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Tucked between the salty sea air of the Atlantic and the gradual, candy sway of Outdated Florida appeal, Martin County is a area the place you go to coast —not simply geographically, however spiritually.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 the event 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 all the things we love in a vacation spot: spectacular, various surroundings; enjoyable outside 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 stay music and laughter, and even nice espresso retailers!
After which after all, there are the PERFECT winter temperatures – 80s each day. Oh, my heaven.
Should you’re unsure what to do in Martin County, you should definitely take a look at the next…
- 1. Play on the Martin County Seashores
- 2. Eat Breakfast at Jan’s Place, Jensen
- 3. Eat Lunch at Mulligan’s Seashore Home, Jensen
- 4. Study on the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Heart, Stuart
- 6. Sundown sail on Schooner Lily, Stuart
- 7. Go canoeing in Savannas Protect State Park
- 8. Chill out in Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens
- 9. Horseback trip via the South Florida Wilderness, Palm Metropolis
- 10. Go for a sundown paddleboard, Port Salerno
- 11. Eat Dinner at Shrimpers Grill & Uncooked Bar
- 12. Take a Hobe Sound Mural Tour
- 13. Drive the Enchanting Bridge Highway, Hobe Sound
- 14. Watch stay music at Jammin Jensen
- 15. Attend the Annual Downtown Stuart Artwork Pageant
- 16. Eat Lunch at Stuart Boathouse, Stuart
- 17. Dine at TideHouse Waterfront Restaurant
- 20. Store and caffeine up at The Roasted Document, Stuart
- 21. Go to Bunkhouse Espresso Bar, Jensen
- 22. Have a espresso at Gilbert’s Espresso Bar, Stuart
- 23. Keep on a houseboat
- 24. Take a segway tour of Stuart
- 25. Take the children to the Kids’s Museum of the Treasure Coast
- 26. Go to the Stuart Heritage Museum
- 27. Try The Blowing Rocks Protect on Jupiter Island
- 28. Go to The Home of Refuge Museum
- Video: Watch us discover Martin County
- The place is Martin County and the Treasure Coast?
- Greatest time to go to Martin County
- The place to remain in Martin County
- Pin To Save It On Pinterest
1. Play on the Martin County Seashores
You would possibly assume there are not 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 via the Florida Keys.
The Treasure Coast is known as so as a result of fleet of Spanish ships that misplaced their treasure right here through the 1715 hurricane.
Individuals nonetheless discover treasure right here. Generally it washes up on the seashore and handheld steel detectors can reveal gold, silver, and different artifacts.
Decide a seashore alongside Hutchinson Island and luxuriate in a couple of hours of stress-free seashore 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 Seashore but in addition visited Jensen Seashore (additionally guarded and fashionable) and Tiger Shores, which is a extra hidden seashore the Treasure Coast residents love.
Different under-the-radar seashores are Chastain Seashore and Virginia Forest Seashore.
2. Eat Breakfast at Jan’s Place, Jensen
Ask any native the place they advocate for breakfast in Martin County they usually’ll say Jan’s Place.
Recognized for its giant servings of basic Southern breakfast and old-style hospitality and appeal, it’s a neighborhood favourite with a homey vibe.
This veteran‑owned gem dishes up basic American breakfast, brunch, and lunch with a couple of inventive twists.
The Breakfast Chimichanga is a good shout in the event 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 Seashore Home, Jensen
You’ll love the seashore theme and laid-back model of Mulligan’s Seashore Home Bar & Grill within the downtown space of Jensen, an ideal lunch break from the seashore.
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. Study on the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Heart, Stuart
Time to ditch the science textbook and head for a real-life lesson on our ocean mates 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 via training, 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 realized 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 necessary medical functions. The blood goes for no less than $50K!
Don’t miss the stingray feeding session the place you’ll be taught in regards to the various kinds of stingrays and their survival options.
You’ll then get an opportunity to feed the stingrays, placing a bit 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 seems like a pet canine nuzzling at your hand. You’ll fall in love with them, in the event 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 underneath 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 in regards to the biodiversity of the estuary (essentially the most various within the Northern Hemisphere), absorb the surroundings and sailboat silence, search for wildlife (in the event you’re fortunate, you would possibly see dolphins), and marvel on the brilliant orange sundown sky.
We had been lucky to sail throughout a full moon so on the way in which again had been in a position to 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 glad to know your enjoyment of this lovely space just isn’t harming the surroundings.
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 expect it deserves a spot on this checklist.
This state park is one in all 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.
In the present day 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. Hold a watch out for alligators!
8. Chill out in Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens
Should you 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 growth website 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 luxuriate in being in nature.
9. Horseback trip via the South Florida Wilderness, Palm Metropolis
Depart the noise and seashore 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 form of girl I wish to comply with (and rejoice this Girls’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 kids and helped put them via school.
Her niece, Ryan guided us alongside the path via the South Florida wilderness, and was full of glad 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 snug 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 shall be more than pleased with the one-hour horseback trip which takes you on a loop via the close by tranquil protect, Hawk’s Hammock.
We had been delighted for Ryan and Melissa to guide us into a brief trot. Savannah now desires classes to learn to do it correctly.
The horses had been lovely – 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 inside Zen.
Cellphone to ebook your horseback driving journey. Greenridge is delightfully old style! (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 possibility to do one thing our household has not carried out earlier than – a sundown stand-up paddle board session.
It’s one of the 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 capacity 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 obtained 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 course 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 chook 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 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 identical time.
Leisa from Zeke’s Surf and Paddleboarding has been operating 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 generally known as Mahi Mahi. Phew! Not the porpoise variety (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 approach 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 international locations.
There have been no tales being informed via 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 in regards to the murals and the tales they informed 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 women (particularly our budding artist, Savannah) to contribute to a mural.
Each mural within the Hobe Sound Neighborhood 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 trying out 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 Seashore and Jonathan Dickinson State Park
14. Watch stay music at Jammin Jensen
Should you’re trying to connect with the neighborhood, then you definately’ll wish to take a look at the native artwork festivals and outside stay music.
Martin County is massive on neighborhood connection.
Each Thursday is Jammin Day in Downtown Jensen. It’s a free weekly mini-outdoor pageant with a streetside assortment of native artisan shops, meals, and stay music.
It jogged my memory of the Asian evening 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 previous 70s tunes.
15. Attend the Annual Downtown Stuart Artwork Pageant
We had been visiting the Treasure Coast through the annual Downtown Stuart Artwork Pageant. Osceola Road transforms into rows of gallery model cubicles full of 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 document items of artwork for our house 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 quite a lot 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 fashionable 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 recognized for his or her glad 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 Contemporary Catch.
20. Store and caffeine up at The Roasted Document, 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 Document 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 trying, you discovered it.
Pair it with a carrot, apple, and walnut muffin. #TasteExplosion
The Roasted Document was impressed by nights spent on a porch smelling freshly home-roasted espresso and listening to vinyl music and consuming beers.
Isn’t that the place all nice concepts begin?
So glad the homeowners adopted via 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 seashore.
Additionally they have a spread of vegan and gluten free treats. Sit exterior the gorgeous backyard or on a stool on the bar to talk 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 crushed. 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 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 bogs, 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 picket 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 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 beloved the views trying again over the houseboat, it appeared like we had been immersed within the jungle.
24. Take a segway tour of Stuart
Probably the greatest methods to discover a city is to trip round it with a neighborhood. 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 tools.
25. Take the children to the Kids’s Museum of the Treasure Coast
Should you’re on the lookout for issues to do with children, then the Kids’s Museum is a good thought. It’s designed to supply kids and households someplace to be taught in regards to the coast and the pure surroundings via hands-on actions.
The museum presents academic applications and cultural experiences, in addition to a spot the place kids can broaden their curiosity.
It’s particularly good in case your kids are actually small and luxuriate in studying via 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 previous 2-story constructing that was inbuilt 1901 by George W. Parks. The primary ground was the Geo. W. Parks Grocery and Normal Merchandise Retailer and the second ground was the place he lived.
The museum incorporates 10,000 objects and artifacts from the Eighteen Eighties to the Fifties. When you’ve got 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 realm is a spot of excellent pure magnificence. It’s cared for by The Nature Conservancy and is a well-liked place to go mountain climbing and discover the ocean caves.
The Blowing Rocks Protect obtained its identify 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 had been constructed to be havens for shipwrecked sailors and vacationers. They had 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 contemplate to be Outdated 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 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 Seashore, and is the beachy-side of Martin County.
The town of Stuart is a captivating place to base your self, because it’s full of artwork galleries, boutique shops, and an exquisite riverfront.
We will perceive why it was named Coastal Dwelling’s 2016 “Happiest Seaside City” in addition to a number of different acknowledgments for it being an exquisite 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 various lovely 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 might be 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.
Learn how to get to Martin County
If flying, you’ve got a couple of choices for airports. The closest is West Palm Seashore (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 instances had been finest. We may arrive early within the morning and fly direct from our house 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 automobile leases – we at all times get one of the best offers!
Greatest time to go to Martin County
The perfect time to go to Martin County is through the balmy winter months of November via 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 be the dry-season, and brings blue skies, cool breezes off the Atlantic, and excellent circumstances for exploring the outside, water sports activities, and seashore hopping.
Summer season (June to September) turns up the warmth, and the rain, with every 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 additional vibrant, it’s sensible to control the forecast.
Should 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 resort charges.
The place to remain in Martin County
Martin County in all fairness 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 ambiance 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 seashore.
For a quieter, upscale expertise, head to Jensen Seashore, recognized for its scenic seashores, boutique buying, and comfy cafes.
Hobe Sound will provide a extra rural appeal 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 lodges and trip leases.
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