While Martin County is known for its laid-back, beach town vibe and charming downtown districts, there are plenty of other ways to explore this idyllic South Florida escape. Here, we round up a few of our favorite walking tours. Check them out next time you’re in the area!
Join a Ranger-Led Nature Walk Through Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Jonathan Dickinson State Park is incredible natural park teeming with wildlife in 16 natural habitats including sand pine, scrub pine, flatwoods, mangroves and river swamps. The Loxahatchee River (Florida’s first federally designated Wild and Scenic River) runs through the park. Ranger-guided walking tours of the 1930’s pioneer homestead of Trapper Nelson are available year-round. Hear fascinating tales about the infamous “Wildman of the Loxahatchee” while learning more about the park’s impressive natural wonders.
Trapper Nelson Interpretive Site Marker
Eat Your Way through Downtown Stuart on a Flavor Excursion Food Tour
This one-of-a-kind food tour is sure to tingle your taste buds! Learn all about Stuart’s fascinating history while sampling delicious food at some of Downtown Stuart’s best restaurants. During the tour, prepare to hear all about a ruthless pirate, Stuart’s own Bonnie and Clyde, a hush-hush speakeasy, and so much more as you eat your way around the impossibly charming, award-winning Historic Downtown Stuart waterfront district. This walking tour covers about 2 miles and usually takes about 2.5 hours to complete, stopping at 5 beloved local gems along the way.
Flavor Excursion Food Tour
Embark on a Self-Guided Hobe Sound Mural Tour
Hobe Sound is more than just a beautiful South Florida beach town. It’s a tight-knit community full of creativity and local culture. There is no better proof of Hobe Sound’s artistic flair than the stunning murals found scattered throughout the city. The goal of the Hobe Sound Murals Project is to beautify specific locations, enhance civic pride, encourage positive networking, and plant seeds for future cultural accomplishments. Since 2009, this “paint-the-town” initiative, (spearheaded by professional artist Nadia Utto) has provided creative opportunities for more than 40 skilled regional artisans along with over 100 individual residents and visitors. New additions are regularly added to the ever-growing collection, and there are currently more than 25 murals to discover. Visitors can stop by the Chamber of Commerce for a Mural Tour Map and spend the afternoon on a self-guided walking tour around town trying to spot each of these lovely landmarks. Consider it a real-life scavenger hunt throughout the vibrant Hobe Sound community! The chamber also offers guided tours on occasion. Check their website or give them a call for more information.
Hobe Sound Mural Project – Photo by yTravel Blog
Get Spooked During a Port Salerno Ghost Tour
Today, the eclectic Port Salerno waterfront district is home to beautiful art galleries, bustling marinas, and lively restaurants. But it all began as nothing more than a humble fishing village. Back in the day, fishing was a dangerous industry, and the treacherous waters off Florida’s coast claimed the lives of many unlucky travelers. Visitors interested in learning more can join local historian and author Patrick S. Mesmer and his wife Patricia Mesmer on a bone-chilling Port Salerno Ghost Tour to learn more about the area’s spooky history. During the year-round evening walking tours, participants are outfitted with professional equipment seen on TV shows like Ghost Hunters to help detect – and even communicate with – the spirits of Port Salerno.
Port Salerno Ghost Tour