Buena Vista Park on the Indian River in Florida: The Last Mainland Park Before the Beach

The Buena Vista Park is the last stop on the North Causeway, before the bridge that takes travelers across to the beach side and Atlantic Ocean in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. This park has one of the best fishing piers on the Indian River, with catches that range from bait size to game fish, all under the North Causeway Bridge.

This park has a fishing pier that stretches out underneath the causeway bridge, one of the only draw bridges in the area, that open to let sailboats pass. This is one of the most scenic of N.S.B. fishing pier parks, for the views consist of passing yachts, beautiful sailboats, that dot the blue waters with their glistening white presence. There are also impressive waterfront Florida homes across the River, and the beautiful pink color old Victorian on Flagler Avenue, which is now a restaurant, hotel and gift shop, gives the atmosphere a distinctly Caribbean flavor.

The fishing pier under the bridge is on the left, and a smaller fishing pier is to the right, in the center of the park on the Indian River. There is also a small children's playground, with a circular walking trail, great for walking dogs, which are allowed at the park. Owners must pick up after their animals.

The Bridge has a great view of the park and entire surrounding N.S.B. and Intra-coastal waterway area. People can walk past the fishing pier at the park, up to the small grassy hill at the foot of the bridge, and walk across to the beachside. It's a small enough bridge to cross, while getting the benefit of sightseeing and exercise at the same time.

Pelicans fly right over people's heads on this bridge. One can get a good view of the fishing pier at this vantage, and often soaring pelicans nose dive into the waters, fishing for bait, or beg the fishermen on the pier to give them some of their catch. The pelicans of Florida are not shy creatures! It is a sight to behold standing on the bridge and looking out at the birds, and tranquil blue water. The breezes are glorious, velvety against the skin, and the air quality in N.S.B. is excellent.

Buena Vista Park is located right on the grounds of the Buena Vista Inn. This is a beach bungalow type motel, with seasonal rates, and rentals for short and long term status. The inn is located directly to the right of the entrance of the park.