Avalon State Park

Avalon State Park offers more than one mile of sandy beach on the Atlantic Ocean. This is an area that sees significant sea turtle activity in season. One thing to look out for, though: the military ran amphibious warfare exercises offshore here during World War II and some of their materials are still in place (officially: "numerous underwater obstacles made of concrete and steel").

Avalon State Park straddles Highway A1A so there is beach to the east, coastal hammock to the west. There's one big parking area and everything else you walk to. The coastal hammock offers Red Bay, Gumbo Limbo, Mangrove and Live Oak trees scattered among the low marsh areas.

Avalon State Park also offers four picnic pavilions (each with table, canopy and barbecue grill but no water or electric) near the parking area. They are available first-come, first-served. There's also a restroom right there and two showers.

For day users, Avalon State Park is open from 8 am to sunset every day of the year. There are fees involved.

To get there: Avalon State Park is located on Highway A1A about four miles north of Fort Pierce Inlet State Park.