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 appeal, 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 appeal, 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 without doubt one of the few locations in Florida the place you escape the chaos.

It has every little thing we love in a vacation spot: spectacular, various surroundings; enjoyable out of doors adventures; cities with appeal and creative vibes; slow-paced tempo suited to vibrant enjoyable; countless alternatives for mouth-watering seafood and sundown cocktails – usually paired with reside music and laughter, and even nice espresso retailers!

After which after all, there are the PERFECT winter temperatures – 80s day by day. Oh, my heaven. When you’re undecided what to do in Martin County, make sure to take a look at the under.

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 way of the Florida Keys. The Treasure Coast is called so as a result of fleet of Spanish ships that misplaced their treasure right here in the course of the 1715 hurricane.

Individuals nonetheless discover treasure right here. Typically it washes up on the seaside and handheld steel detectors can reveal gold, silver, and different artifacts. Decide a seaside alongside Hutchinson Island and revel in just a few hours of enjoyable seaside time.

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

We swam on the guarded Stuart Seaside but in addition visited Jensen Seaside (additionally guarded and standard) 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 suggest for breakfast in Martin County they usually’ll say Jan’s Place. Identified for its giant servings of basic Southern breakfast and old-style hospitality and appeal, it’s an area favourite with a homey vibe.

This veteran‑owned gem dishes up basic American breakfast, brunch, and lunch with just a few inventive twists.

The Breakfast Chimichanga is a good 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 expensive lobster‑sherry sauce.

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

You’ll love the seaside theme and laid-back type 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 big 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 way of schooling, analysis, and advocacy.” They provide academic applications and conduct analysis and restoration applications that result in wholesome coastal ecosystems.

They’ve a 750,000 gallon Recreation 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 at the very least $50K!

Don’t miss the stingray feeding session the place you’ll be taught concerning 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 looks 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 beneath 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, be taught extra concerning the biodiversity of the estuary (probably the most various 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 vibrant orange sundown sky.

We have been lucky to sail throughout a full moon so on the way in which again have 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 blissful to know your enjoyment of this stunning space will not be harming the atmosphere. You may convey your individual snacks and drinks.

7. Go canoeing in Savannas Protect State Park

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

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

At present 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 (probably the most well-known is the Hawks Bluff Path). We suggest hiring a canoe or kayak and exploring the marsh. Preserve a watch out for alligators!

8. Chill out in Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens

When you love botanic gardens, Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens is a 21‑acre oasis on the St. Lucie River, and was created after town reworked a former residential growth 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 right place to take a picnic and revel in being in nature.

9. Horseback journey by way of the South Florida Wilderness, Palm Metropolis

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

That is the type of lady I wish to comply with (and rejoice this Ladies’s Historical past Month). A girl decided to comply with her ardour and love for horses and assist many individuals alongside the way in which develop into sturdy, accountable people. She and her husband have fostered many youngsters and helped put them by way of faculty.

Her niece, Ryan guided us alongside the path by way of the South Florida wilderness, and was crammed with blissful chatter. I additionally beloved her friendliness and love for horses, nature trails, and residing a form, full life.

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

Inexperienced persons might be more than pleased with the one-hour horseback journey which takes you on a loop by way of the close by tranquil protect, Hawk’s Hammock. We have been delighted for Ryan and Melissa to steer us into a brief trot. Savannah now desires classes to learn to do it correctly.

The horses have been stunning – very calm and regular with their very own personalities. There may be simply one thing about being round horses. I extremely suggest you do it usually to enhance your interior Zen. Telephone to ebook your horseback using 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 complete moon, which brings calm waters with it. This meant we had a chance to do one thing our household has not accomplished earlier than – a sundown stand-up paddle board session.

It’s one of the vital distinctive household adventures we’ve had. We began with a fast instruction on paddling, earlier than heading out as a bunch 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 might be too excessive for her paddling expertise and luxury degree. I used to be impressed with my potential 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 brief 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 brief strip of white sand with some purple mangroves. The island in the midst of the St Lucie River Inlet is usually generally known as Disappearing Island (amongst different names) for its vanishing trick throughout excessive tides.

We parked ourselves right here for about an hour looking for 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 observe the large spherical orange orb of the complete moon rise making a staircase under it. It was by far the most effective moon rises I’ve ever seen.

After we’d had sufficient, Leisa handed out security lights and we paddled again throughout as a bunch in darkness. This time there weren’t many boats to navigate round. It was spooky and thrilling on the similar 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 may as well 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 reside 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 have been voted #1 Waterfront and Seafood Restaurant. You’re sure 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 generally known as Mahi Mahi. Phew! Not the porpoise form (I did ask the waitress simply to make certain!). 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 manner to do 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 have been in European international locations.

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

We wandered a few blocks with Nadia studying concerning 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 believe 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 Highway, Hobe Sound

After testing the neighborhood murals, take a drive down Bridge Highway 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 reside music at Jammin Jensen

When you’re wanting to hook up with the neighborhood, then you definitely’ll wish to take a look at the native artwork festivals and out of doors reside music. Martin County is large on neighborhood 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 reside 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 Competition

We have been visiting the Treasure Coast in the course of the annual Downtown Stuart Artwork Competition. Osceola Road transforms into rows of gallery type cubicles crammed with each medium of artwork.

I used to be impressed with the distinctive high quality of artwork on show. You may inform this neighborhood embraces creative 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 dwelling 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 standard right here. Their out of doors 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 recognized for his or her blissful hours Mon-Fri from 3pm-6pm with reside music.

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

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

Our long-term followers know we’re at all times looking for good espresso. We discovered it in Martin County. I used to be impressed with the espresso scene. The Roasted File had me at vinyl and occasional. Flick thru the gathering of classics whilst 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 File 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 way 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 solution to the seaside.

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

Attention-grabbing historical past: The Bunk Home was used to accommodate 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 attempting 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 have 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 scorching tub! Our houseboat was docked on a big piece of secluded property on the St Lucie River. Inside was spacious with three bedrooms, two loos, and a big open-air kitchen and residing house.

There have been three exterior 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 beloved the hammock on the again backyard, and large mango tree.

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

24. Take a segway tour of Stuart

Among the finest methods to discover a city is to journey round it with an area. If you wish to give your weary legs a break, take into account embarking on a segway tour.

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

25. Take the youngsters to the Youngsters’s Museum of the Treasure Coast

When you’re in search of issues to do with children, then the Youngsters’s Museum is a good thought. It’s designed to supply youngsters and households someplace to be taught concerning the coast and the pure atmosphere by way of hands-on actions.

The museum gives academic applications and cultural experiences, in addition to a spot the place youngsters can increase their curiosity. It’s particularly good in case your youngsters are actually small and revel in studying by way 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 in-built 1901 by George W. Parks. The primary flooring was the Geo. W. Parks Grocery and Basic Merchandise Retailer and the second flooring was the place he lived.

The museum incorporates 10,000 objects and artifacts from the Eighteen Eighties to the Nineteen Fifties. When you have a while to spare, then this is without doubt one of 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 biggest outcropping of Anastasia Limestone on the Atlantic coast. Anastasia Limestone is sort of at all times discovered underwater, however right here on the shoreline, you possibly can 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 title from the spectacle that takes place throughout excessive tide when sturdy winds and waves type geyser-like explosions in opposition to the rock.

28. Go to The Home of Refuge Museum

For historical past buffs, you merely can’t 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 have been constructed to be havens for shipwrecked sailors and vacationers. They have been operated by the US 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 may see insightful reveals about American inventors, together with displaying replicas of their innovations and copies of their patents.

Video: Watch us discover Martin County

You may 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 take into account to be Previous Florida appeal. It’s made up of 10 closely-knitted communities in Southeastern Florida, just under Indian River County. It begins at Lake Okeechobee within the West, and traverses inland to the Treasure Coast on the East.

It consists of 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 crammed with artwork galleries, boutique shops, and a fantastic 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 fantastic USA city.

Jensen is the opposite main city in Martin County with a extra laid-back occasion 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 completely 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.

Find out how to get to Martin County

If flying, you might have just a few choices for airports. The closest is West Palm Seaside (45 minutes), but when that doesn’t work, Fort Lauderdale can be not too distant (1.5 hours). We flew into Orlando, because the flight occasions have been finest. We might arrive early within the morning and fly direct from our dwelling 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 discount! We use DiscoverCars.com for automobile leases – we at all times get one of the best offers!

Finest time to go to Martin County

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

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

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

When you 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. Nonetheless, 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, recognized for its scenic seashores, boutique buying, and comfortable cafes. Hobe Sound will supply a extra rural appeal and a small-town vibe.

Keep 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. Test the map under to browse accommodations and trip leases.