Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer (PANTONE 11-4201), surprised many when the global color authority chose a soft, ethereal white as its defining shade for the year ahead. Described by Pantone as “a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection,” Cloud Dancer symbolizes serenity, fresh starts, and a space for creativity to breathe.
In Martin County, this tranquil, airy hue can be found not just in design, but all around you! From nature’s softest moments to everyday experiences that invite peace and presence, here’s where you can spot this soothing color of the moment.
1. Fluffy White Clouds Over 22+ Miles of Beaches
One of the easiest ways to see Cloud Dancer in action? Head over to Hutchinson Island and look up at our endless sky! On most days along Jensen Beach, Bryn Mawr Beach, or Hobe Sound Beach, expansive white clouds drift above the turquoise Atlantic, showcasing a perfect natural match to Pantone’s serene shade.
2. Seafoam & White Plumes at Blowing Rocks Preserve
At The Nature Conservancy’s Blowing Rocks Preserve, dramatic limestone outcroppings meet frothy surf, sending airy white plumes 50 feet into the air when waves hit just right. This unique coastal landscape on Jupiter Island in Hobe Sound blends rugged texture with soft, wind-blown white foam.
3. Froth on Coffee & Cafe Vibes
Local cafés serve up Cloud Dancer moments daily in the creamy froth of cappuccinos and lattes. Sip a perfectly steamed coffee at Gilbert’s Coffee Bar in Port Salerno or the recently opened Mi Casita Cafe in Indiantown, and you’ll find the hue reflected in every whipped, white-topped cup.
4. Airy Coastal Style at Local Boutiques
Martin County’s coastal fashion scene leans into light, breezy palettes that pair beautifully with Cloud Dancer. Find cotton dresses, crisp whites, and linen separates at boutiques like Vetu in downtown Stuart, Moon Islander in Sewall’s Point, and Revival by G&N in Hobe Sound…all perfect for sunny Florida days.
5. Sweet Spots with Soft Scoops & Sweets
Ice cream and dessert shops offer delicious shades of white, too. Cool down with classic vanilla or cloud-light soft serve at spots like The Scoop in Jensen Beach, Shark Shack Sweets in Palm City, or Signature Sweets in downtown Stuart — tasty interpretations of Pantone’s calming color.
6. White-Plumed Birds & Wildlife Highlights
Birdwatchers will find Cloud Dancer in Martin County’s feathered residents. Spot snowy egrets, white ibis, and seagulls at Audubon’s Possum Long Nature Center, Nathaniel P. Reed National Wildlife Refuge in Hobe Sound, or Indiantown’s DuPuis Management Area. Here, elegant birds bring nature’s pure white accents to life.
7. Architectural Accents & Historical Highlights
Iconic structures around the county showcase beautiful white architectural highlights. The impressive Mansion at Tuckahoe nestled in Indian Riverside Park gleams against landscaped grounds, offering picturesque photo ops. And while the historic House of Refuge is currently closed for careful restoration ahead of its 150th anniversary reopening in 2026, its classic white exterior perfectly embodies Cloud Dancer’s timeless feel.
8. Eclectic Art Galleries and Studio Space
Martin County’s art scene embraces Cloud Dancer through bright, airy galleries that let creativity shine. Stroll through The Palm Room Art Gallery & Artisans Boutique in Sewall’s Point, where handcrafted pieces pop against clean, white walls, or explore the eclectic works displayed at Rare Earth Gallery, featuring vibrant paintings, ceramics, and sculpture. Don’t miss the every-changing MartinArts exhibits at the Court House Cultural Center and Gallery, boasting airy, neutral backdrops that highlight each local artist’s work.
9. Hotels and Resorts Bathed in Brightness
Many Martin County hotels embody Cloud Dancer’s airy, serene vibe in their design and décor. The gleaming Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa in Jensen Beach features bright, whitewashed spaces, sunlit balconies, and tranquil ocean views that perfectly reflect Pantone’s calming shade. Or venture over to the recently renovated Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf & Marina! Similarly, The Pointe Hotel in Tequesta offers crisp, light-filled interiors and stylish neutral touches that make guests feel relaxed and refreshed — a luxurious, real-world example of Cloud Dancer in action.