Visit Us

TheBarrier 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 9AM-5PM (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

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. 

Related Documents

Other Facilities in the Complex

Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Locations

Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge
4055 Wildlife WayVero Beach,FL32963-9446
Driving Directions

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. 

Hours
Barrier Island Sanctuary Visitor Center
Tuesday - Sunday
9 am - 5 pm