Barrier Islands Barrier islands and their pristine, sandy beaches stretch along their 70 miles of coast line on the Treasure Coast, from the Jupiter Inlet to the Sebastian Inlet.

The whims of sand and sea produce barrier islands along our coastline, offering beach lovers a glimpse of paradise. Many of the most beautiful sand beaches of the world are found on barrier islands, and Florida offers quintessential examples of these natural wonders.  Many of the public's images of Florida are derived from stunning places such as this. Some call the barrier islands their favorite vacation spot. Others, the ones who have yielded totally to their charm, call them home.

In the language of geologists, barrier islands are defined as elongated sand islands essentially parallel to the shore, commonly having dunes, separated from the mainland by a salt marsh or lagoon and separated from each other by inlets. The term barrier identifies them as buffers which protect the mainland from the strong forces of the ocean's surf.

The Treasure Coast's barrier islands, Jupiter Island, Hutchinson Island and Orchid Island, each has a distinctive personality. Click on any of the links below to find out more about these unique and wonderful places under the Florida sun.

Jupiter Island	Hutchinson Island	Orchid Island