Landscape of Avalon

More than 650 acres on North Hutchinson Island became Avalon State Park in 1987. The park stretches from the Atlantic Ocean, across the dunes, through the coastal/maritime hammock to the mangrove forests along the Indian River Lagoon.

The park is the largest stand of undeveloped maritime hammock on North Hutchinson Island. 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. West Indian manatees are sometimes seen near the shore in Indian River Lagoon.

The beach here 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 Avalon State Park. However, there are also occasional leatherback sea turtle nests. Leatherbacks 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, wildflowers and amazing wildlife, come visit Avalon State Park.