About
While Treasure Coast is named after the ill-fated Spanish fleet that sank in a hurricane, it is also a treasure trove of beautiful beaches. One such example is Golden Sands Park, which should be a must-visit destination when vacationing in the area.
Golden Sands Park is a beautiful oceanfront park located on the barrier island of Orchid, Florida. Orchid is a town in Indian River County, part of the region known as the Treasure Coast in the eastern part of the state.
Orchid is a small, affluent, and predominantly residential community. Golden Sands Park is one of the public areas where both locals and visitors can enjoy the area's natural beauty.
The park is part of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, which spans about 20.5 miles between Melbourne Beach and Wabasso Beach along Florida's east coast.
The refuge was established in 1991 and is named after the renowned biologist and conservationist Dr. Archie Carr Jr. It serves as a nesting ground for loggerhead and green sea turtles and is an excellent bird-watching spot.
Golden Sands Park encompasses 7.6 acres of the barrier island and has about 1,000 feet of ocean frontage. It has a rich history as it was developed during the 1960s when there was a push for public beach access in Florida.
Over the years, the park has seen various improvements, including the addition of restrooms, showers, picnic pavilions, and dune crossovers. The park is now popular with Treasure Coast locals and vacationers looking to spend a day at the beach.
Fun Facts & Cool Features
One fascinating feature of Golden Sands Park is its location within the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge and its connection with turtles.
During the nesting season (May to October), you might be able to witness sea turtles laying eggs on the beach at night. It's an awe-inspiring sight that is not to be missed!
The park and the surrounding refuge are also home to a variety of wildlife, including several species of birds. Bird watchers will be delighted to spot ospreys, pelicans, and possibly even the endangered Florida scrub jay.
For those who prefer more active pursuits, the park offers plenty of opportunities for water sports. Swimming, surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling are popular activities at Golden Sands Park. There is also a designated area for fishing.
The park has 8 picnic tables, 6 pavilions, 6 grills, and water fountains. With the lifeguard station, parents can relax knowing the beach and ocean are watched and protected. And with a nearby playground, Golden Sands Park is the perfect beach for families.
Another cool feature of the park is its wheelchair-accessible beach. The park has beach wheelchairs available for use free of charge, and there are also Mobi-Mats, which are portable roll-out mats that provide a stable surface for wheelchairs and pedestrians on the sand.
The average duration for visiting Golden Sands Park is half a day, although you could easily spend a whole day here.
Local Tips
- Arrive early during peak seasons to secure a parking spot.
- Don't forget your sunscreen and plenty of water, as it can get quite hot.
- If you plan to fish, ensure you have a valid Florida fishing license.
- The park has picnic pavilions, so pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic by the beach.
- Be mindful of the wildlife and follow all posted signs and guidelines.
