The Indian River and Sebastian Area

Soar with the Pelicans, jump with the Mullet, dive with the Dolphins and keep watch for Alligators as you travel the banks of the Indian River Lagoon. Explore the Historic and scenic Sebastian riverfront. Each stride uncovers treasures from today and yesteryear. See old Florida come alive with fish tales of Rum Runners, Treasure Hunters and Sebastian's famous "six old grouches". Enjoy the cool lagoon breezes as you walk, bike, or run the many miles of waterfront access.

The Indian River is home to some of the largest lobsters on the East Coast of Florida. Snorkeling, boating, clamming and all kinds of fishing make the Indian River Lagoon one of Florida's prime water sports areas. There is a bait shop within walking distance of Sportsman's Motel and Marina, or net finger Mullet from our dock and pier.

Did you know that clamming is an important industry in the Indian River Lagoon? Over 90% of the clams produced in Florida are from the Lagoon and 15% of the nations output of clams are from Lagoon waters. You can find everything from little necks to chowder clams by wading through the vast clam beds and digging through the muck with your toes.
An ordinary garden rake can be used in mud flats and shallow areas. Southern Quahogs may grow up to 7 inches, but the smaller clams are supposed to be better tasting.

50% of the fish caught on the East Coast of Florida are from the Indian River Lagoon.

The Lagoon is 156 miles long, crosses six counties, has trees on stilts and underwater meadows, and contains more than 4,300 kinds of plants and animals

RIVERVIEW PARK Sportsman's Motel is adjacent to Riverview Park which is operated by The City of Sebastian. There are playground areas and volleyball courts, etc. Many free events are held in the Park, including concerts, festivals, craft shows and many other public events. There are playgrounds for the kids and something for everyone to enjoy. The City is constantly improving the park. There are 2 new piers, one for fishing, one to tie up your boat. A recent addition is the new Water Park for the kids. It has proved to be immensely popular. The park is about a two minute walk from our motel. This park is very small and age limit is 9 years old! Click here for map
AROUND THE SEBASTIAN AREA Sebastian is located in Indian River County, Florida, which is World Famous for its Beautiful Beaches, Great Weather and Citrus Products. Sebastian is 95 miles S.E. of Orlando, 22 miles south of Melbourne and 12 miles north of Vero Beach. This location, known as "The Treasure Coast," is accessible via I-95, the Florida Turnpike or the Airports in Orlando, Melbourne and Vero Beach. And when it's time to relax, there are many Parks to enjoy. Don't forget the Boat. There are many places to get wet! The waters of the Indian River Lagoon offer excellent recreational opportunities. Fishing for redfish, snook, sea trout, mangrove snapper, and other species is popular. Recreational shell fishing is permitted . Pelican Island and the surrounding Indian River Lagoon offer excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and observation.
IN THE HEART OF THE TREASURE COAST Spanish Galleons plied the waters off the coast of Sebastian carrying treasure looted from the New World. Gold, silver and items of historical significance were carried to Spain to enrich the treasuries of the Spanish monarchs. In 1715, a hurricane destroyed 10 ships of the Spanish fleet sending hundreds of millions of dollars of treasure to the bottom of the sea along with up to a thousand sailors. It is estimated that at least four of these ships are yet to be found and treasure salvors still look for these ships off the coast. Some of this treasure may be viewed locally at: MEL FISHERS TREASURE MUSEUM (772) 589-9875 McLARTY MUSEUM (772) 589-2147
SEBASTIAN INLET STATE RECREATION AREA Every year over one-half million people enjoy Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area. The beautiful park, situated on the tips of two barrier islands, is surrounded by gorgeous water. The Atlantic Ocean is on the east, the Indian River Lagoon to the west and the Sebastian Inlet flows between the two. In 1971 the State of Florida acquired the land for a park. It is a favorite spot for picnicking, swimming, surfing, fishing, shrimping, clamming, crabbing, boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, bird watching, camping and enjoying nature.
PELICAN ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Almost 100 years after the President’s bold leadership combined with Paul Kroegel’s heroics, the pelicans are still thriving on Pelican Island. For reasons not completely understood by biologists, pelicans, endangered wood storks, and other birds prefer to nest and roost at Pelican Island over numerous other small islands in the Indian River Lagoon, the most biologically diverse estuary in the United States. Pelican Island is one of the wonders of the natural world.