Frederick Douglass Memorial Park

Frederick Douglass Memorial Park is a beachfront park located along South Ocean Drive on Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce. The park sits on a wide, open stretch of Atlantic shoreline with minimal nearby development, giving it a quieter and more natural feel than many other beaches in Fort Pierce.

The park offers direct beach access for swimming, shoreline fishing, beach walks, and picnicking. On-site amenities include picnic tables, covered pavilions, and restrooms, making it suitable for both short visits and longer stays. The beach itself is broad and gently sloped, with unobstructed ocean views and space to spread out, even during busier seasons. Historically, the park has been one of the few places on Florida’s east coast associated with permitted horseback riding on the beach, adding to its unique character.

Frederick Douglass Memorial Park is located near several other notable coastal and conservation areas. Blind Creek Beach lies just to the south, while Bear Point Sanctuary and the Vitolo Family Preserve Park are nearby, offering additional opportunities for nature walks, wildlife viewing, and lagoon access. Farther north, visitors can reach Jetty Park, the Navy SEAL Museum, and Fort Pierce Inlet State Park within a short drive.

Its combination of open shoreline, essential amenities, and proximity to other beaches and preserves makes Frederick Douglass Memorial Park a distinctive and convenient coastal destination on Hutchinson Island.

Named after Frederick Douglass, the famous African-American abolitionist, editor, and author, this beachfront park offers the rare opportunity to ride horseback on the beach. Permits are required to ride horses.