Park Overview

Beyond the mangrove forests of Indian River Lagoon lies a sandy land of seashells and crisp blue waves tumbling along the shoreline of Avalon State Park. This park is located on the undeveloped eastern coast of North Hutchinson Island, stretching one mile long and serving as a perfect stopping point along the way to Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. It’s easy to find a secluded spot for yourself and your belongings or get whisked away to sea.

PARK HISTORY

Avalon State Park was established in the mid-1990s. What once was a top-secret training ground for Navy SEALs during World War II, is now a pristine and vivid landscape of shells, sand, and salt water for park goers to enjoy. Take in views of the Atlantic Ocean and imagine what it was like to dive out into the deep sea searching for Navy training obstacles, some of which still exist offshore today.

Our Adventure

Feeling the soft, brown sand between my toes, we walk quietly along the shoreline. Storks and spoonbills race in line formations along the crests of waves. At high tide, the bright blue ocean creeps closer to our abruptly placed beach mat.

Overcast skies are not enough to deter us from a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. We rush toward the barreling waves, taking the path of coquina shells atop sand dunes, passing sea oats blowing in the breeze. We slow down to take in luminous reds, purples, oranges, and pinks of the shell-covered beach. Out beyond, fishermen, surfers, sailors, and paddleboarders navigate deep in the distance.

There is more wildlife than humans on the beach itself. Brown pelicans swoop around us as we embark on a stroll for seashells. We collect a colorful assortment of souvenir shells and then relax momentarily on our flat mat, enjoying the breeze through our hair and taking in the beauty of Avalon State Park.

Later, we set out to find a designated observation platform that turns out to be inaccessible to the public, but this dead end leads us to an exciting twist and turn down the road a piece to Jack Island Preserve State Park.

Explore More:

Join us on our Journey on Jack Island: