Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge - Vero Beach, Florida

David L.

We visited on a late Friday afternoon in late December 2024. The weather was great and driving down the jungle trail to the parking lot was a fun experience. We've experienced similar roads to some other National Wildlife Refuges we've visited.

At the parking lot there is a nice bathroom and signage/information about the refuge. We continued down the road to the Centennial Trail. Being the FIRST National Wildlife Refuge, it was befitting how they designed this trail. It starts at the most recent Wildlife Refuge and lists the year and goes back in time as you walk the entire trail/boardwalk. It was fun reminiscing on the different ones we've visited over the years and the kids trying to find their favorites. The trail ends at the observation tower and there are plenty are benches on the trail as well. It's a pretty gradual slope and I think is pretty wheelchair accessible.

We only had time to do the one trail but we did see other folks with bikes and a number of cars in the main parking lot. There was only 1 other car with us at the trail head parking. There was also a nice picnic bench area under a pavilion covering. There was also a very surprising lack of mosquitos, which probably means their mosquito program is working great. There were warning signs and low flying aircraft that they were using for mosquito control. Drones are not allowed at the refuge.

The one thing that jumped out to us was 1 car parked near the entrance to the centennial trail where a guy looked to be chasing his unleashed dog, who was running into the tall grass and brush barking wildly at something? I didn't say anything but I recall most wildlife refuges not allowing pets like dogs in the park and especially ones not on a leash. However, every unit can have it's own rules so maybe this one was an exception.

We would gladly return and explore more of this Wildlife Refuge.

Karrie C.

The country's first national wildlife refuge. We came right after Hurricane Milton, so we stuck to the paved trail to the overlook. We saw two snakes and a blue heron. He loved the path up to the overlook with the names of all the wildlife refuges in the U.S. This is really a beautiful place and we learned a lot during our short visit.

Taxachusettsucks

Awsome place glad I stopped. Perfect for bird watching. old cart roads to hike, along with paved paths. Make it accessible for everyone. Plus bathrooms available.

Kay W.

Surprised to learn this is the 1st NWP. Beautiful walking place that keeps you above the ground. Shows each NWP in county and what year they started. Dissapointed that we did not see any pelicans though. Still worth the drive.

Queen B.

We found this while driving randomly and it’s a nice little walk and way to check out the lagoon!

Craig B.

Walked the Centennial Trail, a National Recreation Trail, which is a 0.75-mile trail that begins as asphalt and, when reaching the water’s edge, continues as a boardwalk/bridge of molded plastic. The molded plastic planks used to construct the deck of the boardwalk have the names of all US National Wildlife Refuges and the year they were established. When you get to the end of the Centennial Trail, you’ll see the plank for Pelican Island NWR, established in 1903. The trail is short and, because of its construction, can accommodate strollers or wheelchairs. The observation platform at trail’s end provides views Pelican Island and the Indian River Lagoon. Pelican Island NWR has several other trails. While there I also hiked the Joe Michael Memorial Trail which is more of a marshland-type trail common in this part of Florida. The Wildlife Refuge does not have a visitor center. It does, however, have a flush-toilet restroom.

Jayson B.

What a great little nature spot. Like a drive thru version of a hiking trail! A few Greta little spots tucked away to stop and fish or just relax in nature.

Cheryl P.

What a great preserve! The boardwalk lists all the states that protect wildlife throughout the United States thanks to Teddy Roosevelt. So grateful to have these protected areas for our birds, wildlife and fauna! Get out and enjoy-you will be so appreciative that we still have these places to visit.