Martin County, Florida: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Bathtub Reef Beach

Famous for its protected wading area created by a natural reef, this family-friendly beach offers calm, shallow waters perfect for children and snorkeling enthusiasts. The reef creates a “bathtub-like” experience at low tide.

Jensen Sea Turtle Beach

A beautiful wide stretch of Atlantic shoreline, this beach is a significant sea turtle nesting site. Visit the Sand Dune Café for breakfast or lunch with ocean views, open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (weather permitting).

Hobe Sound Beach

Located near Jupiter Island, this less-developed beach offers a more natural experience with beautiful dunes and vegetation. It’s perfect for those seeking a quieter beach day away from crowds.

Blowing Rocks Preserve

Named for its rocky Anastasia limestone shoreline, this magnificently restored sanctuary on Jupiter Island offers a rare window into Florida’s natural history. During high tide, waves crash against the rocks creating spectacular plumes of water up to 50 feet high.

The preserve features native plant demonstration gardens and interpretive trails through one of Florida’s rarest landscapes – an intact dune habitat with beach sunflower, bay cedar, sea grape, and sea oats.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

This 11,500-acre park is the largest in Southeast Florida, featuring diverse ecosystems including pine flatwoods, mangroves, and river swamps. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, paddling, and camping.

Don’t miss the Loxahatchee Queen boat tour to Trapper Nelson’s historic camp, where you’ll learn about the fascinating “Wildman of the Loxahatchee” who lived here in the 1930s.

St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park

Accessible only by boat, this barrier island paradise offers pristine beaches, a 4.2-mile kayak trail through mangrove estuaries, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. The park marks the beginning of the Florida Coral Reef Tract that extends through the Keys.

Keep an eye out for nesting sea turtles, wading birds, and other native wildlife that thrive in this protected environment.

Elliott Museum

Named after prolific inventor Sterling Elliott, this fascinating museum houses an impressive collection of antique automobiles, vintage boats, and baseball memorabilia. Located on Hutchinson Island at the entrance to Stuart Beach, it offers a deep dive into Treasure Coast history and American innovation.

House of Refuge

Martin County’s oldest building and the last remaining of ten Houses of Refuge built along Florida’s east coast to shelter shipwrecked sailors. This historic site on Hutchinson Island offers a glimpse into the area’s maritime history and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.

Historic Downtown Stuart

Explore the charming streets of downtown Stuart, named “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine. Browse over 50 locally-owned shops, art galleries, and restaurants in a delightful Old Florida atmosphere. The historic Lyric Theatre, once a silent movie house in the 1920s, now hosts live performances year-round.

World-Class Fishing

Martin County is known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” offering exceptional fishing opportunities year-round. Join a charter for offshore adventures targeting sailfish, mahi-mahi, and grouper, or explore the inshore waters of the Indian River Lagoon for snook, redfish, and trout.

Paddling & Eco-Tours

Explore the Scenic Blueway Trail spanning nearly 38 miles across the Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie River. Local outfitters offer guided kayak and paddleboard tours through mangrove tunnels and estuaries teeming with wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and over 4,000 plant and animal species.

Surfing & Water Sports

Martin County’s beaches offer excellent surfing conditions, particularly at Stuart Beach and Jensen Beach. Local shops like Ohana Surf Shop provide lessons and rentals for beginners. For more adventurous visitors, try kiteboarding with New Wave Kiteboarding or water skiing at the Hobe Lake Ski Club.

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

This marine life nature center on Hutchinson Island offers hands-on experiences with stingrays, sea turtles, and other marine creatures. The 750,000-gallon Game Fish Lagoon, butterfly garden, nature trails, and new Ocean EcoCenter provide educational fun for all ages.

Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast

Located in Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach, this interactive museum encourages learning through play. Children can explore a Spanish galleon, shop in a mini supermarket, or become veterinarians in the pet clinic. Special program days throughout the year add to the fun.

Sailfish Splash Waterpark

Beat the Florida heat at this family-friendly waterpark in Stuart featuring a 1,000-foot lazy river, two 4-story water slides, and an interactive water playground. The park also hosts competitive swimming and diving events at its Olympic-class pool.

Beachfront Resorts

The Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort offers oceanfront accommodations with an 18-hole golf course, marina, and multiple dining options. Smaller beachfront hotels and condos provide more intimate settings with direct beach access.

Historic Inns

Experience Old Florida charm at the Old Colorado Inn in downtown Stuart or the historic Seminole Inn in Indiantown, built in 1926. These unique properties offer a glimpse into the area’s rich history with modern amenities.

Vacation Rentals & Camping

For longer stays or family trips, consider vacation rentals ranging from beachfront condos to riverfront homes. Outdoor enthusiasts can camp at Jonathan Dickinson State Park or stay at RV parks throughout the county.

Waterfront Dining

Enjoy fresh seafood and stunning views at Riverwalk Cafe & Oyster Bar in Stuart, where you can watch boats pass by on the St. Lucie River. In Jensen Beach, Conchy Joe’s Seafood Restaurant offers Caribbean-inspired dishes in a colorful setting with water views.

Local Favorites

For Louisiana-inspired cuisine, visit Crawdaddy’s N’awlins Grill & Raw Bar in Jensen Beach. Coffee lovers should stop by Blue Door Coffee Bar in Stuart for specialty coffees and light bites in a cozy atmosphere.

Farmers Markets & Food Tours

Sample local produce and artisanal foods at the Market on Main in downtown Stuart (Sundays) or the Hobe Sound Farmers Market (weekends). For a guided culinary experience, join The Flavor Excursion for a walking food tour through historic downtown Stuart.

Getting Around

A rental car is recommended for exploring Martin County’s diverse areas, from Jensen Beach to Hobe Sound. In downtown Stuart, the free tram service runs seven days a week, making it easy to explore shops, restaurants, and the Riverwalk.

For beach access, free wheelchair rentals are available at public beaches, and boardwalks are designed to accommodate wheelchairs.

Weather & What to Pack

Martin County enjoys a subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, swimwear, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen), and comfortable walking shoes.

During summer months (June-September), afternoon showers are common, so bring a light rain jacket or umbrella. If visiting in winter, pack a light sweater for cooler evenings.

Local Events & Festivals

Check the local calendar for award-winning events like the Stuart Boat Show (January), MartinArts ArtsFest (February), Ohana Surf Shop’s Singlefin Showdown (March), Indiantown PRCA Rodeo (October), and the Stuart Air Show (November).

For nature enthusiasts, sea turtle nesting season runs from March through October, with guided turtle walks available from May through July (reservations required).