Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Stuart, Florida

Situated on Florida’s Treasure Coast, this city boasts a unique location where the St. Lucie River merges with the Intracoastal Waterway.

Stuart is also positioned at the eastern terminus of the Okeechobee Waterway, which connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Gulf of Mexico at Ft. Myers.

From my perspective, coastal towns like Stuart are breathtaking in their beauty. Dating back to the 1880s, the downtown area has preserved its historical essence, devoid of towering condominiums.

The expansive waters to the east and west make both sunrise and sunset equally captivating in Stuart.

Visitors are treated to a range of remarkable attractions that delve into local history and ecology, complemented by the untouched beauty of the Atlantic shore along Hutchinson Island, just moments away.

1. Downtown Stuart

Initially established in the 1880s, downtown Stuart consistently impresses. Notably, I appreciate the narrow stretch on SW Osceola St, brimming with restaurants, galleries, retail shops, and entertainment venues.

The Lyric Theater, constructed in 1926 and exemplifying Moorish Revival architecture, formerly served as a movie palace and now features performing arts.

The surrounding early 20th-century landscape hosts over 50 locally owned businesses to explore.

Another appealing aspect of this area is its vibrant atmosphere, hosting weekly outdoor concerts alongside the annual Downtown Stuart Craft Festival in March.

2. Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

Source: floridaocean.org

One of the two key attractions near Stuart Beach is the headquarters of the Florida Oceanographic Society.

This center occupies nearly 60 acres of coastal hammock and mangroves, offering engaging wildlife education experiences.

For example, it features a 750,000-gallon lagoon for gamefish and touch tanks for stingrays and other invertebrates. The Ocean EcoCenter showcases several aquariums displaying the rich marine biodiversity of the region.

I highly recommend attending the twice-daily Sea Turtle Program, which provides insights into Florida’s five species of sea turtles, including identification techniques and protective measures against common threats.

3. Elliott Museum

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Adjacent to Stuart Beach, this contemporary museum is managed by the Martin County Historical Society. The Elliott Museum was established in 1961, unveiling a new 48,000-square-foot complex in 2013.

The diverse galleries cover an array of topics, including baseball, pineapple agriculture, aviation, art, maritime history, piracy, shipwrecks, and more.

Notably, the museum features a significant collection of vintage commercial vehicles. The Wheels of Change exhibit primarily showcases Ford Model As and Model AAs.

The collection is displayed on a three-level racking system, allowing them to be lowered on a robotic tray and rotated on a turntable.

4. Stuart Riverwalk

From downtown, visitors can enjoy a scenic stroll along the St. Lucie River. I found the length of the Riverwalk to be quite impressive.

The trail can be accessed from the north end of S Colorado Ave, leading to a picturesque boardwalk that runs behind City Hall and alongside Flagler Park.

An appealing aspect of this attraction is the live entertainment. Every Sunday afternoon from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, live music graces the waterfront stage, providing a delightful experience for visitors.

This community event is uplifting, welcoming pets, with free shuttle services available from Osceola, Sailfish, or Kiwanis Park.

5. House of Refuge Museum

Located along the rocky Gilbert’s Bar, about 10 minutes from downtown, this site represents a captivating piece of maritime history. The House of Refuge (established in 1876) stands as the oldest structure in Martin County and is a preserved life-saving station for shipwrecks.

This facility is the last of ten similar stations built along Florida’s Atlantic Coast, providing crucial refuge for shipwrecked sailors during a time of sparse coastal populations.

Among the sailors who sought shelter at the House of Refuge were individuals from the Georges Valentine, an Italian barkentine wrecked less than 100 yards offshore. The wreck remains a popular diving spot today.

Visitors can explore the complex, view exhibits detailing the station’s rich history, and delve into an array of artifacts including period clothing, lamps, historic lifesaving equipment, U.S. Lifesaving Service uniforms, and a genuine 19th-century commode.

6. Stuart Beach

Stuart residents can access public beaches for miles along the coast. However, if you seek a seamless afternoon of sun, surf, and sand, Stuart Beach on Hutchinson Island is an excellent choice.

Located under ten minutes from downtown, this expansive beach features soft, pale sands that serve as a nesting site for sea turtles from April to October.

Amenities include a concession stand, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, BBQ pits, basketball courts, and a volleyball court.

One important note: be cautious of the steep drop-off, which might be challenging for young children. Naturally, Stuart Beach is a premier location in the city for sunrise viewing.

7. Stuart Heritage Museum

Located near the waterfront at 161 Southwest Flagler Avenue, the Stuart Heritage Museum resides in a historical commercial building, the former Stuart Feed Store, established in 1901 and reopened as the George W. Parks Grocery and General Merchandise Store.

This museum features a vast collection that illustrates various aspects of the city’s history, including artifacts from Seminole Native Americans, pioneer tools, local home furnishings, and memorabilia related to notable figures from Stuart.

I found the exhibits on Stuart’s pineapple production and sport fishing particularly insightful, highlighting the city’s 20th-century heritage.

8. Shepard Park

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Situated just west of downtown Stuart, Shepard Park offers another idyllic waterfront retreat. This location marks the confluence of Frazier Creek and the South Fork of the St. Lucie River.

Here, a paved trail and boardwalk follow both stretches of shoreline. During my visit, I was captivated by the abundance of casual birdlife, spotting an ibis, an osprey, a heron, and several pelicans within moments.

As Shepard Park faces west, it attains a breathtaking quality during the low sun. Therefore, I recommend visiting this park before or after your dining experience.

9. Halpatiokee Regional Park

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As Martin County’s largest park, Halpatiokee Regional Park encompasses over 500 acres of both developed and preserved natural spaces.

This park offers amenities such as soccer and baseball fields, a disc golf course, tennis courts, and an outdoor roller rink, catering to those seeking active pursuits.

For those preferring a more secluded experience amidst nature, a variety of trails are available for walkers and cyclists. The park’s wilder regions showcase oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, scrub, and riparian habitats.

While traversing these trails, I was intrigued to discover that the park is home to numerous plant and animal species listed as threatened or endangered by the State of Florida.

10. Sandsprit Park

This public park, managed by Martin County, occupies a scenic location at the entrance to Manatee Pocket Harbor.

Only a few minutes from downtown Stuart, Sandsprit Park is distinguished by its closeness to the St. Lucie Inlet.

The park’s greatest appeal lies in its riverfront vistas, offering extensive views across the water. The park’s perimeter features a continuous boardwalk with benches, making it an ideal spot to take in the remarkable sunrise scenery.

Furthermore, the park is teeming with birdlife, notably pelicans perched on the docks and parrots flitting among the trees.

11. Sailfish Splash Waterpark

Source: Sailfish Splash Waterpark / Facebook

While the stunning nearby beaches may overshadow it, the Sailfish Splash Waterpark, managed by Martin County, serves as an excellent alternative for families.

This facility is ideal for children, especially when the beach’s sun and saltwater become overwhelming.

Despite being publicly operated, the Sailfish Splash Water Park has the vibe of a resort, providing modern amenities for various age groups. Offerings include a 1,000-foot lazy river, two four-story slides, a water playground, and an Olympic pool for lap swimming. Even though it primarily caters to children, parents usually find enjoyment as well.

12. Savannas Preserve State Park

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In Stuart, you are conveniently located near the southern entrance to an extensive basin marsh habitat, which stretches alongside the coast for miles.

The landscapes within Savannas Preserve State Park closely resemble those encountered by Florida’s pioneers. The park encompasses six distinct natural communities, one of which is the rare sand pine scrub, which I must highlight.

This unique habitat, found along the eastern boundaries of the park, is disappearing globally. Towering sand pines dominate this environment, serving as a habitat for gopher tortoises and the only native bird of the state, the Florida scrub jay.

Popular activities within the park include biking, hiking, horseback riding, and kayaking or paddleboarding within the wetlands.

13. St. Lucie Lock and Dam

For something a bit different, consider exploring the St. Lucie Canal a few miles upstream to this lock.

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, a lock has operated at this location since 1925, with the current system established in the 1940s.

Over 10,000 vessels transit through the locks annually, including recreational crafts and commercial shipping. For enthusiasts of infrastructure, this is a fascinating site to observe, particularly when boats traverse through. If you are fortunate, you may even spot manatees navigating the canal.

The USACE maintains a campground at this site, which features a small visitor center with exhibits on inland shipping, a playground, and several picnic tables by the water.

14. Stuart Boathouse

Source: stuartboathouse.com

I challenge anyone to identify a superior dining venue for seafood than the St. Lucie riverfront in downtown Stuart.

A visit to this establishment on a Sunday afternoon allows for a delightful meal paired with live music at the Stuart Riverwalk Stage.

The Stuart Boathouse offers an upscale dining experience in a charming small-town atmosphere.

As a sushi enthusiast, this venue perfectly suits my palate. I chose the spicy tuna roll, accompanied by marinated tuna, sriracha, avocado, and cucumber. For the main course, my personal favorite was the Blackened Mahi Mahi, served over lime jasmine rice, with black beans and chimichurri.

15. Stuart Airshow

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For over thirty years, a world-class air show has been held annually at Witham Field.

In partnership with multiple local nonprofits, the Stuart Air Show celebrates aviation, honoring its history while inspiring its future.

For those who have yet to experience a live air show, they present breathtaking spectacles featuring high and low-altitude maneuvers, smoke trails, and powerful engines.

During my visit, numerous military performers captivated the audience; a standout was the USAF F-22 “Raptor” Demonstration Team, showcasing the capabilities of this advanced stealth fighter.

Additions to the event include live entertainment, arts and crafts stalls, delicious food and drink options, and countless family-friendly activities.