Avalon

History Nature During World War II, the United States Navy began using this site as a top-secret training ground for their underwater demolition team called ‘Frogmen.’ In 1943, beach obstacles were placed in the off-shore water. Frogmen would dive to locate these hazards as an exercise they would later use in the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Swimmers, snorkelers and surfers should be cautious of submerged concrete and steel hazards along the Atlantic shoreline. This land became Avalon State Park in 1987. With more than 650 acres, the park stretches from the Atlantic Ocean, across the beach dunes, through the maritime hammock, to the mangrove forests along the Indian River Lagoon. The park is the largest stand of undeveloped maritime hammock on North Hutchinson Island. The mangroves provide an important habitat for fish, invertebrates, and a variety of bird species including the roseate spoonbill, wood stork, black skimmer, terns and egrets. West Indian manatees are sometimes seen near the shore in the Indian River Lagoon. Today, 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. Gopher tortoises, marsh rabbits and bobcats call the park home. Florida State Parks Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks Avalon State Park c/o Fort Pierce Inlet State Park 905 Shorewinds Dr. Ft. Pierce, FL 34949 (772) 468-3985 FloridaStateParks.org Southeast Florida Avalon State Park Where History Meets the Sea Park Guidelines • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. • An entrance fee is required. Additional user fees may apply. • The collection, destruction or disturbance of plants, animals or park property is prohibited. • Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and well behaved at all times. • Fishing, boating, swimming and fires are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required. Snorkelers and scuba divers should always use Diver-Down flags when in the water. • Become a volunteer. Inquire at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. • Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station. Alternate format available upon request at any Florida state park. FLORIDA State Parks Created on 11/14 SM National Gold Medal Winner Florida State Parks - “America’s First Three-Time Winner” Real Fun in SM Welcome to Avalon State Park, with more than a mile of undeveloped beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean, Avalon is perfect for fishing, sunbathing, wildlife viewing and enjoying Florida’s beaches by land or water. The park provides habitat for threatened and endangered sea turtles that nest on the beach during the spring and summer. Avalon is also home to the threatened prickly pear cactus, a favorite food of the gopher tortoise; endangered beach star and West Indian manatee along with many species of special concern including the roseate spoonbill, American oystercatcher, brown pelican and little blue heron. Avalon State Park offers a firm, sandy beach with a beautiful view of Florida’s coastline. Take a leisurely stroll to find seashells in a variety of shapes and colors. Relax in the sun, or surf the incoming tide. Anglers may look for bluefish, snook, pompano and red or black drums throughout the seasons. N Beaches W Bird-watching S Fishing Hiking Atlantic Ocean Parking Picnicking Restrooms Four picnic pavilions with grills are available for family gatherings. Bird-watching along the coastal hammock trail on the west side of A1A is popular. Native trees such as gumbo limbo, red bay, live oak and mangrove attract many species of wading birds. One small parking area, with dune crossovers, has been established on the narrow strip of land between the highway and the dunes. E Indian River Directions Avalon State Park is located on State Road A1A in St. Lucie County about four miles north of Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, or nine miles south of Vero Beach via Highway A1A and the North Causeway. Observation Platform