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If you’re looking for stunning beach vacations in Florida in the winter, then you might consider visiting Martin County.

This stunning area is known for having a bio-diverse lagoon ecosystem, plenty of fishing opportunities, stunning beaches, and peaceful small towns.

It has everything we love in a destination: spectacular, diverse scenery; fun outdoor adventures; towns with charm and artistic vibes; slow-paced tempo suited to vibrant fun; endless opportunities for mouth-watering seafood and sunset cocktails – often paired with live music and laughter, and even great coffee shops!

And then of course, there are the PERFECT winter temperatures – 80s every day. Oh, my heaven.

If you’re not sure what things to do in Martin County on your next trip, then don’t worry, because in this guide I’ve listed all the top Martin County attractions, plus a few hidden gems.

people sitting on the beach
Gorgeous Martin County beaches.

Where is Martin County and the Treasure Coast?

Before our winter vacation to this part of the Treasure Coast with Visit Florida, I hadn’t heard of Martin County, Fl.

I’m certainly not going to forget it. In fact, we’re talking about returning here each year for our winter vacation!

When you visit Martin County, you can find sophistication and Old Florida charm as well as the all-embracing kick off your flip flops and slip on your Key West persona.

Martin County is made up of 10 closely-knitted communities. It starts at Lake Okeechobee, and includes the town of Stuart, and Jensen, as well as Hobe Sound, Hutchinson Island, Indiantown, Jupiter Island, Palm City, Port Salerno, Rio, Sewall’s Point, and Tequesta. 

We also partnered with VRBO to stay in our safe family bubble world in a rented home, one that has the amenities we need to balance our love of travel with our school and work needs.

Because of the pandemic remote working and learning have suddenly become a reality for many families across the globe.

family eating breakfast on a  VRBO houseboat
Breakfast onboard our houseboat

The Treasure Coast is located on the South East Coast of Florida (Atlantic Coast), America, between Orlando and Miami and just north of Palm Beach.

The city of Stuart is charming with art galleries, boutique stores, and a beautiful riverfront. We can understand why it was named Coastal Living’s 2016 “Happiest Seaside Town” as well as several other acknowledgments for it being a beautiful USA town.

Jensen is the other major town in Martin County with a more laid-back party vibe. Both places have easy access to each other AND to the many beautiful beaches along nearby Hutchinson Island.

That’s the beauty of this Treasure Coast region – with the Intracoastal Waterway, St Lucie River, and the Atlantic Ocean, you are utterly spoiled for water attractions and activities.

You’ll also find smaller, historic towns and fishing villages located in the area, and out west is Indiantown, a cattle and citrus country with a rich Seminole culture and history.

We donate a percentage of our campaign fee to those local businesses and organizations that support the community, the environment, and humanitarian causes.

How to get to Martin County

If flying, you have a few options for airports. The closest is West Palm Beach (45 mins), but if that doesn’t work, Fort Lauderdale is also not too far away (1.5 hours).

We flew into Orlando, as the flight times were best. We could arrive early in the morning and fly direct from Raleigh.

It was only a two-hour drive to our accommodation, so it ended up being the fastest route for us, including the drive – and cheaper is a bargain!

See what we discovered on our next two destinations on this South Florida road trip: Sebring and Manasota Key.

woman and two girls walking along the Lovely boardwalk in Stuart Florida
Lovely boardwalk in Stuart Florida

Things to do in Martin County, Florida

If you’re like us, you don’t just want to lie around on a beach all day. We also love to balance the rest with adventurous activities like stand-up paddle boarding and horse riding.

In this guide to the best things to do in Martin County, we made sure to include activities about culture, history, and learning.

As you’ll discover, all of our Martin County things to do were outdoors, allowing us to stay at a safe distance in the fresh, healing air. We also choose activities and local businesses that promote or support environmental sustainability.

paddleboards on the sand at sunset
Sunset paddle board was one of our favorite things to do in Martin County, Florida

1. Play at Martin County Beaches

It’s winter.

You might think there are no opportunities left in Florida to experience uncrowded white sandy beaches. Well, you haven’t yet traveled to Martin County and its 22 miles of beaches (and over 100,000 acres of parks and conservation lands.)

girl rubbing sunscream on woman's shoulders
Beach time in Martin County, Fl

The Florida Coral Reef tract starts here, and reaches down through the Florida Keys.

The Treasure Coast is named so due to the fleet of Spanish ships that lost their treasure here during the 1715 hurricane. People still find treasure here. Sometimes it washes up on the beach and handheld metal detectors can reveal gold, silver, and other artifacts.

Pick a beach along Hutchinson Island and enjoy a few hours of relaxing beach time. We found the water temperatures surprisingly pleasant, although slightly colder than the much warmer summer bath-like temperatures.

We swam at the guarded Stuart Beach but also visited Jensen Beach (also guarded and popular) and Tiger Shores, which is a more hidden beach the locals love. Other under-the-radar beaches are Chastain Beach and Virginia Forest Beach.

2. Eat Breakfast at Jan’s Place, Jensen, Fl

plate of Steak & eggs at Jan's Place, Jenson, FLorida
Steak & eggs at Jan’s Place

Ask any local where they recommend for breakfast in Martin County and they’ll say Jan’s Place. Known for its large servings of classic Southern breakfast and old-style hospitality and charm, it’s one of the most popular places to eat in Jensen.

3. Eat Lunch at Mulligan’s Beach House, Jensen

plates of food at the outdoor terrace
Good vibes and tasty food at Mulligan’s

You’ll love the beach theme and laid-back style of Mulligan’s Beach House Bar & Grill in the Downtown area of Jensen, Florida, a perfect lunch break from the beach.

Our tip is to head upstairs to the large open-air deck with views over Jenson and the water. We visited it for brunch, complete with a delicious southwest bowl, tasty burger, and Blushing Mimosa.

4. Learn at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, Stuart

woman taking photos of girls looking at lagon

Time to ditch the science textbook and head for a real-life lesson on our ocean friends at the 57 acres Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center on Hutchinson Island.

Florida Oceanographic has the mission to “inspire environmental stewardship of Florida’s coastal ecosystems through education, research, and advocacy,” They offer educational programs and conduct research and restoration programs that lead to healthy coastal ecosystems.
 
They have a 750,000 gallon Game Fish Lagoon (with nurse sharks), a Sea Turtle Pavilion, and a Sea Star Touch Tank Pavilion where we learned of the powerful sterilizing and healing qualities of the horseshoe crab’s blue blood.

There are horseshoe crab blood banks set up to take the blood without harm for important medical purposes. The blood goes for at least $50K!

Don’t miss the stingray feeding session where you’ll learn about the different types of stingrays and their survival features.

You’ll then get a chance to feed the stingrays, putting a piece of fish between your fingers, laying your hand on the bottom of the tank like a dinner plate, and waiting for the nearest stingray to take a bit.

Feeding a Stingray at Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, Stuart
Don’t miss feeding the Stingrays.

It feels like a puppy dog nuzzling at your hand. You’ll fall in love with them (if you don’t already love these ocean butterflies.)

A visit here is one of the best things to do in Stuart with kids!

6. Sunset Sail on Schooner Lily, Stuart

people sitting on a boat
A lovely way to end the day!

Time for your Florida vacation relaxation.

Board the historic Schooner Lily as you set sail on the St Lucie River for about 2 hours under the guidance of Captain Fred, owner of Treasure Coast Sailing Adventures.

There’s not much for you to do except watch as they hoist the sails, learn more about the biodiversity of the estuary (the most diverse in the Northern Hemisphere), soak up the scenery and sailboat silence, look for wildlife (if you’re lucky, you might see dolphins), and marvel at the bright orange sunset sky.

We were fortunate to sail during a full moon so on the way back were able to complete our sunset sail with a full moon rise. Martin County is something special.

As the Schooner Lily is a sailing tall ship, you’ll be happy to know your enjoyment of this beautiful area is not harming the environment. Also, sail capacity is currently reduced due to COVID, which meant you could easily maintain your space.

You can bring your own snacks and beverages.

7. Eat Dinner at Sneaki Tiki, Stuart

Brisket at Sneaki Tiki in Stuart, Florida
Brisket

You’ll want to continue your feel-good sailing vibes with dinner at Sneaki Tiki. We went here after the line at Taco Shack was way too long! (local’s favorite for gourmet tacos though).

We were not disappointed. Sneaki Tiki is a hole-in-the-wall place with little tiki huts you can sit under. What you’ll love are the $6 margaritas ($4 during happy hour), the live music, and the affordable and delicious food on the menu. My brisket was as good as any you’d find in Texas.

9. Horseback Ride through the South Florida Wilderness, Palm City

family sitting on horses posing for camera
Family fun on horse back!

Leave the noise and beach fun behind as you head for a quieter Martin county experience in the rural, equestrian community of Palm City.

Kathy McLaughlin owner of Greenridge Stables had me at her enthusiastic greeting, “I absolutely love my life.”

This is the kind of woman I want to follow (and celebrate this Women’s History Month). A lady determined to follow her passion and love for horses and help many people along the way grow into strong, responsible humans.

She and her husband have fostered many children and helped put them through college.

Her niece, Ryan guided us along the trail through the South Florida wilderness, and was filled with happy chatter. I also loved her friendliness and love for horses, nature trails, and living a kind, full life.

woman riding horse with Greenridge Stables in Florida
Peaceful and relaxing

Melissa brought up the rear and was wonderful in helping the girls feel comfortable in the saddle.

Greenridge Stables run private horse-riding tours no matter how small your group is – and rides range in time depending on experience.

Beginners will be more than happy with the one-hour horseback ride which takes you on a loop through the nearby tranquil preserve, Hawk’s Hammock.

We were delighted for Ryan and Melissa to lead us into a short trot. Savannah now wants lessons to learn how to do it properly.

young girl riding a white hourse through the maritime forest.
Savannah on her gentle horse

The horses were beautiful – very calm and steady with their own personalities. There is just something about being around horses. I highly recommend you do it often to improve your inner Zen.

Phone to book your horseback riding adventure. Greenridge is delightfully old school!  (772) 288-7234

10. Full Moon Sunset Paddle, Port Salerno

people standup paddleboarding
Gorgeous sunset paddle

Our timing on our visit to Martin County was perfectly aligned with the full moon. This meant we had an opportunity to do something our family has not done before – a sunset full moon stand-up paddle board.

It’s one of the most unique family adventures we’ve had, and one of the 8 wow moments from this Florida trip.

We started with a quick instruction on paddling, before heading out as a group across the channel to a nearby island. The wake was pumping, and we had to sprint paddle, timing our run in between boat cruises and catching their wake behind us.

Savannah was on the front of my board, as we soon realized it would be too extreme for her paddling experience and comfort level. I was impressed with my ability to keep us both on top of the board and paddle at a fast pace despite all the challenges.

I was even more impressed with Kalyra getting herself across okay with a huge grin.

The short paddle across to the island got us there in time to turn around and watch the tangerine sky created by the setting sun.

people standing next to a palm tree on the beach
Island vibes

The island was just a short strip of white sand with some red mangroves. The island in the middle of the St Lucie River Inlet is sometimes known as Disappearing Island (amongst other names) for its vanishing trick during high tides.

We parked ourselves here for about an hour searching for animals in their natural habitats, from hermit crabs and jellyfish as well as the abundance of bird life soaring across the pink skies.

Then we sat down to watch the huge round orange orb of the full moon rise creating a staircase below it. It was by far one of the best moon rises I’ve ever seen.

After we’d had enough, Leisa handed out safety lights and we paddled back across as a group in darkness. This time there weren’t many boats to navigate around. It was spooky and thrilling at the same time.

Definitely put this on your list of things to do in Martin County. Leisa from Zeke’s Surf and Paddleboarding has been running these tours for 12 years. You will enjoy her relaxed, friendly leadership.

You can also go kayaking if stand-up paddleboarding isn’t for you.

11. Eat Dinner at Shrimpers Grill & Raw Bar

As you’re in the Port Salerno area, after your paddle tour stop at one of the many seafood restaurants along the Manatee Pocket Waterway.

Most popular is the Twisted Tuna with its live music and dancing patrons.

We dined across the small canal at the open-air deck of Shrimpers Grill & Raw Bar – and had the bonus of hearing the rock band.

Shrimpers were voted #1 Waterfront and Seafood Restaurant. You’re bound to find a seafood dish you’ll love pairing with a bowl of Bahamian conch chowder.

I enjoyed my blackened dolphin – otherwise known as Mahi Mahi. Phew! Not the porpoise kind (I did ask the waitress just to be sure!). And Craig his steak and calamari.

12. Take a Hobe Sound Mural Tour

people looking at mural With Nadia from Hobe Sound Mural Tours
With Nadia from Hobe Sound Mural Tours

We love to hear the stories of the locals when we travel, and what better way to do that than on an art mural tour with Nadia from Hobe Sound Murals.

Nadia Utto began her non-profit in 2009 after realizing the walls of buildings in the US weren’t utilized like they were in European countries.

There were no stories being told through the powerful mural medium. And so, she put her artistic skills to create a “sense of place” for this small, low-key artistic community.

There are over 20 murals created by over 40 regional artists and 100 residents and visitors.

people looking at hobe sound murals

We wandered a couple of blocks with Nadia learning about the murals and the stories they told from environmental messages to historical events and characters.

After our tour, Nadia gave us a quick intro to mural painting and then gave us a square on the wall in the Taste Casual Dining Restaurant. What a thrill for my girls (especially our budding artist, Savannah) to contribute to a mural.

Every mural in the Hobe Sound Community has a hidden feature for you to find from dog paws to African birds.

Can you see the hidden mural, I created? I think it should now be my signature mark being Australian!

While painting at Taste Casual, grab yourself some appetizers and a margarita – the muse of all muses.

13. Drive the Enchanting Bridge Road, Hobe Sound

woman taking a photo of trees along Bridge Road, Martin County
Amazing tree lined street

After checking out the community murals, take a drive down Bridge Road to see the gnarled trunks of the banyan trees reaching over together to create a canopied tunnel.

In this region, you also have Hobe Sound Beach and Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Connect to Community: Festivals & Live Music

If you’re looking to connect to the community, then you’ll want to check out the local art festivals and outdoor live music. Martin County is big on community connection. Here are some things to do in Martin County for a community feel.

14. Jammin Jensen

people playing guitar to audience  Jammin Jenson, Florida
Good times at Jammin Jenson

Every Thursday is Jammin Day in Downtown Jensen. It’s a free weekly mini-outdoor festival with a streetside collection of local artisan stores, food, and live music.

It reminded me of the Asian night markets, wandering from store to store while the nearby bars belted out music.

Amongst the garden and art gallery cottage sections, we found a quieter trio playing some cool old 70s tunes.

15. Annual Downtown Stuart Art Festival

people walking trhough the Annual Downtown Stuart Art Festival

We were visiting the Treasure Coast during the annual Downtown Stuart Art Festival. Osceola Street transforms into rows of gallery style booths filled with every medium of art.

I was impressed with the unique quality of art on display. You can tell this community embraces artistic living.

I saw many pieces I want to buy from the artists when we finally buy a house, especially these vinyl record pieces of art for our home bar!

16. Eat Lunch at Stuart Boathouse, Stuart

woman and girl sitting at restaurant table overlooking water
Superb views at Stuart Boathouse

While enjoying Downtown Stuart, grab a table on the outside deck of Stuart Boathouse where you’ll find a variety of seafood, steaks, and salads.

My Marinated grilled octopus over a white bean cassoulet with Andouille Sausage and topped with chimichurri was delicious and perfectly paired with the setting. And Craig enjoyed another burger which is popular here.

Their outdoor setting and views are a Stuart standout.

17. Dine at TideHouse Waterfront Restaurant

Across the St Lucie River is Stuart’s newest restaurant, the TideHouse Waterfront Restaurant with views from every table. It’s a quieter and more isolated Stuart dining experience.

View of marina from TideHouse Waterfront Restaurant
Our lunch view

They are known for their happy hours Mon-Fri from 3pm-6pm with live music.

We enjoyed lunch here with a delicious Tidehouse avocado chopped salad, a Mahi Mahi topped with pineapple salsa, and the Macadamia Crusted Fresh Catch.

20. Drink Coffee at The Roasted Record, Stuart

Our long-term followers know we’re always searching for good coffee. We found it in Martin County. I was impressed with the coffee scene.

You had me at vinyl and coffee. Browse through the collection of classics while you enjoy a delicious coconut milk latte.

Finding a delicious coconut milk latte is as challenging as digging up gold on the Treasure Coast Beaches. Stop looking, you found it.

Pair it with a carrot, apple, and walnut muffin. #TasteExplosion

Ttwo coffees and a muffin he Roasted Record in Stuart, Florida
Excellent coffee and muffins

The Roasted Record was inspired by nights spent on a porch smelling freshly home-roasted coffee and listening to vinyl music and drinking beers.

Isn’t that where all great ideas start?

So glad the owners followed through with it. And yes, they do sell beers here too!

21. Visit Bunkhouse Coffee Bar, Jensen

small yellow bunkhouse coffee and smoothie bowls jenson florida

In this cute yellow bungalow in Downtown Jensen, you’ll find great coffee and OUTSTANDING smoothie bowls at the Bunkhouse Coffee Bar .

From the Bondi acai bowl to my favorite, the Pitaya Bowl loaded with liver cleansing goodness, you’ll be plant powering your way to the beach.

They also have a range of vegan and gluten free treats. Sit outside the pretty garden or on a stool at the bar to chat with, Kelly the friendly owner.

Interesting history: The Bunk House was used to house soldiers in WWII at what is now Jonathan Dickinson State Park. It was floated up the river in the 60s to this location.

22. Gilbert’s Coffee Bar, Stuart

For location, Gilbert’s Coffee Bar can’t be beaten. Its prime spot in Sunset Bay Marina & Anchorage overlooking the south fork of the St. Lucie River (watch for manatees) makes it a popular place to grab a coffee or avocado toast.

My first time trying a pistachio latte will go down as a memorable risk!

It’s also a popular place for sunset drinks (or daytime ones too!)

23. Stay on a Houseboat

woman standing on houesboat

We were all overly excited to be staying on a houseboat in Port St Lucie on the Treasure Coast. We’re talking open-air decks and a hot tub!

The houseboat was docked on a large piece of secluded property on the St Lucie River. Inside was spacious with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large open-air kitchen and living space.

person kayaking past houseboat
living area in houseboat

There are three outside decks at various places on the boat, and a section on the wooden pier with a grill. We enjoyed grill our breakfast here on our last morning.

Make sure you jump in the hot tub for sunrise views, sunset views, and nighttime star gazing.

people sitting in spa on houseboat

You will also love the hammock on the back garden, and huge mango tree.

There are kayaks and paddle boards you can take out to explore the river and mangrove region across the river. Enjoy the views looking back over the houseboat, it looks like you are immersed in the jungle.

Solar Panels are about to be installed on the houseboat, making this a completely off-the-grid sustainable form of accommodation.

24. Take a Segway Tour of Stuart

Main street in Stuart, Florida
Osceloa Street in Stuart, Florida

One of the best ways to explore a town is to ride around it with a local. If you want to give your weary legs a break, consider embarking on a segway tour.

This is a fun and unique way to see all top attractions in Stuart, as well as enjoy the thrilling experience of riding on a segway.

Segway tours take around 2.5 hours and include training and safety equipment.

25. Visit the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast

If you’re looking for things to do in Martin County with kids, then the Children’s Museum is a great idea. It’s designed to offer children and families somewhere to learn about the coast and the natural environment through hands-on activities.

The museum offers educational programs and cultural experiences, as well as a place where children can expand their curiosity.

It’s especially good if your children are really small and enjoy learning through play and sensory activities.

26. Visit the Stuart Heritage Museum

The Stuart Heritage Museum is a small and quirky museum dedicated to preserving the local history of Stuart.

it’s nestled in an old 2-story building that was built in 1901 by George W. Parks. The first floor used to be the Geo. W. Parks Grocery and General Merchandise Store and the second floor was where he lived.

The museum contains 10,000 objects and artifacts from the 1880s to the 1950s. If you have some time to spare, then this is one of the top attractions in Stuart to check out.

27. Check Out The Blowing Rocks Preserve on Jupiter Island

ocean water crashing against the rocks
The Blowing Rocks Preserve

The Blowing Rocks Preserve is located on Jupiter Island and is known for housing the largest outcropping of Anastasia Limestone on the Atlantic coast.

Anastasia Limestone is almost always found underwater, but here on the coastline, you can see the stone on the shoreline.

The area is a place of outstanding natural beauty. It’s cared for by The Nature Conservancy and is a popular place to go hiking and explore the sea caves.

The Blowing Rocks Preserve got its name from the spectacle that takes place during high tide when strong winds and waves form geyser-like explosions against the rock.

28. Visit The House of Refuge Museum

hoes of refuge sitting on the cliffs
The House of Refuge | Photo: Visit Florida

For history buffs, you simply cannot miss a visit to the House of Refuge Museum in Gilbert’s Bar. The structure is the oldest building in Florida and is the only remaining House of Refuge.

The houses were built to be havens for shipwrecked sailors and travelers. They were operated by the United States Lifesaving Service and there were 10 houses built around Florida, but only this one remains standing.

The historic structure is now a museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of inventors and their inventions. You can see insightful exhibits about American inventors, including showing replicas of their inventions and copies of their patents.

Video: Martin County Highlights

You can watch our video of our time in Martin County. Subscribe to our YouTube channel here.

Before You Go

So there you have it, those are the best things to do and places to visit in Martin County. As you can see, there’s a lot to see and explore here that’s not just lying on a beach.

We hope you found this guide useful, and remember, Martin County is a popular winter destination because of that year-round sunshine. Avoid disappointment and book your accommodation early.

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28 Best Things to Do in Martin County Florida for 2022
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