Why Tourists Flock To Stuart and The Treasure Coast of FL

The historic City of Stuart is located in Martin County and part of The Treasure Coast of Florida. Stuart is known for some of the most incredible beaches and its world-renowned sport fishing. The 18th century shipwrecked Spanish Galleons are behind the name of the region as Treasure Coast. Several of these ships sunk during a hurricane in Martin County. The ships were carrying a substantial amount of gold and silver. Some of the precious contents have been recovered resulting in the area being known as the Treasure Coast. For a small city, Stuart has so much to offer. The sailfish tournaments have become well-established international tournaments. Downtown Stuart is as charming of a place can get. Small quaint shops, great restaurants, and waterfront walkways are destined to wow any visitor. No big box stores or chains here.

Stuart, The Happiest Seaside Town to Live

In 2016, the Coastal Living magazine named Stuart, Florida the Happiest Seaside Town to Live. This is significant considering the runner-ups were Hermosa Beach and Portland, Maine. Other accolades include the 2008 award for America’s Most Beautiful City by America in Bloom. One visit to the great beaches and historic Downtown Stuart will convince anyone that there is no exaggeration in any award granted to the City.

Downtown Stuart, Florida

Downtown Stuart, Florida, also known as Main Street, has been the first business hub since the 1880s. Today’s historic Main Street still shines as the heart of the city. The area is a favorite hangout for many locals and visitors alike. Keeping the historic integrity of Main Street has created the charm unique to old-USA small towns. The passage of time and modernization have not influenced the image of this historic downtown. The amazing buildings in Downtown Stuart is a potpourri of architectural marvels from different eras. The history of these buildings dates back from the early 1880s to the 1940s. The style of buildings varies from Beaux-Arts to Spanish Mediterranean and from Colonial to Vernacular.

Fishing In Stuart, Florida

The city of Stuart has been a mecca for fishermen from the early days. The incredibly diverse bodies of water have created an unparalleled collection of species of fish. Stuart, FL is blessed to enjoy fishing opportunities in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian River, and St Lucie River. There is also an abundance of small lakes, waterways, and creeks in and around Stuart

Stuart The Sailfish Capital of the World

The city of Stuart, FL, and Martin County are known as The Sailfish Capital of the world and it is not just a slogan. The Treasure Coast has been the fishing spot for many US Presidents and other noteworthy individuals. Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Grover Cleveland, Chester Allen Arthur, Howard Taft, and Warren G. Harding were frequent visitors to the City of Stuart, FL.

Another famous Stuart Resident was William “Bill” McCoy, to which the term “Real McCoy” refers to him. Bill McCoy was known as “ the King of Rum” during the prohibition era. Bill and his brother Ben McCoy owned a large property on the north side of St Lucie Inlet currently known as Sailfish Point.

The Elliott Museum In Stuart, FL

Located in Hutchinson Island, the Elliott Museum is known for a great collection of old cars, baseball cards, and local memorabilia. Although the estimated time to go through the exhibits is less than 90 minutes visitors catch themselves spending hours just looking at the collection. What makes the Elliott Museum most interesting is not necessarily the contents but the way the antique cars are displayed. The elaborated electronic system will bring the car you are interested in in your viewing area. The visitors choose the antique car they wish to see on the computer and that specific car will travel on a platform to their viewing areas as shown on the video of this automated system.

Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge

The incredible location of the House of Refuge in Hutchinson Island offers amazing views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon. The museum is surrounded by a lush tropical garden which is a fabulous site by itself. House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar was built in 1875 making it the oldest house in the County.

House of Refuge was managed by the United States Lifesaving Service. The main purpose of the House of Refuge was to offer a sanctuary to shipwrecked sailors. Gilbert’s Bra House of Refuge is the only House of Refuge still in existence.
Stuart Heritage Museum – The museum started with the city’s acquisition of the Stuart Feed Supply store in 1988. The Stuart Heritage Museum is a potpourri of artifacts, antiques, and old pictures of the city and surrounding area. An iron buried treasure chest, closing, arts, and dolls from Seminole Indians are an example of the diversity of the contents.

The Beaches and Watersports In Stuart, FL

Stuart, Florida centers around an amazing array of water-related activities. The waterways, lakes, and incredible Atlantic Ocean beaches have created a true paradise in Stuart. Stuart Beach, Bathtub Beach are two of the most popular beaches in Stuart. There are also numerous beach access areas all with free parking. Alongside all watersports, nature has blessed the city with the most amazing parks as well.

Parks And Recreational Areas In Stuart, FL

Sandprit Park – The Sandprit Park is a part of the Manatee Pocket, a boating hub for locals and waterways travelers. The visitors can enjoy the scenic walkways, children’s playgrounds, private pavilions, and fishing opportunities in Sandprit Park.

Halpatiokee Regional Park Stuart, FL – The Halpatiokee’s name origin is from Seminole Indians, which means Alligator Water. The Halpatiokee Park is located at 8303 SW Lost River Road, Stuart, FL  With around 4 miles of river frontage. The Halpatiokee Regional Park in Stuart, FL offers many recreational activities for all ages:

Walking Trails
Bike Trails
River Paddling Trails
Riverside Primitive Campsites (with picnic bench and fire pits are the only amenities)
Soccer, Softball, and Baseball Fields
Tennis and Pickleball Courts
Open-Air Hockey Rink
The historic city of Stuart is located in Martin County and the Treasure Coast of Florida. Stuart is known for some of the most incredible beaches and its world-renowned sport fishing. The 18th century