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Should you’re in search of beautiful seaside holidays in Florida within the winter, you then would possibly contemplate visiting Martin County.
This beautiful space is thought for having a bio-diverse lagoon ecosystem, loads of fishing alternatives, beautiful seashores, and peaceable small cities.
It has all the pieces we love in a vacation spot: spectacular, numerous surroundings; enjoyable outside adventures; cities with attraction and creative vibes; slow-paced tempo suited to vibrant enjoyable; infinite alternatives for mouth-watering seafood and sundown cocktails – typically paired with reside music and laughter, and even nice espresso retailers!
After which after all, there are the PERFECT winter temperatures – 80s day-after-day. Oh, my heaven.
Should you’re unsure what issues to do in Martin County in your subsequent journey, then don’t fear, as a result of on this information I’ve listed all the highest Martin County points of interest, plus a couple of hidden gems.
The place is Martin County and the Treasure Coast?
Earlier than our winter trip to this a part of the Treasure Coast with Go to Florida, I hadn’t heard of Martin County, Fl.
I’m definitely not going to neglect it. In actual fact, we’re speaking about returning right here every year for our winter trip!
Once you go to Martin County, yow will discover sophistication and Outdated Florida attraction in addition to the all-embracing kick off your flip flops and slip in your Key West persona.
Martin County is made up of 10 closely-knitted communities. It begins at Lake Okeechobee, and consists of the city of Stuart, and Jensen, in addition to Hobe Sound, Hutchinson Island, Indiantown, Jupiter Island, Palm Metropolis, Port Salerno, Rio, Sewall’s Level, and Tequesta.
We additionally partnered with VRBO to remain in our secure household bubble world in a rented house, one which has the facilities we have to steadiness our love of journey with our college and work wants.
Due to the pandemic distant working and studying have out of the blue turn into a actuality for a lot of households throughout the globe.
The Treasure Coast is positioned on the South East Coast of Florida (Atlantic Coast), America, between Orlando and Miami and simply north of Palm Seashore.
The town of Stuart is charming with artwork galleries, boutique shops, and a lovely riverfront. We are able to perceive why it was named Coastal Residing’s 2016 “Happiest Seaside City” in addition to a number of different acknowledgments for it being a lovely USA city.
Jensen is the opposite main city in Martin County with a extra laid-back social gathering vibe. Each locations have quick access to one another AND to the numerous lovely seashores alongside close by Hutchinson Island.
That’s the great thing about this Treasure Coast area – with the Intracoastal Waterway, St Lucie River, and the Atlantic Ocean, you’re totally spoiled for water points of interest and actions.
You’ll additionally discover smaller, historic cities and fishing villages positioned within the space, and out west is Indiantown, a cattle and citrus nation with a wealthy Seminole tradition and historical past.
We donate a proportion of our marketing campaign price to these native companies and organizations that assist the group, the atmosphere, and humanitarian causes.
Methods to get to Martin County
If flying, you could have 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 far-off (1.5 hours).
We flew into Orlando, because the flight occasions had been finest. We might arrive early within the morning and fly direct from 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!
See what we found on our subsequent two locations on this South Florida street journey: Sebring and Manasota Key.
Issues to do in Martin County, Florida
Should you’re like us, you don’t simply need to lie round on a seaside all day. We additionally like to steadiness the remainder with adventurous actions like stand-up paddle boarding and horse driving.
On this information to the very best issues to do in Martin County, we made certain to incorporate actions about tradition, historical past, and studying.
As you’ll uncover, all of our Martin County issues to do had been outdoor, permitting us to remain at a secure distance within the recent, therapeutic air. We additionally select actions and native companies that promote or assist environmental sustainability.
1. Play at Martin County Seashores
It’s winter.
You would possibly assume there are not any alternatives left in Florida to expertise uncrowded white sandy seashores. Effectively, 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. Folks nonetheless discover treasure right here. Typically it washes up on the seaside and handheld metallic detectors can reveal gold, silver, and different artifacts.
Choose a seaside alongside Hutchinson Island and revel in a couple of 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 Seashore but additionally visited Jensen Seashore (additionally guarded and common) and Tiger Shores, which is a extra hidden seaside the locals love. Different under-the-radar seashores are Chastain Seashore and Virginia Forest Seashore.
2. Eat Breakfast at Jan’s Place, Jensen, Fl
Ask any native the place they suggest for breakfast in Martin County they usually’ll say Jan’s Place. Identified for its massive servings of traditional Southern breakfast and old-style hospitality and attraction, it’s one of the vital common locations to eat in Jensen.
3. Eat Lunch at Mulligan’s Seashore Home, Jensen
You’ll love the seaside theme and laid-back fashion of Mulligan’s Seashore Home Bar & Grill within the Downtown space of Jensen, Florida, 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. Study on the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Heart, Stuart
Time to ditch the science textbook and head for a real-life lesson on our ocean buddies 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 instructional packages and conduct analysis and restoration packages 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 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 at the least $50K!
Don’t miss the stingray feeding session the place you’ll be taught in regards to the several types 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 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.)
A go to right here is likely one of the finest issues to do in Stuart with youngsters!
6. Sundown Sail on Schooner Lily, Stuart
Time on your Florida trip leisure.
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, be taught 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 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 comfortable to know your enjoyment of this lovely space is just not harming the atmosphere. Additionally, sail capability is presently decreased as a result of COVID, which meant you might simply keep your area.
You may convey your personal snacks and drinks.
7. Eat Dinner at Sneaki Tiki, Stuart
You’ll need to proceed your feel-good crusing vibes with dinner at Sneaki Tiki. We went right here after the road at Taco Shack was approach too lengthy! (native’s favourite for connoisseur tacos although).
We weren’t disenchanted. Sneaki Tiki is a hole-in-the-wall place with little tiki huts you may sit below. What you’ll love are the $6 margaritas ($4 throughout comfortable hour), the reside music, and the reasonably priced and scrumptious meals on the menu. My brisket was nearly as good as any you’d discover in Texas.
9. Horseback Experience 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 group 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 girl I need to comply with (and rejoice this Ladies’s Historical past Month). A woman decided to comply with her ardour and love for horses and assist many individuals alongside the best way develop into robust, accountable people.
She and her husband have fostered many kids and helped put them by way of school.
Her niece, Ryan guided us alongside the path by way of the South Florida wilderness, and was full of comfortable 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 non-public horse-riding excursions regardless of how small your group is – and rides vary in time relying on expertise.
Newcomers will likely be more than pleased with the one-hour horseback experience which takes you on a loop by way of 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 discover ways to do it correctly.
The horses had been lovely – 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 typically to enhance your interior Zen.
Telephone to ebook your horseback driving journey. Greenridge is delightfully old skool! (772) 288-7234
10. Full Moon Sundown Paddle, Port Salerno
Our timing on our go to to Martin County was completely aligned with the total moon. This meant we had a possibility to do one thing our household has not achieved earlier than – a sundown full moon stand-up paddle board.
It’s one of the vital distinctive household adventures we’ve had, and one of many 8 wow moments from this Florida journey.
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 stage. I used to be impressed with my skill 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 received 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 crimson mangroves. The island in the course of the St Lucie River Inlet is typically referred to 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 under it. It was by far among the finest 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.
Undoubtedly put this in your checklist of issues to do in Martin County. Leisa from Zeke’s Surf and Paddleboarding has been working these excursions for 12 years. You’ll get pleasure from 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 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 had 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 referred to as Mahi Mahi. Phew! Not the porpoise sort (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 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 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 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 characteristic 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 Highway, Hobe Sound
After trying out the group murals, take a drive down Bridge Highway to see the gnarled trunks of the banyan bushes reaching over collectively to create a canopied tunnel.
On this area, you even have Hobe Sound Seashore and Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Connect with Neighborhood: Festivals & Stay Music
Should you’re wanting to hook up with the group, you then’ll need to try the native artwork festivals and outside reside music. Martin County is large on group connection. Listed here are some issues to do in Martin County for a group really feel.
14. Jammin Jensen
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 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 enjoying some cool outdated 70s tunes.
15. Annual Downtown Stuart Artwork Pageant
We had been visiting the Treasure Coast in the course of the annual Downtown Stuart Artwork Pageant. Osceola Avenue transforms into rows of gallery fashion 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 group embraces creative residing.
I noticed many items I need 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 skin 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 common right here.
Their outside setting and views are a Stuart standout.
17. Dine at TideHouse Waterfront Restaurant
Throughout the St Lucie River is Stuart’s latest restaurant, 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 comfortable 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. Drink Espresso at The Roasted Document, 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.
You had me at vinyl and low. Flick thru the gathering of classics when you get pleasure from 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 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 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 strategy to the seaside.
Additionally they have a spread 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.
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. Gilbert’s Espresso Bar, Stuart
For location, Gilbert’s Espresso Bar can’t be crushed. Its prime spot in Sundown Bay Marina & Anchorage overlooking the south fork of the St. Lucie River (look ahead to manatees) makes it a well-liked place to seize a espresso or avocado toast.
My first time making an attempt a pistachio latte will go down as a memorable threat!
It’s additionally a well-liked 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!
The 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 area.
There are three exterior decks at numerous locations on the boat, and a piece on the picket pier with a grill. We loved grill our breakfast right here on our final morning.
Be sure to leap within the scorching tub for dawn views, sundown views, and nighttime star gazing.
Additionally, you will love the hammock on the again backyard, and big mango tree.
There are kayaks and paddle boards you may take out to discover the river and mangrove area throughout the river. Benefit from the views wanting again over the houseboat, it seems like you’re immersed within the jungle.
Photo voltaic Panels are about to be put in on the houseboat, making this a totally off-the-grid sustainable type of lodging.
24. Take a Segway Tour of Stuart
Among the best 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 strategy to see all high points of interest in Stuart, in addition to benefit from the thrilling expertise of driving on a segway.
Segway excursions take round 2.5 hours and embrace coaching and security gear.
25. Go to the Youngsters’s Museum of the Treasure Coast
Should you’re in search of issues to do in Martin County with youngsters, then the Youngsters’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 atmosphere by way of hands-on actions.
The museum provides instructional packages and cultural experiences, in addition to a spot the place kids can increase their curiosity.
It’s particularly good in case your kids 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 ground was the Geo. W. Parks Grocery and Basic Merchandise Retailer and the second ground was the place he lived.
The museum accommodates 10,000 objects and artifacts from the Eighteen Eighties to the Nineteen Fifties. If in case you have a while to spare, then this is likely one of the high points of interest in Stuart to take a look at.
27. Examine Out The Blowing Rocks Protect on Jupiter Island
The Blowing Rocks Protect is positioned on Jupiter Island and is thought for housing the most important outcropping of Anastasia Limestone on the Atlantic coast.
Anastasia Limestone is nearly all the time discovered underwater, however right here on the shoreline, you may 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 climbing and discover the ocean caves.
The Blowing Rocks Protect received its identify from the spectacle that takes place throughout excessive tide when robust 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’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 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 may see insightful reveals about American inventors, together with exhibiting replicas of their innovations and copies of their patents.
Video: Martin County Highlights
You may watch our video of our time in Martin County. Subscribe to our YouTube channel right here.
Earlier than You Go
So there you could have it, these are the very best issues to do and locations to go to in Martin County. As you may see, there’s so much to see and discover right here that’s not simply mendacity on a seaside.
We hope you discovered this information helpful, and 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.
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