America’s first National Wildlife Refuge

The Nation’s most historic refuge offers an array of recreation opportunities for birders, nature photographers and other outdoors enthusiasts. Two 3-mile loop trails around managed salt marsh and mangrove habitats as well as our newest Wildlife Trail give a taste of the refuge’s habitats and wildlife. The easy ¾-mile Centennial walking trail offers views of Centennial Pond and culminates in a 500-foot Americans with Disabilities Act accessible observation tower and boardwalk with a view of Pelican Island proper, located in the middle of the Indian River Lagoon.