McLARTY TREASURE MUSEUM

By  Mike Miller April 25, 2025

The McLarty Treasure Museum, located on North Hutchinson Island in Vero Beach, Florida, is a captivating destination that brings to life the dramatic history of the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet.

Located within Sebastian Inlet State Park, this small yet engaging museum showcases artifacts, exhibits, and stories from the ill-fated fleet, which sank off Florida’s coast during a hurricane.

With its affordable admission and scenic ocean views, the museum offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. It's a must-visit for treasure enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

McLarty Treasure Museum

The McLarty Treasure Museum stands on the site of the Survivors’ and Salvagers’ Camp of the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet, a National Historical Landmark.

In July 1715, a hurricane devastated 11 Spanish galleons laden with gold, silver, and other riches bound for Spain from the Americas. Approximately 1,500 survivors reached the shore, establishing a camp where the museum now sits.

The Spanish salvaged much of the treasure over four years, but pirates, including Henry Jennings, also plundered the wrecks. Rediscovered in the 1960s, the wrecks continue to yield artifacts, cementing the region’s nickname, the “Treasure Coast.”

The museum’s exhibits, including a 45-minute film, “The Queen’s Jewels and the 1715 Fleet,” detail this saga and the ongoing salvage efforts.

Located at 13180 North A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963, the McLarty Treasure Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, except on holidays. Visitors should call (772) 589-2147 to confirm hours, as the museum is volunteer-staffed.

Free parking is available, though spaces are limited. The museum features a gift shop and an observation deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors are advised to watch the informative film first and allow about an hour to explore the exhibits.

Combining a visit with nearby attractions like Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge enhances the experience. 

• The museum displays Kangxi porcelain, delicate Chinese blue-and-white ware transported across the Pacific, packed in mud for protection.
  
  
• Not all 1715 fleet ships have been located, and treasure still washes ashore, sparking modern-day treasure hunts.
  
  
• The site’s Ais Indian history adds another layer, with exhibits noting their presence in the region.
  
  
• Interactive displays, like nautical knot-tying, engage visitors, while the observation deck offers views of the very waters where the fleet sank, fueling dreams of undiscovered riches.

McLARTY TREASURE MUSEUM WEBSITE