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Pelican Island NWR Wildlife Viewing Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 148 Google reviews · Running trail in Vero Beach, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Pelican Island NWR Wildlife Viewing Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Public ecological park featuring kid-friendly hikes and wildlife, plus an overlook.
What runners say about Pelican Island NWR Wildlife Viewing Area
“Beautiful area full of wildlife and a well-maintained area taking you all the way to view Pelican Island.”
“Beautiful area full of wildlife and a well-maintained area taking you all the way to view Pelican Island.”
“Fantastic short stroll around a peaceful body of water to a gradually elevated boardwalk, that puts the hiker at tree canopy level, with tremendous views.”
A hidden gem. A nice, easy, cool little walk This is located off A1A just south of the Sebastian inlet on the riverside (west). The entrance is clearly marked and is a dirt/sandy road that heads off at an angle to the southwest. There are many trails off this non-paved road and at least 2 major trailheads.
Beautiful area full of wildlife and a well-maintained area taking you all the way to view Pelican Island. A nice walk, and an awesome view of the birds at the end.
Amazing place to view pelican island. There is a short, smooth walk from parking to the overlook. You wind along the river's edge through a beautiful butterfly garden. It is accessible for wheelchairs and those with mobility assistance needs. Short walk means kids don't get tired.
Stopped to see the pelicans on my way through. Perfect hikes around the beautiful scenery.
Trail conditions & character
“Fantastic short stroll around a peaceful body of water to a gradually elevated boardwalk, that puts the hiker at tree canopy level, with tremendous views.”
“The first one is off to the east side of this dirt road and has a set of very nice bathrooms with a small parking lot.”
“Absolutely stunning peek at key Florida habitats; from the paved Centennial Trail (.”
“Fantastic short stroll around a peaceful body of water to a gradually elevated boardwalk, that puts the hiker at tree canopy level, with tremendous views.”
“Fantastic short stroll around a peaceful body of water to a gradually elevated boardwalk, that puts the hiker at tree canopy level, with tremendous views.”
“Easily accessible, knowledgeable ranger/volunteers, beautiful and interesting.”
“I've heard the longer loop trail is more immersive and I'm looking forward to checking that out soon ❤️ Great signage and QR code led tour.”
Plan your run at Pelican Island NWR Wildlife Viewing Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefws.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Vero Beach
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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