An abundance of nature’s gems can be found in this peaceful enclave on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
Even better, four international airports: Palm Beach, Fort. Lauderdale, Miami, and Orlando are within just two hours driving distance.
Leave no trace
An official parner of Leave No Trace, Martin County operates a “take only pictures and leave only footprints” policy to preserve its wild spaces.
These comprise 115,000 acres of park and conservation land; five state parks, including Jonathan Dickinson State Park, the largest in Southeast Florida; a federally designated Wild and Scenic River; the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge; four aquatic preserves; and the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the Northern Hemisphere.
The county’s miles of undeveloped beaches, the mangrove shorelines of the Indian River Lagoon, and its wetlands provide rich habitats to hike and trek through. The St. Lucie Inlet’s ecosystem, for example, includes more than 4,300 species of plants and animals, including 30 threatened or endangered species.
For exploration with a conscience, the award-winning Explore Natural Martin programme offers sustainability-focussed ecotours and experiences for the whole family all year round, with an emphasis on education, adventure, and stewardship.
Wild things
From April through to October, the expansive beaches become a safe haven for sea turtle nesting season, with opportunities to join viewing tours which don’t disturb the chelonians.
But it’s not just turtles who find sanctuary here. Both resident and migratory bird species frequent the state parks and National Wildlife Refuge, making Martin County a mecca for bird enthusiasts to flock to.
Several rare and threatened birds such as the famous Florida Scrub Jay and the Roseate Spoonbill can be glimpsed.
The threatened Florida Manatee may even make an appearance solo, or in groups during the winter months, as it glides through the state’s many waterways seeking food, mates and places to rest. The place to spot them is in the Indian River Lagoon, which, fortunately, snakes its way through a number of the state’s parks.
While an Artificial Reef Program offers more than 100 fishing and diving sites along the coast.
Working up an appetite
Active pursuits are known for helping to work up a healthy appetite. Post-exploration, there are tonnes of excellent food options, including, but not limited to, Conchy Joe’s, Tako Tiki, The Hoffman, Harry and the Natives, Coventry Café, Luna’s, Hani Honey, and The Hutch.
