Sponsored by Go to Florida
Should you’re searching for gorgeous seashore holidays in Florida within the winter, you then would possibly take into account visiting Martin County.
This gorgeous space is thought for having a bio-diverse lagoon ecosystem, loads of fishing alternatives, gorgeous seashores, and peaceable small cities.
It has every little thing we love in a vacation spot: spectacular, numerous surroundings; enjoyable out of doors adventures; cities with allure and inventive 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 outlets!
After which in fact, there are the PERFECT winter temperatures – 80s day by 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 number 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 actually not going to overlook it. In reality, we’re speaking about returning right here every year for our winter trip!
Whenever you go to Martin County, you’ll find sophistication and Previous Florida allure 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 contains 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 protected household bubble world in a rented dwelling, one which has the facilities we have to stability our love of journey with our college and work wants.
Due to the pandemic distant working and studying have abruptly turn into a actuality for a lot of households throughout the globe.
The Treasure Coast is situated on the South East Coast of Florida (Atlantic Coast), America, between Orlando and Miami and simply north of Palm Seashore.
Town of Stuart is charming with artwork galleries, boutique shops, and a ravishing riverfront. We are able to perceive why it was named Coastal Dwelling’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 social gathering vibe. Each locations have easy accessibility to one another AND to the numerous 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 totally spoiled for water points of interest 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.
We donate a share of our marketing campaign price to these native companies and organizations that help the neighborhood, the surroundings, and humanitarian causes.
Tips on how to get to Martin County
If flying, you’ve gotten a number of choices for airports. The closest is West Palm Seashore (45 minutes), but when that doesn’t work, Fort Lauderdale can also be not too distant (1.5 hours).
We flew into Orlando, because the flight occasions have been greatest. We may 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 discount!
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 wish to lie round on a seashore all day. We additionally like to stability the remainder with adventurous actions like stand-up paddle boarding and horse driving.
On this information to the perfect 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 have been open air, permitting us to remain at a protected distance within the recent, therapeutic air. We additionally select actions and native companies that promote or help environmental sustainability.
1. Play at Martin County Seashores
It’s winter.
You would possibly assume 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 known as 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. Generally it washes up on the seashore and handheld metallic detectors can reveal gold, silver, and different artifacts.
Decide a seashore alongside Hutchinson Island and luxuriate in a number of hours of enjoyable 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 well-liked) and Tiger Shores, which is a extra hidden seashore 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. Recognized for its giant servings of basic Southern breakfast and old-style hospitality and allure, it’s some of the well-liked locations to eat in Jensen.
3. Eat Lunch at Mulligan’s Seashore Home, Jensen
You’ll love the seashore theme and laid-back type of Mulligan’s Seashore Home Bar & Grill within the Downtown space of Jensen, Florida, an ideal lunch break from the seashore.
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 pals 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 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 a minimum of $50K!
Don’t miss the stingray feeding session the place you’ll be taught concerning 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 looks like a pet canine nuzzling at your hand. You’ll fall in love with them (should you don’t already love these ocean butterflies.)
A go to right here is among the greatest issues to do in Stuart with youngsters!
6. Sundown Sail on Schooner Lily, Stuart
Time in your Florida trip rest.
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 concerning the biodiversity of the estuary (essentially the most numerous within the Northern Hemisphere), absorb the surroundings and sailboat silence, search for wildlife (should 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 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 will not be harming the surroundings. Additionally, sail capability is presently decreased because of COVID, which meant you can simply keep your house.
You’ll be able to carry your individual snacks and drinks.
7. Eat Dinner at Sneaki Tiki, Stuart
You’ll wish 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 gourmand tacos although).
We weren’t upset. Sneaki Tiki is a hole-in-the-wall place with little tiki huts you possibly can 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 pretty much as good as any you’d discover in Texas.
9. Horseback Journey by way of the South Florida Wilderness, Palm Metropolis
Go away 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 sort of lady I wish to observe (and have fun this Girls’s Historical past Month). A girl decided to observe her ardour and love for horses and assist many individuals alongside the way in which 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 crammed 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 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 can be more than pleased with the one-hour horseback trip 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 guide us into a brief trot. Savannah now desires classes to discover ways to do it correctly.
The horses have been lovely – very calm and regular with their very own personalities. There’s simply one thing about being round horses. I extremely suggest you do it typically to enhance your interior Zen.
Cellphone to e-book 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 complete moon. This meant we had a possibility to do one thing our household has not accomplished earlier than – a sundown full moon stand-up paddle board.
It’s some of the 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 will be too excessive for her paddling expertise and luxury degree. 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 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 pink 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 chook life hovering throughout the pink skies.
Then we sat down to look at the large spherical orange orb of the complete moon rise making a staircase under it. It was by far top-of-the-line 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.
Positively 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 take pleasure in her relaxed, pleasant management.
It’s also possible to 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 referred to 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 after we journey, and what higher approach 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 nations.
There have been no tales being advised by way of the highly effective mural medium. And so, she put her inventive expertise to create a “sense of place” for this small, low-key inventive 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 women (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 neighborhood murals, take a drive down Bridge Street 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
Hook up with Group: Festivals & Dwell Music
Should you’re trying to connect with the neighborhood, you then’ll wish to take a look at the native artwork festivals and out of doors reside music. Martin County is huge on neighborhood connection. Listed here are some issues to do in Martin County for a neighborhood 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 taking part in some cool previous 70s tunes.
15. Annual Downtown Stuart Artwork Competition
We have been visiting the Treasure Coast throughout 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’ll be able to inform this neighborhood embraces inventive residing.
I noticed many items I wish to purchase from the artists after we lastly purchase a home, particularly these vinyl file 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 skin 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 well-liked 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 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 identified 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 File, 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 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 trying, 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 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 seashore.
In addition they have a variety of vegan and gluten free treats. Sit outdoors the gorgeous backyard or on a stool on the bar to talk with, Kelly the pleasant proprietor.
Fascinating 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. 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 preferred place to seize a espresso or avocado toast.
My first time attempting a pistachio latte will go down as a memorable threat!
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 sizzling tub!
The 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 are three outdoors decks at varied locations on the boat, and a piece on the wood pier with a grill. We loved grill our breakfast right here on our final morning.
Be sure you soar within the sizzling 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 possibly can take out to discover the river and mangrove area throughout the river. Benefit from the views trying again over the houseboat, it appears to be like like you might be 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
Probably the greatest methods to discover a city is to trip round it with an area. If you wish to give your weary legs a break, take into account embarking on a segway tour.
This can be 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 tools.
25. Go to the Youngsters’s Museum of the Treasure Coast
Should you’re searching for 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 concerning the coast and the pure surroundings by way of hands-on actions.
The museum provides academic applications 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 luxuriate 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 previous 2-story constructing that was inbuilt 1901 by George W. Parks. The primary flooring was once 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 Eighties to the Fifties. If in case you have a while to spare, then this is among the high points of interest in Stuart to take a look at.
27. Test Out The Blowing Rocks Protect on Jupiter Island
The Blowing Rocks Protect is situated 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 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 title 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 have been constructed to be havens for shipwrecked sailors and vacationers. They have 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: Martin County Highlights
You’ll be able to watch our video of our time in Martin County. Subscribe to our YouTube channel right here.
Earlier than You Go
So there you’ve gotten it, these are the perfect issues to do and locations to go to in Martin County. As you possibly can see, there’s rather a lot to see and discover right here that’s not simply mendacity on a seashore.
We hope you discovered this information helpful, and keep in mind, Martin County is a well-liked winter vacation spot due to that year-round sunshine. Keep away from disappointment and e-book your lodging early.
Pin Beneath To Save on Pinterest:
Supply: Breaking Travel News