The route begins on the Sewall’s Point peninsula, located at the confluence of the Indian River and the St. Lucie River. This area was among the first points of modern settlement along the lagoon, serving as a gateway for pioneers who arrived by boat in the late nineteenth century. From here, the ride crosses the Indian River via the A1A scenic highway, offering expansive views of marinas, mangroves, and waterfront communities.
Once on Hutchinson Island, the route follows the Florida Scenic Highway for many miles, alternating between oceanfront stretches and views of the lagoon. This section passes through areas such as Waveland, Jensen Beach, and Nettles Island, places with roots in pineapple farming, fishing, and later tourism. The island’s history includes shipwreck rescue stations, pirate activity, and smuggling during the Prohibition era, leaving a layered cultural legacy beneath its modern resorts and residential developments.
Further north, the landscape becomes more open and less developed as the route enters St. Lucie County. Here, large protected beaches and dunes surround the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant, which occupies a portion of land dedicated to the conservation of endangered sea turtles. Nearby, long stretches of shoreline and nature preserves contrast with pockets of dense urbanization along the coast.
At the northern end of the ride, the route reaches the Fort Pierce Inlet area, where the Indian River Lagoon meets the Atlantic Ocean once again. This zone includes historic parks, marinas, and former military sites used during World War II. After crossing back toward the mainland, the return leg follows the Indian River Drive through Jensen Beach, passing historic homes, archaeological sites, and remnants of the region’s agricultural past.
The route concludes at Ocean Breeze Park, a small incorporated community known for its mobile-home neighborhoods and strong seasonal population. From there, the ride continues south along the lagoon to Sewall’s Point, completing a loop that showcases barrier islands, estuaries, coastal towns, and some of the most striking seascapes in eastern Florida. The full route and its historical context are part of Descubriendo la Florida – Volumen 3.
