With over 100,000 acres of parks and conservation land, plus over 22 miles of peaceful beaches, the great outdoors beckons in Martin County. And with high-speed passenger train Brightline announcing that Stuart will be the next station in 2026, connecting to Miami and Orlando will be easier than ever.
Wildlife enthusiasts will have plenty of opportunities to encounter fabulous beasts while maintaining a clear conscience.
The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Centre is committed to research, monitoring and restoring habitats in South Florida, while also encouraging stewardship of marine life.
Guests are able to see and learn about its rescued sea turtles, stingrays, nurse sharks, and unique fish species on a tour.
There’s also the Explore Natural Martin programme, with year-round eco–tours and experiences. All the tours are completely free and child-friendly, so that the younger generation can learn about conservation.
Hive of activity
Holidaymakers can take their best shots on one of over 30 golf courses, including the new Sailfish Sands Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course with TopTracer technology, which also houses Florida’s first “reversible” nine-hole golf course.
Meanwhile, the Elliott Museum is a great place to wile away several hours, while also expanding your mind. As well as rotating exhibits on anything from UFOs to sculpture, it permanently houses more than 100 classic cars, boats, bikes, and planes, plus the largest autographed MLB collection outside of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Kids can get in on the action at The Children’s Museum, which features a sensory room, race car simulator, and themed interactive exhibits from a newsroom to a fire station.
Everyone accommodated
There are plenty of places to lay your head at the end of an action-packed day. Those who look for trusted hotel brands can head to the luxurious Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf and Marina which has recently been refurbished, with updated rooms and suites and new restaurants.
For charming inns and oceanfront resorts, try Old Colorado Inn, Jensen Beach Inn, and The Simiole Inn, which are among some of the best in the region.
Those looking for something unique will love the quirky and unusual design of Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina or the hot pink buildings of the Caribbean Shores Waterfront Resort. River Palm Cottages & Fish Camp sits directly on the famous Indian River Lagoon, with roomy cottages plus a range of activities to accommodate the whole family.
Best for..
History: House of Refuge
Camping: Timberline Glamping
Fishing: Stuart
Horse riding: Palm City
Galleries: Port Salerno
Agritourism: Indiantown
