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McLarty Treasure Museum: A Window to the 1715 Fleet

Explore the dramatic story of the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet at this captivating museum on Florida's Treasure Coast.

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The McLarty Treasure Museum in Vero Beach, Florida, stands on the site of the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet's survivors' camp, offering a glimpse into a dramatic maritime disaster. Exhibits showcase artifacts from the sunken fleet, telling the story of the ships that were lost to a hurricane and the treasures that still lie beneath the ocean waves.

A brief summary to McLarty Treasure Museum

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday for a more personalized experience, as the museum is often quieter.
  • Be sure to watch the introductory film to gain a deeper understanding of the history of the 1715 Fleet.
  • Ask for the children's scavenger hunt to make the museum visit more engaging for kids.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The McLarty Treasure Museum is located at 13180 North A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963. From Sebastian Inlet State Park, head south on A1A for approximately 3 miles; the museum will be on your left. Free parking is available at the museum, but spaces may be limited.

  • Walking

    For those at Sebastian Inlet State Park, a 3-mile walk along A1A will bring you to the museum. Head north on A1A, taking caution as it can be a busy road. Ensure you walk on the shoulder where available. The walk should take about an hour.

  • Public Transportation

    If using public transportation from locations further away, take a local bus service to Vero Beach. From the bus stop in Vero Beach, a taxi or rideshare service will be needed to reach the McLarty Treasure Museum, approximately 3 miles away. Taxi or rideshare fares will vary.

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Discover more about McLarty Treasure Museum

Located on North Hutchinson Island, the McLarty Treasure Museum immerses visitors in the captivating history of the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet. This fleet of eleven galleons, laden with gold, silver, and other riches from the Americas, met its fate off the coast of Florida when a hurricane struck. The museum sits on the former site of the Survivors' and Salvagers' Camp, a National Historical Landmark, where approximately 1,500 survivors sought refuge. The museum's exhibits feature artifacts recovered from the wrecks, including coins, weaponry, and personal items, offering a tangible connection to the past. Visitors can watch a film, "The Queen's Jewels and the 1715 Fleet," which recounts the events of the disaster and the subsequent salvage efforts. An observation deck provides panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, allowing visitors to imagine the scene of the tragedy and the ongoing search for treasure. Beyond the exhibits, the McLarty Treasure Museum offers a broader understanding of the region's maritime history and the enduring allure of sunken treasure. The museum also displays delicate K'ang Hsi porcelain, which had been transported from China and packed in mud for protection. The wrecks were rediscovered in the 1960s, and salvaging continues even today.

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