Stuart
Stuart, the county seat, also known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World” because of the many sailfish found off the coast, is located along the banks of the St. Lucie River. Stuart is also located on the eastern point of the Okeechobee Waterway, which extends from the Atlantic Ocean in Stuart to the Gulf of Mexico in Ft. Myers, giving Stuart the nickname of “The Panama Canal of Florida.”
Things To Do:
Coastal Living Magazine awarded Stuart the prestigious “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” designation in 2016. This was the first #1 designation for a Florida town.
Prior to that Smithsonian Magazine named Stuart the “#3 Must Visit Small Town” this was quickly followed up with the “America’s Most Beautiful Small Town” designation. Stuart’s pristine landscaped streets and astonishing skyscraper-free views helped it to be named “The Most Beautiful City” by America in Bloom.
Stuart was also listed as one of the “Top Ten Beach Towns in Florida” by the Huffington Post. Here you will find working studios and art galleries, antique shops, and museums that add to the small town charm. Residents and visitors alike are invited to experience the local culture at the weekly Green Market, and the weekly Rockin’ RiverWalk Music Series. It takes place in a beautiful outdoor setting along the St. Lucie River.
Adventurers wanting to get back to nature will find an array of outdoor options in the area, including kayaking, hiking, biking and birding options or discovering the pristine and often deserted beach at St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park.
Also located in Stuart is the new Sailfish Splash Waterpark, a great activity for the whole family. This state-of-the-art complex is open seasonally to the public.
Finally, take a romantic stroll along Stuart’s Riverwalk and enjoy the scenery or gaze upon the Roosevelt Bridge, voted one of the most “Spectacular Bridges Around the World” by Travel and Leisure Magazine.
Don't Miss a Thing:
Need a quick, relaxing escape or don’t want to miss out on any of the fun? Check out Stuart’s webcam, offering up a 24/7 live stream of historic downtown Stuart.