The best kept secret in Florida:
Your gateway to the Island View Cottages and beyond.
Need a weekend away? Looking to stay somewhere unique, with unparalleled beauty? How about a place on the water? A place close enough to all your favorite locales, but far enough to still allow for the peace and serenity that only “unplugging” can provide? Well sit back, relax, and look no further than the premier home-away-from-home in all of Florida!
Welcome to the Island View Cottages!
Sebastian, FL
“The City of Sebastian, Florida is located in Indian River County approximately midway through the east coast of the Florida Peninsula between Melbourne and Vero Beach in an area known as the Treasure Coast.”
– City of Sebastian
This location is also the home of Pelican Island, the first designated wildlife refuge in the United States by President Theodore Roosevelt. Sebastian boasts several hidden gems, which will be highlighted throughout this article, and is the perfect destination for a weekend get-a-away with your family, loved ones, or alone with a cooler and a fishing pole if you need some quality YOU time.
Full of History
Like the city it calls home, the Island View Cottages are full of history. Its location is steeped in tradition, and has been a staple in Sebastian, FL for many years. However, after some re-branding and many hours of hard work, the Island View Cottages has found the perfect marriage of tradition and luxury on its property. Over a dozen designers from around the country donated their time to help the cottages provide state-of-the-art living accommodations, and have given a unique feel to each of our rooms, giving each patron their own individualized experience when they come and stay on the property.
Customer Service
Each morning, the Island View community will receive freshly ground coffee, courtesy of Esso Coffeehouse, along with a hand written note by our Innkeepers informing each guest of the weather report, and what will be happening around Sebastian, FL that day. This complementary service also includes food recommendations as well, and since we pride ourselves on customer service, many of these notes will be tailored to YOUR needs.
Interested in having a snack and a few drinks to unwind after a long day? Social hour on the “The Porch” will be from 5-6pm each night, and will provide the perfect opportunity to do just that.
That’s not all! There will also be BBQ served each week for those staying on the property, just to further go above and beyond for the Island View Community!
Our Cottages are featured on Visit Florida, Trip Adviser, Yelp, and AirBnB!
If the rich history of the property, our customer service, and our website (with accompanying virtual tour of the property), isn’t enough to entice you, take a look at some of this city’s best kept secrets, dining options, wildlife and distance to major cities and attractions as evidence for why you should stay in Sebastian, FL.
Hidden Treasure’s along the Treasure Coast
1. Riverview Park: (10 minutes from the Island View Cottages)
Interested in hosting an event?
Looking to gather with a business, family, friends or neighbors? Look no further than Riverview Park.
If you stay at the Island View Cottages you are only 5 minutes away from the primary event and gathering point in all of Sebastian, FL.
That means you can take your family here for a picnic, meet for team building with your work (if you chose to stay at the Island View Cottages for a work retreat), or just walk over to the park to check out what’s happening, and let me tell you, there is always something happening. The Annual Clam Bake Festival, Pelican Island Wildlife Festival, Sebastian Fine Arts and Music Festivals, the annual 4th of July Celebrations and the seasonal Music in the Park Concert Series are just a few of the “happenings” that make Sebastian a great place to stay!
“If you would like to rent the pavilion for special private parties and events or receive more information about Riverview Park, please call (772) 228-7054.
City of Sebastian
2. Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum (5 minutes from the Island View Cottages)
Ever wonder why it’s called the Treasure Coast?
Well, Florida has seen its fair share of maritime visitors dating back to the Spanish acquisition and conquest of Florida in the 16th century. Since that time, many ships have met their end at the bottom of the ocean of the east coast of Florida, and stayed hidden beneath the surface of the water for hundreds of years. That is, until Mel Fisher arrived in 1963.
Over the last 40+ years, Mel Fisher has uncovered many mysteries of the deep, from the successful uncovering of a 1715 fleet of ships, to the discovery of the main pile of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha in July of 1985. Fisher went on to open his own museum to chronicle these journeys and display many of the treasures he has found.
“Visit the Mel Fisher Treasure Museum and dive into history. The experience is both educational and exciting! You can even lift an authentic Atocha gold bar! Join the millions who have witnessed this spectacular collection of cultural artifacts and treasure recovered from the ocean depths”
Mel Fisher Museum Website
3. McLarty Treasure Museum (16 minutes from the Island View Cottages)
Oh, is one treasure museum not enough?
If not, then Sebastian is definitely the hot-spot for you. Taking full advantage of the “wealth” of history here in Florida, the McLarty Treasure Museum not only houses historical finds and artifacts, but is built right on top of one!
“The McLarty Treasure Museum is located at 13180 North A1A on Orchid Island, north of Windsor and Vero Beach, Florida, on the barrier island at the north end of Indian River County. The museum occupies part of the former site of the Survivors’ and Salvagers’ Camp – 1715 Fleet, and is part of Sebastian Inlet State Park.It houses exhibits on the history of the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet, and it features artifacts, displays, and an observation deck that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
McLarty Treasure Museum website
The property f or the museum was donated to the State by Mr. Robert McLarty, a retired Atlanta attorney who lived in Vero Beach
4. LaPorte Farms: (10 minutes from the Island View Cottages)
Looking for some family fun for all ages?
This uniquely beautiful farm has been called Sebastian’s best kept secret from many within the tourism community. Sitting on 5 acres, LaPorte farms will provide endless fun for you and your family with its blend of food, events, live entertainment and animals. Their website even has an events page, so if petting and engaging with adorable animals isn’t enough of a pull factor for you, their meticulously detailed calendar will be! This feature allows you to plan around whatever is happening over there in real time, so that on any given day you can go and visit the farm.
Come to Sebastian for the Island View Cottages, stay to feed the goats!
5. Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge: (16 minutes from the Island View Cottages)
Welcome to the inspiration for Cottage #3!
Check out the Island View Cottages website, and view the virtual tour for Cottage 3. The beautiful Pelican mural featured on the wall was inspired by our neighbors on the Lagoon.
“Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is both the name of the refuge and the name of the original 5.5 acre rookery island, which supports important bird rookeries, key fish spawning sites, and a globally important juvenile sea turtle nursery. Primarily comprised of lagoonal waters, the refuge includes aquatic, transitional, and upland habitats supporting a diversity of species, including 14 federally listed threatened and endangered species. This complex ecological system also supports hundreds of species of birds, fish, plants, and mammals. Today, at least 16 different bird species nest on Pelican Island proper, including brown pelicans, wood storks,egrets, herons, ibises, anhingas, oystercatchers, and cormorants. Beyond the tiny rookery of Pelican Island proper, over 130 species of birds use the refuge as a rookery, roost, feeding ground, and/or loafing area. Further, federally protected West Indian manatees and sea turtles inhabit the lagoonal waters of the refuge, alongside some 30,000 annual boaters.”
Sebastian Chamber of Commerce
6. Andretti Thrill Park: (30 minutes from the Island View Cottages)
Any thrill seekers out there?
Well, you don’t have to travel far if you’re looking to have an experience unlike any other. One of Central Florida’s newer attractions, Andretti Thrill Park, is fun for the whole family and doesn’t break the bank in the process! Andretti Thrill Park is the perfect blend of theme park and carnival, and has everything from Go Karts, Laser Tag,Roller Coasters, Mini Golf… Click the link to see all this place has to offer.I could attempt to spell out everything, but trust me, just when you think you have this place figured out, there is MORE to do!
As if that wasn’t enough, Andretti customers who have purchased wrist bands have unlimited access to everything in the park! (Excluding the arcade) So come over to the Island View Cottages, and after a relaxing morning with us, get your heart rate up with Andretti Thrill Park!
Check out this YOUTUBE FEATURE for interviews, interactions, and depictions of the attractions!!
7. Mash Monkey’s Brewing Company (3 minutes from the Island View Cottages)
Ready to be impressed?
Before you can even view the content on their website, the Mash Monkey Brewing Company asks you for your age, enforcing the law and imploring you to be 21 years old to view their webpage.
Relatively new to Sebastian, the brewery is already impressing, and locals could not speak more highly of the establishment. Here is an excerpt from the Sebastian Daily, a website chronicling the best in Sebastian:“The brewery, the second one in Sebastian, has a strong following. The locals are highly vocal and recommend it. The establishment is nice, they offer pool tables and darts. It’s a great place to go and enjoy craft beer.”
Read more: Sebastian Daily
If you’re looking for some of best beer in the area, look no further than Mash Monkey’s. They don’t have much food on their menu, but later in this list we will help direct you to some of the best food in the area. Start your night at a restaurant and end up at Mash Monkey’s, or vice versa. As long as you get here to experience it, they don’t care when you arrive!h
8. About Kayaks River Rentals – (6 minutes away from the Island View Cottages)
The BEST kayak rental facility on the Sebastian River!
OK, so About Kayaks River Rentals are the ONLY kayak rental facility on the Sebastian River, but we are still so impressed by them that we’re calling them the best! Here’s an excerpt from their website explaining exactly what they do:
Access to kayaks and Sebastian Inlet from our property
“Kayaking is an eco-friendly way to immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of nature. We specialize in 2-3 hour self-guided tours, featuring sit-inside and sit-on-top single and tandem kayaks. The paddling is easy, going downstream with the gentle current. We supply you with the kayaks, paddles, life vests, and instructions. After only a few minutes on the water, most beginners find paddling easy and fun.Spending the day exploring the beautiful and wild St. Sebastian is an adventure, creating memories that will last a lifetime”
About Kayaks website
About Kayaks has camps, affordable rental fees, safety seminars, tours, and an informative website detailing all services provided. This is so close to the Island View Cottages, and with your access to the water from our property, is a perfect way to spend an afternoon with us! We know you won’t be disappointed!
9. Sebastian Inlet Park: (18 minutes away from the Island View Cottages)
Living in a surfer’s paradise….
Welcome to the Sebastian Inlet State Park. “Surfers from around the globe flock to Sebastian Inlet State Park to ride “First Peak” and “Monster Hole,” but this pristine park is more than just a Florida surfer’s paradise. Visitors stroll untouched beaches, collecting shells and observing sea turtle nests, or try their luck fishing from one of the jetties that slice into the Atlantic. Calmer waters on the Indian River Lagoon beckon kayakers to explore wild beauty.”
Sebastian Inlet Spokesperson
This location is not only home to the McLarty Treasure Museum profiled above, but home to the Sebastian Fishing Museum as well; the later chronicling the complete history of the areas fishing industry.
If all of this wasn’t enough, their website has a live webcam so that you can see exactly how to beach looks and how the water is, enabling people to plan ahead before ever stepping food in the park!
10. Kroegel Homestead Produce: (8 minutes from the Island View Cottages)
An apple a day keeps the doctor away!
Owned and operated by Tim Timinisky, a 5th generation Sebastian native, this produce stand is a staple within the Sebastian community. Tim’s lineage is rich within the Sebastian community as well! His great grandfather, Paul Kroegel,spearheaded the movement to make Pelican Island a National Wildlife refuge.
11. Filet Show Sebastian Fishing Charters:
“Filet Show fishing charters is located at Captain Hiram’s Resort in beautiful Sebastian, Florida. Sebastian is the Northern most town in Indian river county and only a 5 minute boat ride to the famous Sebastian Inlet. The boat is kept on a lift and can be ready to take you fishing at a moments notice!
Located less than 90 minutes from Orlando and 15 minutes from Vero Beach. Sebastian Florida offers some of the best and most diverse fishing in our country. People travel from all over to fish the Sebastian inlet and the waters that surround it. If the great fishing isn’t enough you will see all kinds of amazing wildlife and scenery on every trip. Whether it be manatees, dolphins or the majestic osprey every day is a different adventure.“
Excerpt from: https://www.filetshow.com/
Local Flavor
- Sebastian’s Roadside Restaurant: 2 minutes away
“Dining at Sebastian’s Roadside Restaurant is like takinga comfortable walk back in time while enjoying some of your favorite comfortfoods from years gone by.”
Sebastian Roadside Resuratnt
“Many restaurants try to replicate old Southern Charm;Sebastian’s Roadside Restaurant just has it!”
Sara Giza, Restaurant Reviewer, Vero Beach Press Journal.
- Captain Hiram’s: 5 minutes away
“As much a place as it is a state of mind, Capt. Hiram’s Resort is the essence of Florida, enhanced with a Bahamian beat. Drop anchor on the shores of Sebastian’s Indian River and surrender to“island time” the Capt. Hiram’s way.”/
Captain Hiram’s website
- Capt’n Butchers: 6 minutes away
Options to dine inside or outside, overlooking the water while you eat. Across from the Sebastian Inlet, home of some of best fishing in the area!
- Mo-Bay Grill: 4 minutes away
Amazing International cuisine and the #1 Gluten Free Restaurant in the area!
- Earls Hideaway Lounge: 4 minutes away
“Earl’s Hideaway offers an exciting atmosphere of LIVE blues entertainment, food and spirits. The friendly atmosphere makes Earl’s a popular place to “get away” and enjoy the day. Whether you want to stop by for a beer and a bite to eat or jam with the industry’s best blues bands, Earl’s is the place to be hands down! Come see why our patrons have the most fun.”
Earl’s Hideaway website
Distance to major locations:
Now, you might be wondering if you can stay with us while you go out and explore the greater Florida area. The answer to that is, of course you can! While we love our neck of the woods, we know that Florida has a lot to offer.
For your convenience we have compiled a list of nearby locations and how far they are from us. This way you can either 1) plan to take a day trip out to experience all that Florida has to offer and come back to the Island View Cottages to relax, or 2) Recognize that you live near one of these landmarks and realize just how close you are! Either way, we hope this list will inspire you to take the trip and stay with us.
- Disney: 1 hour & 45 minutes away
- Distance is approximated for all 4 major parks (Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood studios) and Disney Springs.
- Universal Studios: 1 hour & 35 minutes away
- Bush Gardens (Tampa): 2 hours & 49 minutes away
- West Palm Beach: 1 hour & 30 minutes away
- Miami: 2 hours & 30 minutes away
- Downtown Melbourne: 30 minutes away
- Jacksonville: 3 hours away
- St.Augustine: 2 hours & 30 minutes away
Airport and Mass Transit
Coming from somewhere that requires extensive travel? Coming from somewhere that requires little travel?Either way, we are close enough to accommodate your needs! Here are the relative distances between the Island View Cottages and some locale means of travel!
- Orlando International (MCU) Airport: 1 hour & 30 minutes away
- Sebastian Municipal Airport: 6 minutes away
- Sebastian Greyhound Bus Stop (In Vero Beach): 13 minutes away
Island View Innkeepers
Remember our feature on Tim and Beth Rohrer (owners of Here for You Concierge as well) your new Island View Inn Keepers?
As a reminder, ALL of this information and more, including additional recommendations, can be found by calling our Innkeepers. Make your travel arrangements with them, book your stay with us, and if needed, inquire about their additional services that may take your stay with the Island View Cottages to the next level.
Additional Info and Rates:
To contact the Innkeepers to inquire about personalized services, or book reservations, please call: (772)589-5247.
AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION
Between 6 AM and 10 PM
(Transportation between 10 PM & 6 AM entails a $10 upcharge per person)
- 1 or 2 people – Orlando Int’l / Orlando Sanford
– $80 one-way - 1 or 2 people – Melbourne – $70 one way
- 1 or 2 people – West Palm Beach – $90 one-way
- 3 or 4 people – Orlando Int’l / Orlando Sanford
– $120 one-way - 3 or 4 people – Melbourne – $100 one way
- 3 or 4 people – West Palm Beach – $130 one-way
PET SITTING
- 20 minute visit to feed, water, walk, and
provide attention to your pet $15 - 30 minute visit to feed, water, walk, and
provide attention to your pet $20
BEACH GEAR RENTAL
- 1, 2 Tommy Bahama Beach Chairs and 1 Tommy
Bahama umbrella $25 per day - 3, 4 Tommy Bahama Beach Chairs and 2 Tommy
Bahama umbrellas $50 per day - Tommy Bahama Umbrella $10 per day
- Tommy Bahama Umbrellas have a built-in auger, a
handle, they are vented and tilt.
