pelican island national wildlife refuge

A friend and I took a FREE tour at this, the US's first National Wildlife Refuge on a neat tram-like vehicle. It was another perfect Florida winter day. The tour was fascinating, the wildlife plentiful and the guides, all volunteers, were very friendly and very knowledgeable.

We especially enjoyed the Centennial trail and noting all the wildlife refuges in our beautiful country. Also spotted some new birds for our life list. Volunteers there were friendly and helpful.

Bring your hiking shoes! Although the walk to the tower that looks on to Pelican Island is only 1/2 mile, the real walk is the 3 mile one around the marsh - John's Trail - where you can see all sorts of native wildlife. We were there in February, and so most of the activity was down, but we did spot a number of pelicans, hawks, and other avian creatures. The walk to the lookout to Pelican Island was short, and interesting with all the refuge names inscribes on the boardwalk. However, the actual view was a bit disappointing - the island is still a far distance, and difficult to see any activity.

Hi likes the walk around the pelican refuge....is was not in season so nothing was in bloom but saw various species. We are nature lovers and it satisfies the thrust for nature.

My GPS took me to the administrative office which is to the south of the actual Visitor's area off A1A. A helpful ranger there suggested I do the 3/4 mile Centennial Trail which was wonderful. The trail passes a pond, then to a boardwalk, gently climbing up into the canopy of the salt marsh to an observation tower. Bring binoculars and bug spray

We visited the Wildlife Refuge on the afternoon of January 30. Beautiful day to go out for a walk. We opted for the Bird's Impoundment Trail loop, listed as 2.5 miles. Our GPS showed just under 3 miles from the parking lot and back.The trail is flat and wide, but there is vegetation growing on most of both sides, so looking out over the water, except for a few places, was non-existent. We heard wildlife, but had little opportunity to see much. We saw one pelican flying overhead, along with a couple of eagles and Ibis. We heard a big splash towards the end of our hike and think it may have been a turtle, but saw nothing.There was only one bench to briefly rest throughout the entire circuit. More are needed. There was also a lot of trash on and beside the trail which took away from the experience. Overall, if you like to walk outside through a corridor of vegetation, than this is for you. Otherwise, skip this trail and check out other opportunities to really see some wildlife in the wild.

We didnt expect much from this place but it was actually really cool especially because it was establishd in 1903!!!!!

This refuge is a quiet sanctuary away from the bustle of the nearby road. We were able to see many types of birds as well as a few butterflies, even in January! We enjoyed the main path which is very accessible and an easy walk for anyone. We did not have time for the longer trails but would definitely go back for another visit on a future trip.

We visited this National Wildlife Refuge on New Year's Day and it was a great place tom hang out for a couple of hours. We never realized this was the first National Wildlife Refuge created, but it still is one of the better places to visit. We walked the wooden boardwalk listing all the National Wildlife Refuges across the country and when they were established..that was fun to see. We saw a lot of birds, but not any Pelicans. The trails were well maintained, plenty of varieties of birds, and wonderful vegetation (one can see what it was like before the area became developed). We would recommend bringing binoculars to see the faraway birds in the ponds and out of the observation tower. If you enjoy wildlife, recommend taking a few hours here,,,

On my trans-American charity cycle ride from Miami, FL to San Francisco, CA through the southern states, it is always nice to find somewhere to unwind at the end of a long day in the saddle!Spent a very pleasant couple of hours hereHighly recommended Enjoy

Drive the Jungle Trail from Wabasso Rd to the A1A -- it's about five miles. Stop at the park and walk the wooden boardwalk or hike the trails. Lots of wildlife. We saw many varieties of birds and a river otter.

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge also has the Jungle Trail running through it which is a great biking walking path. Some of the path goes along the Indian River (aka Intercoastal waterway) and some runs along the backs of an exclusive gated community and golf course. Many birds, land turtles and land crabs were seen. The trail runs about 5 miles so round trip would be 10 - a good days ride on a bike. The path is dirt so more suited for mountain bikes or beach cruisers. There is one restroom at the north end towards Sebastian Inlet.

beautiful area, wish you could walk further - boardwalk was nice if we had more time could do the boat ride

Free enrance to this first ever Reserve in the USA. Easy walks to choose from and views at end of Centennial Walk excellent. This walk is a boardwalk to the raised viewing area and easy for wheelchair access.we did two of the treks and worthwhile.

A great place to visit or take visitors to. Stopped in with visitors last week. Part of the fun is driving in from the south on jungle Trail, a several mile dirt road that is as close to old Florida as you can get in these parts. If you come in off A1A from the north, there is a restroom site across Jungle Trail and a short distance north of the entrance to the hiking trails and viewing portion of the refuge. There are no restrooms along the trails or at the viewing platform overlooking Pelican Island. Walking in toward the viewing platform there is a nice large lake and a butterfly area planted with flowers and shrubs that attract butterflies. The viewing platform and the ramps leading up to it are quite interesting. As others have noted, each plank contains name and date of establishment of one of each of the 500+ refuges and wildlife management areas throughout the US. At the top of the viewing platform there are two telescopes mounted for you to look at Pelican Island out in the lagoon and watch nesting birds and those coming and going. Early morn or late afternoon are best for viewing. We have seen wood storks, brown pelicans, white pelicans, ibis, crows, great egrets, showy egrets, magestic frigate birds, roseate spoonbills, anhingas, cormorants and many others in our visits.