Archie Carr
Vero Beach, FL 32963-9446
Plan Your Visit
The Barrier Island Center is a great place to start your visit and find answers to your questions. The center provides hands-on educational experiences for visitors to the Refuge through interactive exhibits, nature films, special programs and a 1-mile long “dune-to-lagoon” nature trail. The Center also has an accessible ocean view boardwalk and picnic tables and is open to the public.
- Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)
- Exhibits on sea turtles and the barrier island
- Environmental education programs and tours
- School trips
- Auditorium with orientation movies
- Gift shop
- ¾ mile foot trail and lagoon kayak launch
Activities
Trails
Refuge trails, boardwalks, and kiosks provide family-friendly wildlife viewing areas. The refuge provides public access to many beaches within Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge including Golden Sands, Treasure Shores and more. Need help navigating? Print your own trail map or pick up a brochure when you arrive on the refuge.
Barrier Island Sanctuary Trail Open: Year Round Length: .75 mile The start of the Barrier Island Sanctuary Trail is located at the Barrier Island Center along with the visitor center at 8385 S Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951. The trail leads to beach access and is a great opportunity to see a maritime hammock and beach dune ecosystem.
Sebastian Inlet State Park Hammock Trail Open: Year-round Length: 0.9 mile Sebastian Inlet State Park Hammock Trail is a 0.9 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Melbourne Beach, Florida that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking and nature trips and is accessible year-round.
Office Directions: 4055 Wildlife Way, Vero Beach, FL 32963
- Follow I-95 to Co Rd 512 in Fellsmere. Take exit 156 from I-95
- Continue on Co Rd 512. Take 85th St, FL-510 E and Florida A1A N to Wildlife Way in North Beach.
- Destination will be on your left in 3.1 miles.
Barrier Island Center Directions: 8385 S Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
- Follow I-95 to US-192 E in Brevard County. Take exit 180 from I-95
- Follow US-192 E to Florida A1A S/S Hwy A1A
- Keep left to continue on US-192 E/E Strawbridge Ave
- Turn right onto Florida A1A S/S Hwy A1A/S Miramar Ave
- Turn left onto Florida A1A S/S Hwy A1A/Ocean Ave
- Destination will be on the left in 12.8 miles.
Activities
Get Involved
Volunteers are an essential part of operations at the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge. They perform many vital functions. With your help, we will enhance the quality of wildlife habitat and public use opportunities. Our program offers challenges for everyone and volunteers from all walks of life are encouraged to apply!
If you have an interest in wildlife, enjoy working outdoors or with people, or simply want to contribute in some way, consider joining the Refuge’s volunteer staff. Training and uniforms are provided—you supply the interest and time. Becoming involved is easy, contact the refuge today!
Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge
Vero Beach, FL 32963
(772) 581-5557
Email: archiecarr@fws.gov
About
Established in 1991, the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge protects 20.5 miles of beach and shoreline habitat in Florida. It is the most significant area for loggerhead sea turtle nesting in the world and green turtle nesting in North America. The refuge is managed as part of the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge Complex and partners with various agencies through the Archie Carr Working Group to preserve the barrier island ecosystem.