28 Issues To Do In Martin County, Florida (Treasure Coast)

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Tucked between the salty sea air of the Atlantic Ocean and the gradual, candy sway of Previous Florida allure, Martin County is a area the place you go to coast —not simply geographically, however spiritually.

Spend your days basking on the seashores of the Treasure Coast, adopted by spending barefoot nights drifting like a paddleboarder. It’s a spot the place the phrases “rush hour” don’t belong within the theasaurus.

Regardless of its laid-back allure, there are many nice issues to do in Martin County, particularly in case you take pleasure in being on the water. With its “no high-rises, no hype” mantra, Martin County is among the few locations in Florida the place you escape the chaos.

It has every thing we love in a vacation spot: spectacular, numerous surroundings; enjoyable outside adventures; cities with allure and inventive vibes; slow-paced tempo suited to vibrant enjoyable; countless alternatives for mouth-watering seafood and sundown cocktails – usually paired with stay music and laughter, and even nice espresso retailers!

After which after all, there are the PERFECT winter temperatures – 80s on daily basis. Oh, my heaven. If you happen to’re undecided what to do in Martin County, be sure you take a look at the beneath.

1. Play on the Martin County Seashores

You would possibly suppose there aren’t any alternatives left in Florida to expertise uncrowded white sandy seashores. Properly, you haven’t but traveled to Martin County and its 22 miles of seashores (and over 100,000 acres of parks and conservation lands.)

The Florida Coral Reef tract begins right here, and reaches down by means of the Florida Keys. The Treasure Coast is called so as a result of fleet of Spanish ships that misplaced their treasure right here throughout the 1715 hurricane.

Individuals nonetheless discover treasure right here. Typically it washes up on the seaside and handheld metallic detectors can reveal gold, silver, and different artifacts. Decide a seaside alongside Hutchinson Island and luxuriate in a couple of hours of stress-free seaside time.

We discovered the water temperatures surprisingly nice, though barely colder than the a lot hotter summer time bath-like temperatures.

We swam on the guarded Stuart Seaside but additionally visited Jensen Seaside (additionally guarded and in style) and Tiger Shores, which is a extra hidden seaside the Treasure Coast residents love. Different under-the-radar seashores are Chastain Seaside and Virginia Forest Seaside.

2. Eat Breakfast at Jan’s Place, Jensen

Ask any native the place they advocate for breakfast in Martin County and so they’ll say Jan’s Place. Recognized for its massive servings of traditional Southern breakfast and old-style hospitality and allure, it’s an area favourite with a homey vibe.

This veteran‑owned gem dishes up traditional American breakfast, brunch, and lunch with a couple of artistic twists.

The Breakfast Chimichanga is a superb shout in case you’re feeling hungry, or if you wish to pattern one of the best seafood (after all you do, you’re on the coast), then one other standout dish is the Neptune Benedict, stacked with shrimp, scallops, crab, and topped with an opulent lobster‑sherry sauce.

3. Eat Lunch at Mulligan’s Seaside Home, Jensen

You’ll love the seaside theme and laid-back fashion of Mulligan’s Seaside Home Bar & Grill within the downtown space of Jensen, an ideal lunch break from the seaside.

Our tip is to move upstairs to the massive open-air deck with views over Jenson and the water. We visited it for brunch, full with a scrumptious southwest bowl, tasty burger, and Blushing Mimosa.

4. Be taught on the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Heart, Stuart

Time to ditch the science textbook and head for a real-life lesson on our ocean associates on the 57 acres Florida Oceanographic Coastal Heart on Hutchinson Island.

Florida Oceanographic has the mission to “encourage environmental stewardship of Florida’s coastal ecosystems by means of training, analysis, and advocacy.” They provide instructional applications and conduct analysis and restoration applications that result in wholesome coastal ecosystems.

They’ve a 750,000 gallon Sport Fish Lagoon (with nurse sharks), a Sea Turtle Pavilion, and a Sea Star Contact Tank Pavilion the place we discovered of the highly effective sterilizing and therapeutic qualities of the horseshoe crab’s blue blood.

There are horseshoe crab blood banks set as much as take the blood with out hurt for vital medical functions. The blood goes for a minimum of $50K!

Don’t miss the stingray feeding session the place you’ll study in regards to the several types of stingrays and their survival options.

You’ll then get an opportunity to feed the stingrays, placing a chunk of fish between your fingers, laying your hand on the underside of the tank like a dinner plate, and ready for the closest stingray to take a bit.

It appears like a pet canine nuzzling at your hand. You’ll fall in love with them, in case you don’t already love these ocean butterflies.

6. Sundown sail on Schooner Lily, Stuart

Board the historic Schooner Lily as you set sail on the St Lucie River for about 2 hours below the steering of Captain Fred, proprietor of Treasure Coast Crusing Adventures.

There’s not a lot so that you can do besides watch as they hoist the sails, study extra in regards to the biodiversity of the estuary (essentially the most numerous within the Northern Hemisphere), take in the surroundings and sailboat silence, search for wildlife (in case you’re fortunate, you would possibly see dolphins), and marvel on the vivid orange sundown sky.

We had been lucky to sail throughout a full moon so on the best way again had been capable of full our sundown sail with a full moon rise. Martin County is one thing particular.

Because the Schooner Lily is a crusing tall ship, you’ll be comfortable to know your enjoyment of this stunning space isn’t harming the surroundings. You’ll be able to carry your individual snacks and drinks.

7. Go canoeing in Savannas Protect State Park

Okay, so a few of Savannas Protect State Park is outdoors of Martin County, nevertheless it’s proper on the border, so we expect it deserves a spot on this checklist.

This state park is one in every of Florida’s unique “savannas” – a time period for an enormous freshwater marsh, which stretches than 10 miles alongside the Treasure Coast. It’s the most important intact freshwater marsh on the east coast of Florida.

Right this moment the park preserves over 6,000 acres of pine flatwoods, moist prairie, scrubby flatwoods, basin marsh, and Atlantic scrub ridge.

It’s a habitat for Florida’s uncommon wildlife species such because the Florida scrub‑jay, gopher tortoise, sandhill crane, and has 17 miles of multi‑use trails (essentially the most well-known is the Hawks Bluff Path). We advocate hiring a canoe or kayak and exploring the marsh. Maintain an eye fixed out for alligators!

8. Calm down in Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens

If you happen to love botanic gardens, Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens is a 21‑acre oasis on the St. Lucie River, and was created after town remodeled a former residential improvement web site right into a residing classroom and sanctuary again in 2010.

It has a dozen themed gardens, plus a Butterfly Backyard and a glass‑enclosed Orchid Room, and full with a two‑acre fountain lake. It’s the proper place to take a picnic and luxuriate in being in nature.

9. Horseback experience by means of the South Florida Wilderness, Palm Metropolis

Depart the noise and seaside enjoyable behind as you head for a quieter Martin county expertise within the rural, equestrian group of Palm Metropolis. Kathy McLaughlin proprietor of Greenridge Stables had me at her enthusiastic greeting, “I completely love my life.”

That is the sort of lady I wish to observe (and have fun this Ladies’s Historical past Month). A woman decided to observe her ardour and love for horses and assist many individuals alongside the best way develop into sturdy, accountable people. She and her husband have fostered many youngsters and helped put them by means of school.

Her niece, Ryan guided us alongside the path by means of the South Florida wilderness, and was stuffed with comfortable chatter. I additionally cherished her friendliness and love for horses, nature trails, and residing a sort, full life.

Melissa introduced up the rear and was fantastic in serving to the women really feel comfy within the saddle. Greenridge Stables run non-public horse-riding excursions regardless of how small your group is – and rides vary in time relying on expertise.

Newcomers can be more than pleased with the one-hour horseback experience which takes you on a loop by means of the close by tranquil protect, Hawk’s Hammock. We had been delighted for Ryan and Melissa to steer us into a brief trot. Savannah now needs classes to discover ways to do it correctly.

The horses had been stunning – very calm and regular with their very own personalities. There’s simply one thing about being round horses. I extremely advocate you do it usually to enhance your interior Zen. Telephone to ebook your horseback driving journey. Greenridge is delightfully old fashioned!  (772) 288-7234

10. Go for a sundown paddleboard, Port Salerno

Our timing on our go to to Martin County was completely aligned with the total moon, which brings calm waters with it. This meant we had a chance to do one thing our household has not completed earlier than – a sundown stand-up paddle board session.

It’s probably the most distinctive household adventures we’ve had. We began with a fast instruction on paddling, earlier than heading out as a gaggle throughout the channel to a close-by island. The wake was pumping, and we needed to dash paddle, timing our run in between boat cruises and catching their wake behind us.

Savannah was on the entrance of my board, as we quickly realized it will be too excessive for her paddling expertise and luxury degree. I used to be impressed with my capability to maintain us each on high of the board and paddle at a quick tempo regardless of all of the challenges.

I used to be much more impressed with Kalyra getting herself throughout okay with an enormous grin. The quick paddle throughout to the island bought us there in time to show round and watch the tangerine sky created by the setting solar.

The island was only a quick strip of white sand with some crimson mangroves. The island in the midst of the St Lucie River Inlet is usually often known as Disappearing Island (amongst different names) for its vanishing trick throughout excessive tides.

We parked ourselves right here for about an hour trying to find animals of their pure habitats, from hermit crabs and jellyfish in addition to the abundance of fowl life hovering throughout the pink skies.

Then we sat down to look at the large spherical orange orb of the total moon rise making a staircase beneath it. It was by far probably the greatest moon rises I’ve ever seen.

After we’d had sufficient, Leisa handed out security lights and we paddled again throughout as a gaggle in darkness. This time there weren’t many boats to navigate round. It was spooky and thrilling on the identical time.

Leisa from Zeke’s Surf and Paddleboarding has been working these excursions for over a decade. You’ll take pleasure in her relaxed, pleasant management. You too can go kayaking if stand-up paddleboarding isn’t for you.

11. Eat Dinner at Shrimpers Grill & Uncooked Bar

As you’re within the Port Salerno space, after your paddle tour cease at one of many many seafood eating places alongside the Manatee Pocket Waterway. Hottest is the Twisted Tuna with its stay music and dancing patrons.

We dined throughout the small canal on the open-air deck of Shrimpers Grill & Uncooked Bar – and had the bonus of listening to the rock band. Shrimpers had been voted #1 Waterfront and Seafood Restaurant. You’re certain to discover a seafood dish you’ll love pairing with a bowl of Bahamian conch chowder.

I loved my blackened dolphin – in any other case often known as Mahi Mahi. Phew! Not the porpoise sort (I did ask the waitress simply to make sure!). And Craig his steak and calamari.

12. Take a Hobe Sound Mural Tour

We love to listen to the tales of the locals once we journey, and what higher method to try this than on an artwork mural tour with Nadia from Hobe Sound Murals. Nadia Utto started her non-profit in 2009 after realizing the partitions of buildings within the US weren’t utilized like they had been in European nations.

There have been no tales being advised by means of the highly effective mural medium. And so, she put her inventive abilities to create a “sense of place” for this small, low-key inventive group. There are over 20 murals created by over 40 regional artists and 100 residents and guests.

We wandered a few blocks with Nadia studying in regards to the murals and the tales they advised from environmental messages to historic occasions and characters.

After our tour, Nadia gave us a fast intro to mural portray after which gave us a sq. on the wall within the Style Informal Eating Restaurant. What a thrill for my ladies (particularly our budding artist, Savannah) to contribute to a mural.

Each mural within the Hobe Sound Group has a hidden function so that you can discover from canine paws to African birds. Are you able to see the hidden mural, I created? I feel it ought to now be my signature mark being Australian!

Whereas portray at Style Informal, seize your self some appetizers and a margarita – the muse of all muses.

13. Drive the Enchanting Bridge Street, Hobe Sound

After testing the group murals, take a drive down Bridge Street to see the gnarled trunks of the banyan timber reaching over collectively to create a canopied tunnel. On this area, you even have Hobe Sound Seaside and Jonathan Dickinson State Park

14. Watch stay music at Jammin Jensen

If you happen to’re wanting to connect with the group, you then’ll wish to take a look at the native artwork festivals and outside stay music. Martin County is huge on group connection.

Each Thursday is Jammin Day in Downtown Jensen. It’s a free weekly mini-outdoor competition with a streetside assortment of native artisan shops, meals, and stay music.

It jogged my memory of the Asian night time markets, wandering from retailer to retailer whereas the close by bars belted out music. Amongst the backyard and artwork gallery cottage sections, we discovered a quieter trio taking part in some cool outdated 70s tunes.

15. Attend the Annual Downtown Stuart Artwork Pageant

We had been visiting the Treasure Coast throughout the annual Downtown Stuart Artwork Pageant. Osceola Road transforms into rows of gallery fashion cubicles stuffed with each medium of artwork.

I used to be impressed with the distinctive high quality of artwork on show. You’ll be able to inform this group embraces inventive residing. I noticed many items I wish to purchase from the artists once we lastly purchase a home, particularly these vinyl report items of artwork for our residence bar!

16. Eat Lunch at Stuart Boathouse, Stuart

Whereas having fun with Downtown Stuart, seize a desk on the surface deck of Stuart Boathouse the place you’ll discover a wide range of seafood, steaks, and salads.

My Marinated grilled octopus over a white bean cassoulet with Andouille Sausage and topped with chimichurri was scrumptious and completely paired with the setting. 

And Craig loved one other burger which is in style right here. Their outside setting and views are a Stuart standout.

17. Dine at TideHouse Waterfront Restaurant

Throughout the St Lucie River is the TideHouse Waterfront Restaurant with views from each desk. It’s a quieter and extra remoted Stuart eating expertise. They’re identified for his or her comfortable hours Mon-Fri from 3pm-6pm with stay music.

We loved lunch right here with a scrumptious Tidehouse avocado chopped salad, a Mahi Mahi topped with pineapple salsa, and the Macadamia Crusted Recent Catch.

20. Store and caffeine up at The Roasted Report, Stuart

Our long-term followers know we’re all the time trying to find good espresso. We discovered it in Martin County. I used to be impressed with the espresso scene. The Roasted Report had me at vinyl and low. Flick thru the gathering of classics when you take pleasure in a scrumptious coconut milk latte.

Discovering a scrumptious coconut milk latte is as difficult as digging up gold on the Treasure Coast Seashores. Cease wanting, you discovered it. Pair it with a carrot, apple, and walnut muffin. #TasteExplosion

The Roasted Report was impressed by nights spent on a porch smelling freshly home-roasted espresso and listening to vinyl music and ingesting beers. Isn’t that the place all nice concepts begin? So glad the house owners adopted by means of with it. And sure, they do promote beers right here too!

21. Go to Bunkhouse Espresso Bar, Jensen

On this cute yellow bungalow in Downtown Jensen, you’ll discover nice espresso and OUTSTANDING smoothie bowls on the Bunkhouse Espresso Bar.

From the Bondi acai bowl to my favourite, the Pitaya Bowl loaded with liver cleaning goodness, you’ll be plant powering your approach to the seaside.

Additionally they have a spread of vegan and gluten free treats. Sit outdoors the beautiful backyard or on a stool on the bar to talk with, Kelly the pleasant proprietor.

Fascinating historical past: The Bunk Home was used to deal with troopers in WWII at what’s now Jonathan Dickinson State Park. It was floated up the river within the 60s to this location.

22. Have a espresso at Gilbert’s Espresso Bar, Stuart

For location, Gilbert’s Espresso Bar can’t be overwhelmed. Its prime spot in Sundown Bay Marina and Anchorage overlooking the south fork of the St. Lucie River (look ahead to manatees) makes it a preferred place to seize a espresso or avocado toast.

My first time making an attempt a pistachio latte will go down as a memorable danger. It’s additionally a preferred place for sundown drinks (or daytime ones too!)

23. Keep on a houseboat

We had been all overly excited to be staying on a houseboat in Port St Lucie on the Treasure Coast. We’re speaking open-air decks and a sizzling tub! Our houseboat was docked on a big piece of secluded property on the St Lucie River. Inside was spacious with three bedrooms, two bogs, and a big open-air kitchen and residing area.

There have been three outdoors decks at numerous locations on the boat, and a bit on the wood pier with a grill. We loved grill our breakfast right here on our final morning.

We additionally cherished the hammock on the again backyard, and big mango tree.

There have been kayaks and paddle boards we may take out to discover the river and mangrove area throughout the river. And we cherished the views wanting again over the houseboat, it regarded like we had been immersed within the jungle.

24. Take a segway tour of Stuart

Top-of-the-line methods to discover a city is to experience round it with an area. If you wish to give your weary legs a break, contemplate embarking on a segway tour.

It is a enjoyable and distinctive approach to see all high sights in Stuart, in addition to benefit from the thrilling expertise of driving on a segway. Segway excursions take round 2.5 hours and embody coaching and security gear.

25. Take the children to the Kids’s Museum of the Treasure Coast

If you happen to’re searching for issues to do with children, then the Kids’s Museum is a superb concept. It’s designed to supply youngsters and households someplace to study in regards to the coast and the pure surroundings by means of hands-on actions.

The museum presents instructional applications and cultural experiences, in addition to a spot the place youngsters can develop their curiosity. It’s particularly good in case your youngsters are actually small and luxuriate in studying by means of play and sensory actions.

26. Go to the Stuart Heritage Museum

The Stuart Heritage Museum is a small and quirky museum devoted to preserving the native historical past of Stuart.

it’s nestled in an outdated 2-story constructing that was inbuilt 1901 by George W. Parks. The primary ground was once the Geo. W. Parks Grocery and Normal Merchandise Retailer and the second ground was the place he lived.

The museum comprises 10,000 objects and artifacts from the Eighteen Eighties to the Nineteen Fifties. You probably have a while to spare, then this is among the high sights in Stuart to take a look at.

27. Try The Blowing Rocks Protect on Jupiter Island

The Blowing Rocks Protect is situated on Jupiter Island and is understood for housing the most important outcropping of Anastasia Limestone on the Atlantic coast. Anastasia Limestone is sort of all the time discovered underwater, however right here on the shoreline, you may see the stone on the shoreline.

The world is a spot of excellent pure magnificence. It’s cared for by The Nature Conservancy and is a well-liked place to go climbing and discover the ocean caves.

The Blowing Rocks Protect bought its identify from the spectacle that takes place throughout excessive tide when sturdy winds and waves type geyser-like explosions towards the rock.

28. Go to The Home of Refuge Museum

For historical past buffs, you merely can not miss a go to to the Home of Refuge Museum in Gilbert’s Bar. The construction is the oldest constructing in Florida and is the one remaining Home of Refuge.

The homes had been constructed to be havens for shipwrecked sailors and vacationers. They had been operated by the USA Lifesaving Service and there have been 10 homes constructed round Florida, however solely this one stays standing.

The historic construction is now a museum devoted to preserving the legacy of inventors and their innovations. You’ll be able to see insightful displays about American inventors, together with displaying replicas of their innovations and copies of their patents.

Video: Watch us discover Martin County

You’ll be able to watch our video of our time in Martin County. Subscribe to our YouTube channel right here.

The place is Martin County and the Treasure Coast?

Martin County is what I contemplate to be Previous Florida allure. It’s made up of 10 closely-knitted communities in Southeastern Florida, slightly below Indian River County. It begins at Lake Okeechobee within the West, and traverses inland to the Treasure Coast on the East.

It contains the small cities of Stuart, and Jensen, in addition to Hobe Sound, Hutchinson Island, Indiantown, Jupiter Island, Palm Metropolis, Port Salerno, Rio, Sewall’s Level, and Tequesta. 

The Treasure Coast is situated on the Coast of Florida (Atlantic Coast), between Orlando and Miami and simply north of Palm Seaside, and is the beachy-side of Martin County.

The town of Stuart is a captivating place to base your self, because it’s stuffed with artwork galleries, boutique shops, and a ravishing riverfront.

We will perceive why it was named Coastal Residing’s 2016 “Happiest Seaside City” in addition to a number of different acknowledgments for it being a ravishing USA city.

Jensen is the opposite main city in Martin County with a extra laid-back get together vibe. Each locations have quick access to one another AND to the numerous stunning seashores alongside close by Hutchinson Island.

That’s the fantastic thing about this Treasure Coast area – with the Intracoastal Waterway, St Lucie River, and the Atlantic Ocean, you’re totally spoiled for water sights and actions.

You’ll additionally discover smaller, historic cities and fishing villages situated within the space, and out west is Indiantown, a cattle and citrus nation with a wealthy Seminole tradition and historical past.

Easy methods to get to Martin County

If flying, you’ve a couple of choices for airports. The closest is West Palm Seaside (45 minutes), but when that doesn’t work, Fort Lauderdale can also be not too far-off (1.5 hours). We flew into Orlando, because the flight occasions had been finest. We may arrive early within the morning and fly direct from our residence in Raleigh.

It was solely a two-hour drive to our lodging, so it ended up being the quickest route for us, together with the drive – and cheaper is a cut price! We use DiscoverCars.com for automotive leases – we all the time get one of the best offers!

Finest time to go to Martin County

The most effective time to go to Martin County is throughout the balmy winter months of November by means of April, when daytime temperatures hover between a cushty 70–80°F (21–27°C) and humidity takes a well-deserved trip.

The winter season can also be the dry-season, and brings blue skies, cool breezes off the Atlantic, and excellent circumstances for exploring the outside, water sports activities, and seaside hopping.

Summer time (June to September) turns up the warmth, and the rain, with day by day highs reaching the higher 80s°F (30–32°C) and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. It’s additionally hurricane season, so whereas the plush landscapes look further vibrant, it’s smart to control the forecast.

If you happen to don’t thoughts the occasional soak and wish to keep away from crowds, Could and October are the candy shoulder seasons the place there are sometimes fewer vacationers and decrease lodge charges.

The place to remain in Martin County

Martin County within reason small, so it’s not a giant deal which city you select to base your self in. Nevertheless, Stuart, the county seat, is our prefered base because it has a laid-back environment mixed with a vibrant arts scene. It has eclectic retailers, galleries, and eating places, is simply steps from the St. Lucie River and near the seaside.

For a quieter, upscale expertise, head to Jensen Seaside, identified for its scenic seashores, boutique purchasing, and comfortable cafes. Hobe Sound will provide a extra rural allure and a small-town vibe.

Bear in mind, Martin County is a well-liked winter vacation spot due to that year-round sunshine. Keep away from disappointment and ebook your lodging early. Verify the map beneath to browse accommodations and trip leases.