colors. Snorkelers and swimmers enjoy the beautiful tropical sea life. If you are lucky, you may even see larger game fish migrating along the coast. Look for bluefish, snook, red and black drums, and pompano!

For a chance to view these wild places, wild flowers and amazing wildlife, come visit Fort Pierce Inlet State Park.