Today
North Hutchinson Island
Local
The park spans the barrier island from the Atlantic dunes to the mangroves on the Indian River Lagoon. Together with Jack Island Preserve it covers more than a thousand acres of hammock, dune, and mangrove — a Great Florida Birding Trail stop with more than 300 species moving through.
Dynamite Point
WWII Navy Frogmen — the Underwater Demolition Teams — trained and blew charges here. The name stuck. Today it is the birding overlook on the inlet side, not a place to throw explosives.
Jack Island
About a mile north. Hiking and bike trails through mangrove and maritime hammock, plus an observation tower at the west end of Marsh Rabbit Run over the Indian River.
Across the inlet
South Jetty Park is the city side: fishing walk, calmer water, and free outdoor laser + DJ nights from South Jetty Beats. Different gate, different vibe, same cut of water.
Wildlife you will actually see
Gopher tortoises on the paths. Osprey and bald eagles over the lagoon. Loggerhead and green turtle nests on the beach in spring and summer, with the occasional leatherback. Manatees sometimes work the lagoon shore. Keep 50 feet from manatees. Leave turtle nests and marked zones alone.
Sources: Park history · Mangroves and beach · South Jetty Beats