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Martin County, Florida is your ultimate escape. Picture warm waters meeting perfect waves, with soft sandy beaches inviting you to swim, sunbathe, and capture stunning photos. Whether you’re exploring with family or friends, this must-visit destination is packed with unforgettable outdoor adventures waiting for you. Make Martin County your next getaway and create memories that last a lifetime!
An Eco-Adventure Packed with Excitement and Discovery
Martin County boasts one of the most bio-diverse lagoon ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere. With 22 miles of beaches and 100,000+ acres of parks, it’s a paradise for nature lovers.
Free Eco-Tour
2401 SE Monterey Road, Stuart, FL 34996
Explore Natural Martin is a free ecotourism program in Martin County, created with Leave No Trace to promote sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship. Enjoy eco-tours and events focused on responsible outdoor recreation. Visit ExploreNaturalMartin.com for details and updates!
Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
890 Northeast Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL, USA
Discover the wonders of marine life at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. Explore exhibits like the Ocean EcoCenter, touch stingrays, see sea turtles, and watch a feeding frenzy in the game fish lagoon. Enjoy nature trails, a butterfly garden, and more for an unforgettable experience!
Hobe Sound Nature Center
13640 Southeast Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL, USA
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge is a 1,000-acre coastal habitat featuring nature trails through estuaries, barrier islands, and sand pine scrub. A popular summer activity is the sea turtle walk program, held on warm nights from late May to mid-July with reservations required.
The Environmental Studies Center
2900 Northeast Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach, FL, USA
The Environmental Studies Center offers students and visitors the chance to explore diverse ecosystems like the St. Lucie Estuary, Indian River Lagoon, and mangrove swamps. Home to species like a loggerhead sea turtle, a juvenile alligator, and marine organisms in touch tanks, the center provides hands-on learning. Open to the public during school hours, tours are available.
Blowing Rocks Preserve
574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound, FL, USA
Blowing Rocks Preserve showcases Florida’s natural history with its stunning Anastasia limestone shoreline, the largest on the U.S. Atlantic coast. This restored sanctuary preserves a rare Florida dune habitat, featuring native plants like beach sunflower, sea grape, and sea oats.
Discover the Perfect Fusion of Art and History
Martin County captures the essence of old Florida with its vibrant arts, culture, and historic charm. From performances at Stuart’s historic Lyric Theatre to exploring unique landmarks, there are endless opportunities to enjoy the area’s rich heritage and timeless beauty.
Arts & Culture Trail
Explore Martin County’s vibrant arts and culture scene with the free, mobile-exclusive Arts & Culture Trail. Featuring over 30 local attractions, the trail offers discounts, scavenger hunts, and hidden artworks from local artists. Sign up to start your journey today!
Court House Cultural Center & Gallery
80 E OCEAN BOULEVARD STUART, FL
The Court House Cultural Center & Gallery, established in 1937, is the nation’s oldest and largest visual arts museum. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, it hosts exceptional art exhibitions year-round, celebrating creativity and culture.
The Elliott Museum
4745 Southeast Desoto Avenue, Stuart, FL, USA
The Elliott Museum in Stuart, Florida, established in 1961, offers diverse exhibits on history, art, and community culture, making it a unique destination for education and discovery.
The Lyric Theatre
59 Southwest Flagler Avenue, Stuart, FL 34994, USA
The Lyric Theatre, built in 1926 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, hosts a variety of events, including plays, musicals, concerts, and dance performances. It features talent from around the world, offering everything from classical theatre to modern music and local programs.
Stuart Heritage Museum
161 Southwest Flagler Avenue, Stuart, FL 34994, USA
The Stuart Heritage Museum, housed in Stuart and Martin County’s oldest commercial building, showcases relics celebrating the area’s history, community, and agriculture.
The Creek District
The Creek District, established in 2019, is Stuart’s arts and entertainment hub. Centered around Colorado Avenue, it features a vibrant music scene, monthly art walks, unique shops, eateries, and public art like sculptures and murals. Just south of Confusion Corner, it’s a walkable area with scenic spots like Frazier Creek and Bruner Pond, easily accessible by tram from Downtown Stuart.
Hobe Sound Murals
The Hobe Sound Murals Project, led by artist Nadia Utto since 2009, aims to beautify the community, boost civic pride, and inspire cultural growth. Over 40 artists and 100 locals have contributed to these unique murals, some featuring fun hidden details. Explore them with a Mural Tour Map, available at the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce.
The Art Cottages of Downtown Jensen Beach
Located in Downtown Jensen Beach, the Artist Colony features vibrant cottages turned into artist studios. Visitors can meet painters like Karen Leffel-Massengill, known for her Florida landscapes, Sally Eckman Roberts, whose nature-inspired art decorates home goods, and watercolorist Barbara Lapham. This creative spot is surrounded by unique shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a must-visit destination.
Aya Fiber Studio
170 NE Dixie Hwy Stuart, FL 34994
The Aya Fiber Studio in Martin County is a top destination for fiber art workshops and Suzanne Connors’ working studio. Offering intimate classes with experienced instructors, it’s perfect for learning new skills and connecting with fellow fiber artists. Check the event calendar for workshops or join open studio days to practice in a fully equipped space in South Florida.
Escape to Picturesque Beaches
Martin County’s serene beaches, natural sand dunes, and Old Florida charm make it the perfect spot to relax and unplug.
Bathtub Beach
1585 SE Macarthur Blvd
Bathtub Beach, located on Hutchinson Island, is a family favorite known for its calm, clear waters and unique “bathtub” effect created by surrounding reefs and rocks. Ideal for wading, snorkeling, and sunbathing, it’s often praised as one of Martin County’s best beaches.
Jensen Beach
4191 NE Ocean Blvd
Jensen Sea Turtle Beach, commonly called Jensen Beach, is a popular spot on Hutchinson Island by the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors enjoy its wide sandy shore, picnic areas, volleyball, clean facilities, and The Sand Dune Café, open daily.
Hobe Sound Beach
1 SE Beach Road HOBE SOUND, FL 33455
Head east on SE Bridge Rd to Hobe Sound Public Beach Park, a perfect spot to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy a warm day with loved ones.
Stuart Beach
889 NE Ocean Blvd STUART, FL 34996
Stuart Beach, near the Elliott Museum and Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, offers picnic areas, sports courts, restrooms with showers, and a snack bar. It’s a top spot for a fun day in Martin County.
Embark on Water Adventure
Stuart, the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” hosts year-round fishing tournaments and offers thriving natural and artificial reefs for anglers and divers. There are over 100 artificial reef sites, perfect for fishing and exploration, including a mile-long stretch of reefs offshore.
Dive the Georges Valentine
Georges Valentine Underwater Archaeological Preserve, Florida, USA
The Georges Valentine Shipwreck Site, located off Hutchinson Island in Florida, is a historic shipwreck and a Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Resting in shallow waters just 100 yards offshore, it’s an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling. Visitors can access the site by parking at the House of Refuge and walking to the nearby entry point.
Offshore Charter Experience
45 NE MacArthur Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996, USA
Charter boats in Martin County offer customizable offshore fishing trips for all skill levels, guided by professional captains. Prime sail fishing runs from November to March, while spring and summer bring dolphin, wahoo, kingfish, and marlin.
Sail Away
1955 NE Indian River Dr, Jensen Beach, FL 34957
Try sailing at the U.S. Sailing Center of Martin County, offering lessons for all skill levels. Don’t miss the exciting regattas held year-round, like OptiFest and the Junior Olympic Festival.
Local Waterways
Boardwalk Run, Stuart, FL 34994, USA
Martin County is a premier destination for boaters, offering ocean access, vibrant marinas, and cultural attractions. Located near the Crossroads where the Intracoastal and Okeechobee Waterways meet, it’s ideal for fishing, diving, and exploring. With direct access to Florida’s West Coast and the Bahamas, just 68 miles away, it’s a hub for recreation and marine activities.
Sailfish Capital of the World
Stuart, FL, USA
Stuart, known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” is the heart of Martin County and a Sister City to Hope Town, Bahamas. Witham Field, the county’s general aviation facility, serves private pilots, corporate visitors, and aviation tourism with two top-tier FBOs.
Explore the Wonders of Nature in Serene, Breathtaking Parks
Martin County offers ocean and lakeside trails, wildlife parks, and world-class fishing near St. Lucie Inlet. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, relaxing in parks, or camping at scenic campgrounds with options for RVs and tents, all close to the area’s natural attractions.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
16450 Southeast Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL 33455, USA
Just south of Stuart, this park is home to diverse wildlife across 13 natural habitats and features the scenic Loxahatchee River. Visitors can explore Trapper Nelson’s 1930s homestead, hike, bike, camp, boat, or enjoy freshwater fishing.
Allapattah Flats Trail
Allapattah Flats State Park, Indiantown, FL, USA
Allapattah Flats Trail offers hiking, biking, primitive camping, seasonal hunting, and equestrian trails. It’s a collaborative project by Martin County, South Florida Water Management, and Florida Fish and Wildlife.
Indian Riverside Park
1707 Northeast Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach, FL 34957, USA
Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach is a top family destination in Martin County, offering a walking path, fishing pier, play fountain, beach, pavilions, and banquet space. Visitors can tour the Mansion at Tuckahoe or Captain Henry Sewall’s Home (with reservations) and enjoy attractions like the U.S. Sailing Center and The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast.
Halpatiokee Regional Park
8303 Southwest Lost River Road, Stuart, FL, USA
Halpatiokee Regional Park in Stuart, Florida, is Martin County’s largest park, featuring 65 acres of active parkland and 500 acres of wetland preserve. The park offers diverse landscapes, including pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, and riverfront, providing habitat for hundreds of native species, including 13 endangered or threatened ones. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, paddling trails, and a riverside primitive campsite with basic amenities. Halpatiokee is the Seminole Indian word meaning “Alligator Water.”
Budget Friendly Destinations
Martin County, Florida, offers an affordable escape with 22 miles of uncrowded beaches and over 100,000 acres of parks and natural lands to explore, many free to enjoy.
Hutchinson Island – Jensen Sea Turtle Beach
Sand Dune Cafe, Northeast Ocean Boulevard, Jensen Beach, FL, USA
Martin County’s beaches are completely free to visit, offering sun, sand, and fun without any fees. Popular spots include Jensen Sea Turtle Beach with lifeguards, a café, and amenities, as well as Stuart Beach, Bathtub Beach, and Tiger Shores. Just bring a towel and enjoy a perfect day by the ocean!
Historic Downtown Stuart – Stuart Heritage Museum
Stuart Heritage Museum, Southwest Flagler Avenue, Stuart, FL, USA
Explore the Stuart Heritage Museum, located in Martin County’s oldest commercial building, showcasing the area’s rich history and community spirit. Admission is free! Afterward, enjoy historic Downtown Stuart with its boutique shops, dining options, and waterfront views. Don’t miss the free Rock’n Riverwalk concert every Sunday from 1-4 PM, following the Stuart Green Market.
Hobe Sound – Mural Tour
Hobe Sound, FL, USA
Explore the Hobe Sound Murals, a community project that has been beautifying the area since 2009. Led by artist Nadia Utto, this initiative showcases stunning artwork created by over 40 regional artists and local residents. Grab a Mural Tour Map from the Chamber of Commerce and enjoy a self-guided or expert-led tour to discover these creative landmarks on foot, bike, or car!
Port Salerno – St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park
St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park Outstanding Florida Water, Florida, USA
Accessible only by boat, this Florida barrier island offers a preserved Atlantic beach surrounded by mangroves and tropical trees. It’s a key nesting site for sea turtles in summer and a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, picnics, snorkeling, scuba diving, and surf fishing. Admission is $3 per boat or $2 per kayak, payable at the Honor Box. Nearby parks like Jonathan Dickinson State Park and Indian Riverside Park are also worth visiting.
Palm City – Treasure Coast Wildlife Center
Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital, Southwest Citrus Boulevard, Palm City, FL, USA
The Treasure Coast Wildlife Center cares for Florida’s native wildlife, treating around 3,000 animals annually, including endangered species like bobcats, eagles, and alligators. Most rehabilitated animals are released back into the wild, while some stay as permanent residents. Open to visitors Thursday through Sunday, 11 AM to 3 PM, with a suggested $10 donation per group.
Jupiter Island – Blowing Rocks Preserve
Nature Conservancy Blowing Rocks, South Beach Road, Hobe Sound, FL, USA
Blowing Rocks Preserve on Jupiter Island offers stunning views of Anastasia limestone formations, where waves can shoot up to 50 feet during high tide. Visitors can explore rare Florida dune habitats, enjoy hiking trails with interpretive signs, and partake in swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving. The Hawley Education Center provides insights into conservation efforts. Recently named one of Florida’s top beaches, the preserve welcomes donations to support its initiatives.
Downtown Jensen Beach – Jammin’ Jensen
Northeast Jensen Beach Boulevard, Jensen Beach, FL, USA
Every Thursday evening, downtown Jensen Beach transforms during Jammin’ Jensen, a free mini-festival featuring local artists, vendors, live music, and entertainment. Beyond Thursdays, explore charming shops, grab a bite at spots like Crawdaddy’s or Tako Tiki, and visit the Art Cottages for galleries and studios. There’s always something to enjoy in this vibrant area!
Port Salerno – The Fish House Art Center and Gallery
Fish House Art Center Gallery, Southeast Desoto Avenue, Stuart, FL, USA
Located in the historic village of Port Salerno, The Fish House Art Center and Gallery features studios of ten resident artists, including painters, glass artists, and ceramic sculptors. Visitors can observe artists at work for free or take a class, then enjoy nearby dining options. It’s a unique way to experience Martin County’s vibrant creative community.
Rio – Langford Park
Langford Park, Northeast Dixie Highway, Jensen Beach, FL, USA
Langford Park in Jensen Beach offers 20 acres of fun, with amenities like playgrounds, picnic pavilions, sports courts (including pickleball and tennis), baseball fields, and more. Donated by entertainer Frances Langford in 1948, it’s a great spot for outdoor activities near the Stuart Welcome Arch. Don’t forget to visit Mrs. Peters Smokehouse nearby for their famous smoked fish dip!
Final Thoughts
Martin County, Florida, has something for everyone—serene beaches, eco-adventures, rich history, and vibrant arts. Whether you’re exploring the Sailfish Capital of the World, discovering cultural gems, or enjoying unspoiled natural beauty, Martin County is the perfect place to relax and create lasting memories. With its preserved nature and Old Florida charm, it’s an ideal spot to reconnect with the outdoors, family, and yourself. Plan your escape today and see all that Martin County has to offer!
