(UPDATED JULY 2022) The city of Sebastian, Florida, is located between Melbourne and Vero Beach on the Indian River Lagoon on the East Coast. A destination known for uncrowded beaches, surfing, and the country’s first wildlife refuge, this is an ideal town for outdoor adventures without the hefty price tag and crowds. Sebastian also has a noteworthy craft beer scene and a bounty of treasure. Here are the top things to do in Sebastian that will give you a taste of this part of Florida’s Treasure Coast.
Drink Delicious Craft Beer
Pareidolia Brewing Co. is known for fine craft brews; IPAs and Porters are their specialties. You can order a tasty lunch or snacks to pair with your drinks, such as craft beer Cheese Dip (with pretzels), Pub Club Panini, and PBC Cheese Steak. Come for trivia every other Thursday and charity events as scheduled.
Hunt for Treasures at Mel Fisher’s
At Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum, you’ll see archeology values, riches, and shipwreck finds from the Spanish fleets carrying the Queen’s jewels that were struck by a hurricane in 1715. These valuable objects provide the historical connection for this region, referred to as The Treasure Coast. Mel was a world-famous treasure hunter, and his daughter opened the museum in 1992 to tell his story and showcase his bounty.
Thrill the Kids with an Animal Attraction
Load up the car and bring the whole family to LaPorte Farms, a non-profit petting farm that sprawls five acres with fishing access, activities for kids, and special events. You’ll find a zebra, donkey, marmoset, miniature horses, goats, llama, chickens, parrots, and much more at the property. There is no admission fee, but donations are strongly encouraged. Come on the weekends when you may purchase food onsite.
Get Your Shrimp Fix
Capt. Hiram’s Resort is home to multiple restaurants, a marina, boat rentals, charter fishing tours, and the best peel n’ eat shrimp on the Treasure Coast. Choose hot or cold; the sizable shrimp come dusted in Old Bay seasoning and served with drawn (clarified) butter. The restaurant’s official name is Blackfins Riverfront Grill, but the locals all refer to the entire property as Capt. Hiram’s. You can eat at The Sandbar outside if you want a more Florida beachy vibe.
Here are 14 more Sebastian restaurants to try when you have the time.
Pelican Island National Wildlife
Originally designated a bird sanctuary in 1903 by President Roosevelt, Pelican Island became the country’s first National Wildlife Refuge, and the first time the government put land aside for wildlife. Today there are 563 national wildlife refuges. Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, located in the Indian River Lagoon, offers 20,000 acres for hiking, walking, birdwatching, and free wildlife tours.
You may see brown or white pelicans, rabbits, sea turtles, snakes, tortoises, up to 140 species of birds, crabs, butterflies, bobcats, nearly 800 varieties of fish, or river otters. Regardless of your reason for visiting Pelican Island, it is peaceful, beautiful, a great place to get some exercise, and free to visit.
Take to the Sebastian Skies
What goes up must come down. That can be you if you experience the thrill of a tandem jump at Skydive Sebastian. You’ll sail through the skies over the Atlantic Ocean and Florida coastline while experiencing the exhilarating rush that comes along with the extreme adventure of skydiving.
Sebastian Inlet State Park
Lying on both sides of the Sebastian Inlet, with Brevard County on one side and Indian River on the other, is the Sebastian Inlet State Park. It is by far one of the best things to do in Sebastian. Fishing from the jetties, boat rides, scuba diving, jet-skiing, and camping are the favored offerings at this scenic state park.
The water, with three miles of beaches, is relatively calm along the jetty, but you can have gorgeous ripples of waves, depending on the weather. This premier fishing destination offers noteworthy snook, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel and has an $8 charge to access the park.
Channel Your Inner Mermaid
Enjoy a family-oriented public swimming pool complex with an activity and competition pool, play structure, slides, children’s water toys, and 24-lap swimming lanes at the North County Aquatic Center in Sebastian. There are also four diving boards in the diving well. The aquatic center offers water aerobics on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Earl’s Hide Away
Florida’s most fun biker bar is right here in Sebastian. Earl’s Hide Away needs no introduction to locals and will become your go-to Sebastian hotspot as soon as you step foot in the place. Enjoy a cold beer, live music, or raved about pizza and meatballs at this iconic Sebastian landmark from the 50s.
Need a place to stay during your Sebastian visit? We highly recommend Island View Cottages for a luxury stay in a secluded area. This place will really knock your socks off!
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