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22 Incredible Things to Do in Martin County, Florida: Your Ultimate Treasure Coast Guide
If you're dreaming of Florida without the chaos of Miami or the tourist overload of Orlando, let me introduce you to Martin County. This stretch of Florida's Atlantic coast—often called the Treasure Coast—offers everything that makes Florida magical, minus the overwhelming crowds. After exploring this gem multiple times, I'm convinced it's one of the most underrated destinations in the Sunshine State.
Here's your complete guide to the best things to do in Martin County, Florida.
1. Spend a Day at Bathtub Reef Beach
Skip the crowded beaches of South Florida and head to Bathtub Reef Beach in Stuart. This small but mighty beach gets its name from the calm, shallow waters created by an offshore reef—perfect for kids and anyone who wants to swim without fighting waves. The natural reef acts as a barrier, creating gentle water that's essentially a natural bathtub. Parking fills up fast on weekends, so arrive early.
Pro tip: Bring snorkel gear. The reef visibility is surprisingly good, and you might spot sea turtles grazing on seagrass.
2. Explore Historic Downtown Stuart
Downtown Stuart is the kind of Florida town that captures your heart immediately. The brick-paved streets, boutique shops, and waterfront views along the St. Lucie River create an atmosphere that feels worlds away from Florida's tourist traps. The community has worked hard to maintain its small-town character, and it shows.
Don't miss the Stuart Beach Brews festival if you're visiting in season, and make time to stroll past the historic buildings on Flagship and Osprey Streets. The Saturday morning farmers market at the marina is a local institution.
3. Discover the Treasure at The House of the Treasure Coast
Yes, the Treasure Coast has actual treasure! This cultural center in Stuart tells the story of the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet wreck, which occurred just offshore. Spanish galleons carrying fortunes in gold and jewels went down during a hurricane, and gold coins still wash up on local beaches to this day.
The museum features artifacts recovered from the wrecks, interactive exhibits, and the fascinating story of the maritime disaster. It's a must-visit for history buffs and anyone curious about Florida's Spanish colonial past.
4. Paddle Through Hobe Sound's Natural Beauty
Hobe Sound is where nature lovers come to find their happy place. The Hobe Sound Nature Center offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, and the nearby Jupiter Island beaches are some of the most pristine in Florida.
The Indian River Lagoon here is a biodiversity hotspot. During a recent paddle, I spotted manatees, dolphins, and an incredible variety of wading birds—all within sight of the shoreline. Spring and early summer offer the best manatee encounters before the water heats up too much.
Insider tip: Book a guided tour with a local outfitter. They'll know exactly where the wildlife hangs out on any given day.
5. Watch the Sunset at Sailor's Return
There's something special about watching the sun dip below the horizon over the intracoastal waterway. Sailor's Return in Port Salerno offers one of the best sunset vantage points in Martin County, with a laid-back atmosphere and affordable seafood.
Grab a seat on the outdoor deck, order some conch fritters and fresh fish, and watch the boats come back into harbor. This is Old Florida at its finest—no pretense, just good food and beautiful views.
6. Go Fishing Off the St. Lucie Inlet
Martin County is a fisherman's paradise, and the St. Lucie Inlet is where the big boys play. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, fishing here offers chances for snook, redfish, tarpon, and sea trout.
Book a charter with a local captain who knows these waters. The guides here take conservation seriously—catch and release is the norm for trophy fish, and they'll teach you proper handling techniques. Some of the best memories of my Florida travels came from half-day fishing charters in this area.
7. Hike the Savannas Recreation Area
Looking for things to do in Martin County that don't involve the beach? Head inland to the Savannas Recreation Area, a 60,000-acre freshwater marsh system that provides crucial habitat for wildlife. The hiking trails wind through pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and saw palmetto scrub.
Bring binoculars. This area is a bird-watcher's dream, with eagles, osprey, hawks, and dozens of wading bird species calling the marsh home. The boardwalk over the marsh offers excellent views and photo opportunities.
8. Visit the Elliott Museum
Located in Stuart, the Elliott Museum is a pleasant surprise—far more comprehensive than its modest exterior suggests. The collection includes vintage automobiles, baseball memorabilia, local art, and rotating exhibitions that change throughout the year.
What I appreciate about this museum is its connection to the community. The baseball exhibit honors Florida's connection to the sport, while the art galleries showcase local and regional talent. Plan for at least two hours to explore everything.
9. Explore Jonathan Dickinson State Park
This 11,500-acre park is one of Florida's largest and most diverse. Named for a young Quaker who survived a shipwreck on the Treasure Coast in 1696, the park offers hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing across multiple ecosystems.
The Loxahatchee River—Florida's first designated Wild and Scenic River—flows through the park. You can paddle through towering cypress swamps or mountain bike along 13 miles of dedicated trails. Campsites here book up months in advance, so plan ahead if you want to stay overnight.
10. Browse the Jensen Beach Art Galleries
The art scene in Jensen Beach surprises many visitors. This quirky coastal town has developed a small but dedicated community of artists, and their work is displayed in galleries scattered throughout the downtown area.
Plan a weekend visit during one of the monthly art walks, when galleries stay open late and the streets come alive with music and creativity. Even on regular days, though, the gallery district is worth exploring, and the pieces you'll find here are far more interesting than generic beach art.
11. Golf the Area's Championship Courses
Martin County and the surrounding Treasure Coast have attracted golf enthusiasts for decades, and it's easy to see why. Courses like the Champion Course at Bocarion and the Ocean Club at Singer Island offer challenging play with stunning water and ocean views.
Even if you're not an avid golfer, many courses have excellent restaurants and bars with public access. The atmosphere at these clubhouses is relaxed and welcoming—not the stuffy country club vibe you might expect.
12. Attend a Local Festival
Martin County knows how to throw a party, and the calendar is packed with events throughout the year. The Stuart Air Show brings military aircraft demonstrations to the local airport each November. The Jensen Beach Sea Turtle Festival celebrates the area's nesting season. The Friday Fest concert series runs through winter in downtown Stuart.
Check the local event calendars before your trip. These festivals offer authentic experiences with local food vendors, live music, and a chance to mix with the friendly locals who make this community special.
13. Take a Dolphin Tour
The Indian River Lagoon is one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America, and its Atlantic bottlenose dolphin population is thriving. Several operators offer dolphin-watching tours departing from local marinas.
I was initially skeptical, having done similar tours elsewhere that felt commercialized. But the guides here clearly care about their passengers and the marine environment. Tours emphasize education and conservation, and you're almost guaranteed dolphin sightings in their natural habitat.
14. Discover the Indian River Lagoon by Kayak
Speaking of kayaking, the Indian River Lagoon deserves its own mention. This 156-mile estuary is the most diverse in Florida, with over 4,000 species of plants and animals documented in its waters.
Paddle through mangrove tunnels, spot dolphins and manatees at close range, and watch for the bald eagles that nest along the shoreline. Multiple launch points throughout Martin County make it easy to find a route that matches your skill level.
15. Visit the House of the Treasure Coast Museum
This Stuart museum tells the story of the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet disaster and the ongoing efforts to recover treasure from the wrecks. Even if you think you're not interested in maritime history, the exhibits here are engaging and well-presented.
The museum's location near the water adds to the experience—you can almost feel the weight of history when you consider that Spanish galleons sank just offshore. Artifacts on display include gold bars, silver coins, jewelry, and navigation instruments.
16. Explore Blowing Rocks Preserve
Managed by the Nature Conservancy, Blowing Rocks Preserve on Jupiter Island is one of the most dramatic natural areas on Florida's Atlantic coast. The rocky Anastasia limestone formations create blowholes that can spray water 50 feet into the air when conditions are right.
The surrounding beach is excellent for shelling, and the nature trails wind through coastal hammock habitats. It's a small preserve, but powerful—the contrast of crashing waves against tropical vegetation is quintessential Florida beauty.
17. Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Local Restaurants
I could write an entire article just about the seafood restaurants in Martin County, but let me highlight a few favorites. The market right on the water at the St. Lucie Inlet sells the freshest catch you'll find anywhere—buy your fish and have it grilled at the adjacent restaurant.
For casual dining, try The Dinkin' Donut for breakfast (yes, really) or catch a casual fish fry at local spots that have been serving the community for decades. The seafood here doesn't try to be fancy—it just focuses on freshness and honest preparation.
18. Go Beachcombing at Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
This protected beach provides critical nesting habitat for sea turtles and serves as a beautiful destination for beachcombers. The pristine shoreline offers excellent shelling opportunities, especially after storms when the surf churns up treasures from the seafloor.
The beach is relatively quiet compared to nearby tourist areas, and the surrounding scrub and hammock habitats support populations of Florida scrub-jays and other native wildlife. Come early morning for the best shelling and to watch wildlife along the dune line.
19. Visit the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
Located on Hutchinson Island, this educational center is dedicated to marine conservation and offers excellent hands-on learning experiences. The highlight is the sea turtle hospital, where injured and sick sea turtles are rehabilitated before release.
Kids love the touch tanks and interactive exhibits, while adults appreciate the commitment to ocean conservation. The center sits on a beautiful stretch of coastline, with nature trails that wind through coastal habitats.
20. Explore the Local Craft Beverage Scene
The Treasure Coast has developed a surprising craft beverage scene over the past decade. Local breweries like Due South Brewing in Boynton Beach and Ocean Republic Brewing serve excellent beers with a Florida twist—look for seasonal releases featuring local fruits and ingredients.
For something different, explore the local wineries and meaderies that have cropped up in the area. The warm climate supports fruit wines and honey-based meads that you won't find elsewhere. Several offer tours and tastings.
21. Attend a Show at the Lyric Theatre
This beautifully restored historic theater in downtown Stuart hosts concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical performances throughout the year. The intimate setting means no seat is far from the stage, and the acoustics are excellent.
Check the calendar before your visit and consider catching a show during your stay. It's a wonderful way to experience the local arts scene and support the community's cultural institutions.
22. Just... Slow Down
The single best thing about Martin County is its pace of life. Unlike the frenetic energy of South Florida or the theme-park focus of Central Florida, this community has maintained its relaxed coastal character. The best experiences here don't involve tickets or reservations—they involve watching pelicans dive for fish, chatting with locals at a waterfront bar, or simply sitting on a quiet beach as the sun sets.
Give yourself permission to do nothing. Your Florida vacation battery will thank you.
Final Thoughts: Why Martin County Should Be on Your Radar
After exploring Florida's coast from Jacksonville to Key West, Martin County stands out as a destination that delivers everything travelers love about the Sunshine State without the crowds and commercialism that have overwhelmed other areas.
The communities here—Stuart, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Port Salerno—have managed to preserve their character while still offering modern amenities and excellent dining. The natural environment remains largely intact, supporting populations of manatees, sea turtles, dolphins, and a remarkable diversity of birdlife.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended Florida vacation, Martin County offers experiences that feel authentic and connections that feel genuine. The Treasure Coast may not have famous attractions or well-known landmarks, but what it lacks in notoriety, it more than makes up for in charm.
Pack your sense of adventure, bring your appetite for fresh seafood, and prepare to discover one of Florida's true hidden gems.
Getting There and Around
Martin County is located on Florida's Atlantic coast, about 30 minutes north of Palm Beach and about 2 hours south of Orlando. The nearest major airports are Palm Beach International (PBI) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL). A rental car is essential for exploring the area—public transportation is limited.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal visiting window is November through April, when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is minimal. Summer brings heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms, though it's also the low season with fewer crowds and better deals on accommodations.
Where to Stay
Martin County offers accommodations ranging from beachfront resorts to charming bed and breakfasts. For the full experience, consider renting a vacation home or condo in Stuart or Jensen Beach, which gives you kitchen facilities and local neighborhood access.
What's your favorite thing to do on Florida's Treasure Coast? Share your experiences in the comments below!