Learn more about our surroundings
For information on the Sebastian River Area try visiting the Sebastian River Area and Indian River Chamber of Commerce websites.
City Of Sebastian website
City of Sebastian, Florida is located on the east coast of Florida between Melbourne and Vero Beach, in an area known as the Treasure Coast.
Treasures on the Treasure Coast
Although many guests of the Island View Cottages come here for the rest and relaxation, there are some of you who come here to take advantage of our local attractions. We are fortunate to be able to be located “half-way between” lots of nice attractions.
1. Riverview Park: (10 minute walk 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. 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!
8. 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!
9. SKYDIVE SEBASTIAN
Located adjacent to the Sebastian Airport, this is one of the largest and best skydiving location in the Country. See this website for information and lots of neat pictures.
10. ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER
A wonderful experience for both adults and children. Its a natural learning center with “real” animals and real people.
Just off the Wabasso Causeway, 5 miles south of Sebastian
11. MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Often overlooked but one of the nicest and easiest airports to get in and out of that we know of. Only 30 minutes from Sebastian (compared to 1 1/2 hours from Orlando) this airport has it all. All major rental cars can be picked up here.
12. SEBASTIAN MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE
A local treasure for golfers. Local pro Greg Gardner maintains an excellent 18 hole course that’s challenging to any golfer. Eat a fine meal at the Eagles Next Restaurant to round out a perfect golfing experience at a reasonable price.
13. MCKEE BOTANICAL GARDENS
Located on the South end of Vero Beach on US1. The McKee Gardens are an 18 acre subtropical garden with a diverse botanical collection as well as several restored architectureal treasures.
14. VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART
Wonderful collections of art in an attractive setting. Located in the scenic beach front section of Vero Beach.
15. HISTORIC DODGERTOWN
Formerly the home of the Brooklyn and LA Dodgers, now a spectacular training complex for high school, college and professional sports teams.
16. INDIAN RIVER COUNTY AQUATIC CENTER
Located just off I95 on CR512. Several large swimming pools — some heated. Great place for both children and adults. Host location for several state wide and national swim meets.
17. RIVERSIDE THEATRE
The Riverside Theatre Complex is located in Riverside Park between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River just off State Road 60.
18. 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/