Travel writers and trend forecasters have been buzzing about the way people are vacationing in 2026 and sharing the trends are shaping summer travel plans. TravelPulse recently published a roundup of their top 10 summer tourism trends, which got us thinking. From short getaways that feel like a full reset to unplugged outdoor adventures and experience-led exploration, this summer’s biggest travel trends are tailor-made for our little slice of paradise in Martin County!
Here’s how to lean into four of them this summer.
Experience-First Travel: Make Memories, Not Just Reservations
The experience-first travel trend is reshaping how people plan trips in 2026. Travelers are prioritizing how a destination feels and what it teaches them, over simply where they sleep. In Martin County, that philosophy really hits home.
Beach lovers will find more than 22 miles of beautiful, uncrowded beaches, open 24/7 and completely free. Stuart Beach, Jensen Beach, and the beaches of Hutchinson Island offer everything from gentle waves for families to optimal conditions for aquatic adventures like kiteboarding and snorkeling. Foodies have a thriving local dining scene, with farm-to-table spots, fresh-catch seafood, and downtown restaurants that deliver serious culinary cred. History buffs have spots like the Elliott Museum, the House of Refuge and the Stuart Heritage Museum. Arts lovers have the Lyric Theatre, galleries throughout downtown, and a creative community that punches well above its weight.
For those who want to go deeper into what makes Martin County so special, there’s no better entry point than Explore Natural Martin. This award-winning ecotourism program (developed in official partnership with Leave No Trace) offers free guided eco-tours to both visitors and residents all year long. We’re talking guided mangrove hikes, nighttime sea turtle nesting programming (specially permitted and led by experts), birdwatching outings, and so much more. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes access to this environment that you just can’t get on your own. Even better, registration is free! Find upcoming eco-tours and register on our Eventbrite page.
And beyond our in-house ecotourism program, Martin County boasts a stellar lineup of local guides and tour operators who bring the destination to life. From aquatic adventures (like surf lessons, jet ski rentals, and sunset cruises) to culinary tours and equestrian experiences, there’s no shortage of adventures. The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center offers hands-on marine science encounters on the shores of the Indian River Lagoon. Take an eco-boat tour or try your hand at golf or fishing. No matter your interests, you’ll find something that piques your interest.
Microcations: The Best Staycation Is Your Own Backyard
Tighter schedules and smarter budgets have travelers embracing “microcations” (short, nearby getaways lasting just two to five days) and the trend is showing no signs of slowing down. The idea is simple: you don’t need two weeks or a transatlantic flight to feel genuinely refreshed. You just need the right place.
For locals on the Treasure Coast, that place is Martin County. Whether you’ve lived here for decades or moved here last year, there’s always something new to discover. Think about it: more than 22 miles of uncrowded beaches, charming downtown communities, world-class fishing, incredible local restaurants, fabulous boutiques, and natural wonders that would be a highlight reel for any vacation. And it’s all within a short drive from your front door!
This summer, our Locals Only program makes it even easier (and more affordable) to be a tourist in your own community. Exclusive deals and discounts on hotels, activities, tours, shopping, and dining are available to residents of Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties from June 1 through September 30. All you need is a valid Florida ID with a Treasure Coast address to reap the rewards! These Locals Only deals are the perfect way to kick off your Treasure Coast microcation this summer.
Analog Camping: Screens Down, Stars Up
According to KOA’s annual camping report, 2026 is the year of getting back to basics. More travelers are choosing unstructured, “analog” camping trips. People are trading screen time for campfires, swapping notifications for birdsong, and choosing real-world connection over the round-the-clock social media coverage. Half of campers say they’re planning a trip that recreates a classic, childhood camping experience, and 60% cite traditional campfire activities as a key motivator. Lucky for visitors, Martin County has options to satisfy every comfort level!
For those who want the full experience, Jonathan Dickinson State Park (one of Florida’s largest and most beloved state parks spanning more than 10,500 acres in Hobe Sound) offers primitive and developed campsites that put you right in the middle of nature. Paddle the Loxahatchee River (Florida’s first federally designated Wild and Scenic River), hike through pine flatwoods and scrub, and fall asleep to the sounds of the wild. JDSP is the kind of place that reminds you what “quiet” really means.
The park is also home to Timberline Glamping, perfect for anyone who loves the idea of camping, but also appreciates modern comforts like air conditioning. Nestled in the Pine Grove Campground Loop, this family-run glamping operation offers safari-style tents built on elevated wooden decks, complete with A/C, a mini fridge, a Keurig coffee maker, comfortable bedding, a fire pit, a charcoal grill, picnic tables, and more. Plus, you’re surrounded by authentic Florida wilderness! It’s analog camping, elevated.
Phipps Park Campground in Stuart is another great option, and a true hidden gem. Straddling the Okeechobee Waterway on 55 acres of conservation land, it offers 99 RV sites (waterfront and interior) with electric service, water, and sewer hookups, plus a fishing pier, boat ramp, waterfront walking paths, and fire pits. It’s the kind of spot where families settle in and don’t want to leave. And for Treasure Coast residents, don’t forget to check for Locals Only discounts on your stay!
Drive-To Destinations: The Perfect Escape Is Closer Than You Think
Regional and drive-to travel is shaping up to have a major moment this summer. With a third of summer travelers choosing to stay closer to home and domestic getaways surging in popularity, destinations within a few hours’ drive are becoming the new hot tickets. Martin County checks every box for the South Florida and Treasure Coast traveler looking for a real escape without a real trek.
For Palm Beach residents, Martin County is less than an hour north. Far enough to feel like a different world, but close enough to make a long weekend genuinely effortless. For those coming from Port St. Lucie or Vero Beach, you’re also conveniently close. And for travelers willing to make a slightly longer drive from places like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or Orlando, the reward is a destination that trades crowds and concrete for quiet beaches and genuine coastal charm.
Part of what makes Martin County work as a drive-to destination is our impressive range of lodging. Whether you’re after a romantic escape at the Old Colorado Inn in the heart of Historic Downtown Stuart or an oceanfront resort experience at Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa or the newly reimagined Marriott Hutchinson Island Resort & Beach Villas, Golf & Marina, the options include options for everyone. Add boutique inns, “Old Florida” motels, and other waterfront properties, plus a growing inventory of short-term vacation rentals, and you have a destination that accommodates every kind of trip, at every budget. Find more lodging ideas listed on our “Where to Stay” page.
Martin County isn’t trying to be the loudest destination in Florida. It’s the one that feels exactly like the kind of place you’ve been looking for. So this summer, skip the airport. Pack a bag (or just grab the car keys). Your vacation is right here!