Coastal Hammock of Fort Pierce

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park has a half-mile of dune, coastal hammock and pristine beach. The beach is home to nesting shorebirds, and the dune is home to beach fauna and flora. Some of the native species that grow on our dunes and beaches are unique to this area and can be found only in Florida, including Spanish bayonet, beach sunflower, Indian blanket flower, sea purslane and beach morning glory vine.

One of the most diverse habitats in the park is the coastal hammock, a unique mixture of hardwoods such as oaks, bay trees, sea grapes and many other beneficial natives. The best way to experience this natural Florida habitat is to explore the appropriately named Coastal Hammock Trail, a half-mile loop trail that allows you to immerse yourself in the Real Florida.

Throughout the park, you might also see gopher tortoises, which are especially easy to spot when they are foraging for food on top of the dunes. The gopher tortoise is a keystone species because it digs burrows that provide shelter for at least 360 other animal species. Gopher tortoises often can be seen on the park’s pedestrian pathways and trails, so head to Fort Pierce Inlet State Park and keep an eye out for them.