Avalon State Park, a Florida State Park located near Fort Pierce, Jensen Beach and Port Saint Lucie

AVALON STATE PARK

AVALON STATE PARK
N Hwy A1A
Fort Pierce, Florida 34949

(lat:27.5383 lon:-80.3162)

One of the state's newest seaside parks, Avalon has more than a mile of increasingly rare undeveloped beachfront. The park provides habitat for many species of wildlife. Threatened and endangered sea turtles, like the loggerhead, Atlantic green, and leatherback, nest on the beach during the spring and summer. Dune crossovers protect the fragile dune ecosystem. We welcome swimmers, snorkelers, fishermen and sunbathers for beach recreation.

Swimmers and snorkelers are advised to be cautious of underwater obstacles left behind by amphibious warfare exercises during World War II.

Visitors can enjoy a meal at sheltered picnic tables overlooking the beach.

Located along A1A on North Hutchinson Island in St. Lucie County, four miles north of Ft. Pierce Inlet State Park.

Nature of the Area

Plant Life

Several protected species of plants (listed by Federal, State or the Florida Natural Areas Inventory) may be found within the boundaries of the Avalon tract. These include: giant leather fern, inkberry, nakedwood and coastal vervain.

Passes

Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUAL ENTRANCE PASSES web page.

Swimming

Swimming

Swimming is permitted in the Atlantic; however caution should be exercised when entering the ocean in the vicinity of the park. Numerous underwater obstacles, made of concrete and steel, were deposited offshore by the United States Navy during World War II for training purposes. While some of these obstacles have been removed, those that remain can cause serious harm to the unsuspecting swimmer, snorkeler or surfer. Please swim at your own risk. No lifeguards are on duty.

Beaches

Park visitors can enjoy the great beauty of our beach that we are well-known for. The beach offers a firm sandy bottom and a beautiful view of the Florida coastline. Take a leisurely stroll and find the 'gems' we call seashells in a variety of beautiful shapes and colors.

Fishing

Fishing

If you like to fish, this is one of the hottest places you can fish from land! At certain times of the year, you may see fish migrating along the coast. You can catch various species of fish including Bluefish, Snook, Red/Black Drums, Pompano, Permit and Whiting. All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. Non-residents of Florida must purchase a Florida license to fish from shore.

Canoeing

Canoe/Kayak

You can launch you canoe/kayak from the beach side. However, you must carry them 30-40 yards to the water. All water actives are conducted at your own risk. There are no lifeguards on duty

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a popular recreational activity, weather permitting. Snorkelers can enjoy the beautiful tropical sea life that awaits them below. Most of year, our waters are so clean you just might think you?re in the Bahamas!

Caution should be exercised when entering the ocean in the vicinity of the park. Numerous underwater obstacles, made of concrete and steel, were deposited offshore by the United States Navy during World War II for training purposes. While some of these obstacles have been removed, those that remain can cause serious harm to the unsuspecting swimmer, snorkeler or surfer. Please swim at your own risk. No lifeguards are on duty.

Location

Avalon State Park is located near Fort Pierce, Jensen Beach and Port Saint Lucie

Nearby Parks

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park

Savannas Preserve State Park

Picnicking

Picnicking

The park offers four medium-sized pavilions with barbecue grills located off the main parking area. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Electric and water are not available.

Trails

Our coastal hammock, located on the west side of A1A, is open to visitors. You must park outside the gate and walk in because of the low marsh areas. This is an excellent place for bird watching. You can see many native trees including the Gumbo Limbo, Red Bay, Live Oak and Mangrove.

Birding

Located in Florida, the park offers birding opportunities with a variety of species. The beach and dune habitats attract shorebirds like terns and plovers. Wading birds such as herons can be seen near wetlands areas. Migratory songbirds are also common during certain seasons.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

March 22 Excellent Beach

Great beach park. I think the navy used it during WWII to train frogmen.

February 26 A very nice little park by J. Fewell

Avalon has beautiful ocean views, nice deserted beach and clean rest rooms. The perfect place to spend the day. Picnic facilitie were nice and beach well kept. There is sufficient parking but a new $2.00 per day fee was a downer. It is worth this amount easily, but I hate to see the State of Florida start nickle and diming visitors to our parks on the east coast. Also you need exact change which can be a problem.