An Itinerary for Adventure in Martin County, Florida

By Kevin and Amanda Mims

With more than 22 miles of uncrowded, white-sand beaches, warm water, pristine nature preserves, and quaint, Old-Florida downtown areas, Martin County, just north of Palm Beach, is an ideal spot for an action-packed getaway with plenty of time on the water.

From paddleboarding, kiteboarding, and offshore fishing to exploring a historic downtown and taking beekeeping lessons, here is your guide for three days of adventures in Martin County.

Day One

Your Martin County adventures begin on the water with a paddleboarding eco-tour by Paddle Social, which has tour options that include a 1.5-mile mangrove “mini-paddle” in Hobe Sound and a 2.5-mile “Paddle the Pocket” tour in Stuart for guests who’d like a longer excursion. On either tour, you’ll get to experience the natural beauty of the area.

Next, become a beekeeper for an afternoon with Hani Honey Company, which will provide beekeeping lessons at one of their Martin County apiaries. Then head to their store in downtown Stuart to browse their wide selection of honey, sauces, and other items, like beeswax candles and body-care products. Grab lunch from their Eatery & Meadery, which serves mead, beer, wine, teas, coffees, salads, and more.

Now it’s time to explore charming historic downtown Stuart. Check out the art galleries and museums, stroll along the scenic riverwalk, visit unique shops, and check out the locally-owned restaurants. Walk or use the tram, which runs seven days a week, to get from place to place.

End the day with a sunset sail on the St. Lucie River with Treasure Coast Sailing Adventures. Pack your cooler with snacks and wine and set sail on the river as the sky changes colors. Breathe in the fresh air and watch for wildlife on this relaxing cruise.

Day Two

Spend your second morning in Martin County catching waves with locally-owned and operated Ohana Surf Shop on Hutchinson Island, the go-to shop for surfers across the Treasure Coast. Ohana rents boards and offers private surfing lessons for anyone who wants to learn.

Next, take a tour of Blowing Rocks Preserve on Jupiter Island with the Martin County eco-tourism coordinator. Named for the rugged Anastasia limestone that makes up its shore, this preserve is like nowhere else in Florida. At high tide, waves crashing into the rocks push plumes of water up to 50 feet in the air. While you’re there, you’ll walk through an enchanting tunnel of sea grapes and see the Florida dune habitat that’s home to sea oats, beach sunflowers, and bay cedar.

Later, take a ranger-led tour at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound. The 11,500-acre park is the largest in southeast Florida with a range of habitats including mangrove, pine flatwoods, sand pine scrub, and river swamp. Guided tours of Trapper Nelson’s homestead are available all year. The Loxahatchee Queen takes visitors on a 90-minute pontoon ride to Nelson’s restored camp from the 1930s, and once on land, visitors explore the site and learn about the “Wildman of the Loxahatchee.”

Next, check out the Hobe Lake Ski Club, a world-class private club built for slalom water skiing. The club is open to people of all experience levels, from beginner to advanced, and lessons are taught by a 12-time Belgium national champion water skier.

Last, set sail on a Sunshine Wildlife Sailing Tour and experience the nature of the Indian River Lagoon aboard the 35-foot pontoon Sirenia. Spot dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and more. Each tour stops at Bird Island, one of the top rookeries in the state. Sirenia has a full roof and restroom for a comfortable cruise.

Day Three

Your final day in Martin County takes you offshore on a half-day fishing trip on the Lady Stuart, a 65-foot fishing boat that will bring you to some of the best fishing spots in Florida. Guests reel in snapper, grouper, sea bass, and more, and the charter supplies the gear and fishing license. They’ll also clean and filet your catch for you at the end of the trip.

Once you’re on dry land again, rest up and grab a bite to eat before getting back on the water, this time with New Wave Kiteboarding in Stuart. Guided by the New Wave Team, you’ll experience the thrill of kiteboarding, no matter your experience level.

Time Allowance

This itinerary takes three full days to complete.

Distance from Population Centers

Martin County is situated on the eastern coast of South Florida between Port St. Lucie to the north and West Palm Beach to the south.

Martin County is situated two hours or less from four major airports: Orlando International, Palm Beach International, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, and Miami International.

Walking/Driving Distance Between Things to Do

Most places on this itinerary are within a driving distance of five to 15 minutes, with some taking up to 30 minutes to reach by car.

What to Bring

For outdoor activities, bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray, and drinking water. Hiking shoes are ideal for walking through the state park and slip-resistant shoes should be worn for the fishing trip, as the deck gets wet. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes appropriate for the weather and activity. Gear for some activities, such as beekeeping and fishing, will be provided.

If you’re prone to sea sickness, bring some medication for your fishing trip.

What to Expect

This itinerary will have you spending much of your time outdoors. Some activities are weather-dependent and will have to be postponed or rescheduled in case of adverse weather conditions.

Physical Demands

Activities listed here vary in difficulty. Some days will require a moderate amount of walking and standing for long periods. Guests should be able to paddle, climb onto a boat, balance on a paddleboard, surfboard, and kiteboard, and be able to swim.

Accessibility Enhancements/Inclusion Highlights

Wheelchair rentals are available for free at public beaches, and boardwalks are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. Hotels offer ADA-accessible rooms.

Trip Highlights

Martin County has more than 100,000 acres of parks and conservation lands and more than 22 miles of uncrowded beaches. The Indian River Lagoon is one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America with more than 2,200 species of animals. The St. Lucie Inlet marks the start of the Florida Coral Reef Tract, which extends through the Florida Keys.

Awards and Recognition

Stuart won the American Planning Association’s Great Places in Florida Award in 2020 and was named “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine.

Martin County is often listed in articles featuring the country’s best beaches, top fishing destinations, and cutest small towns. It has been recognized in adventure-themed articles in Men’s Journal, Conde Nast Traveler, Matador Network, Men’s Health, Esquire, National Geographic, and more.

Lodging and Accommodations

Stay at the Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf & Marina, the Old Colorado Inn, the Seminole Inn, the Courtyard by Marriott Stuart or at one of the many other lodging options in Martin County, from bed and breakfasts to vacation rentals to campgrounds.

Culinary Adventures

Martin County’s dining scene is full of unique experiences and mouth-watering selections with something to suit every taste and budget. Try Riverwalk Cafe & Oyster Bar for fresh seafood, wine, and breathtaking views of the St. Lucie River, or relax with a cup of coffee or glass of wine at the cozy Blue Door Coffee Bar, both in historic downtown Stuart. In Jensen Beach, try Conchy Joe’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar, a Florida tradition with a colorful history, or Crawdaddy’s N’awlins Grill & Raw Bar for Louisiana-inspired classics.

Visitors can also take part in a food tour by The Flavor Excursion, a three-hour walking tour though downtown Stuart. Learn about the town’s rich history and sample delicious foods along the way.

When to Visit and Seasonal Differences

The area’s high season takes place during the winter months, with many visitors coming to escape the cold temperatures up north. Cooler temperatures here mean more comfortable outdoor adventures. During the low season from April until the beginning of December, hotels offer more affordable rates, but higher temperatures make it challenging to spend extended time outdoors, although water activities are popular year-round.

Surprises/Bonuses

While you’re here, you can book a Sound Vibrational Healing session, part of the Elliott Museum’s HI Mindfulness Forums program.

Paddle Social also offers a variety of other eco-tours as well as sunset yoga, and yoga participants have the option of practicing on land or on a paddleboard on the water.

The beaches of Martin County are important sea turtle nesting areas.

Advice

Be prepared for last-minute itinerary changes due to weather. Arrive early and build in adequate time for travel between activities.

How to Book

For more information on any of the activities listed here, go to the Discover Martin website. Questions can be emailed to Discover Martin.

Contact Ohana Surf Shop at 772-287-0041. To reserve a spot on The Lady Stuart, call 772-286-1860. Book with New Wave Kiteboarding, The Flavor Excursion, Paddle Social, and Treasure Coast Sailing Adventures online. Contact Hani Honey Company for information about beekeeping lessons.