Sebastian Inlet State Park
Melbourne Beach, FL
Sebastian Inlet State Park straddles the inlet between the Indian River Lagoon and the open Atlantic, home to First Peak and Monster Hole, two of the most consistent surf breaks on Florida's east coast. It's also one of the busiest sea turtle nesting beaches in the country, with the sand roped off in sections come summer.
World class surf breaks and a genuine sea turtle nesting site make it one of the Space Coast's real standouts, though the crowds that follow good waves mean the best sessions require an early alarm.
How we score beachesCome at dawn if surfing is the draw, First Peak gets crowded with locals fast once the sun's fully up. The park never closes, a rarity among Florida state parks, so a sunrise or sunset session is always an option.
The entrance fee is 8 dollars per vehicle, 4 dollars for a single occupant, 2 dollars for pedestrians or cyclists. Parking fills fast on weekends, especially when the surf is up.
Paved paths and boardwalks lead from the lots to the main beach areas on both sides of the inlet. The jetty and rock areas near the inlet itself are uneven and not accessible.
Leashed dogs are welcome in the picnic areas and on the Hammock Trail, but pets aren't allowed on the beach or in bathing areas.
Summer brings the heaviest sea turtle nesting activity along with the warmest water and hurricane season, June through November. Winter cold fronts are what actually generate the best surf here, so serious surfers watch the forecast more than the calendar.
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