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The ultimate travel guide for Stuart Florida

Looking for a Florida destination that ISN’T a crowded theme park or a highly congested city? Welcome to Stuart, Florida, a picturesque city nestled along Florida’s treasure coast. From pristine beaches and a vibrant downtown to world-class fishing and endless outdoor recreational opportunities, Stuart offers a unique and captivating experience for locals and visitors.

We recently visited Stuart for an Airbnb collaboration and had the BEST time exploring everything this charming coastal town has to offer. Luckily it’s only 30ish minutes from where we live in Palm Beach Gardens because we already can’t wait to go back!

In this post, I’m going to cover EVERYTHING you need to know about this hidden gem in Florida, including fun things to do in Stuart Florida, restaurants Stuart FL to check out, the best hotels in Stuart Florida, and so much more!

Know before you go!

Where is Stuart Florida? Stuart is located on the east coast of the state in Martin County and is conveniently accessible via I-95. It’s nestled along the St. Lucie River, which flows into the Indian River Lagoon and is part of Florida’s Treasure Coast, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also relatively close to the below other popular coastal towns in Florida.

- Stuart to West Palm Beach >>> 40 miles
- Stuart to Fort Lauderdale >>> 85 miles
- Stuart Florida to Miami >>> 100 miles

How to get to Stuart, FL: There are many flights to Stuart Florida available at several major airports nearby! Palm Beach International (PBI), about 40 miles South, is the nearest major Stuart Florida airport. Other airports within a reasonable distance include Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Miami International Airport (MIA). Orlando International Airport (150 miles Northwest) is another good option if you’re planning on going to Disney too!

How to get around Stuart, FL: If you’re planning on exploring all of the amazing attractions and activities Stuart has to offer OR want to check out other things to do near Stuart Florida, in surrounding towns, I would highly recommend renting a car You can compare the best rental car prices through rentalcars.com here. Additionally, the Stuart tram is also available around Downtown Stuart and nearby neighborhoods.

Stuart Florida weather: The weather in Stuart is typically warm and pleasant year-round, characteristic of the state’s subtropical climate. Spring is a popular time to visit, with comfortable weather for outdoor activities and lower chances of rain. Although summer is a popular time of year to visit, it is EXTREMELY hot and humid, and thunderstorms are common. Wouldn’t recommend! Fall is also a favorable time to visit, as it is still warm and pleasant, but temps start to drop (slightly, haha).

Where to stay in Stuart Florida

Stuart Florida hotels

There are a variety of hotels in Stuart FL, suitable for every preference and budget. Below are some recommendations!

Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa is an oceanfront resort on Hutchinson Island featuring modern rooms, a private beach, and a full-service spa. Guests can enjoy amenities such as multiple dining options, a beachfront pool, fitness center, and water sports activities.
Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina is a waterfront resort situated on the St. Lucie River offering spacious suites with kitchenettes and balconies overlooking the marina. It features a pool, tiki bar, and boat rentals for guests to explore the waterways.
Courtyard by Marriott Stuart is Located near downtown Stuart and offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. It provides easy access to local attractions, shopping, and dining options.
The Lucie is a waterfront hotel in Jensen Beach with unrivaled views of the Atlantic Ocean. With its inviting decor, endless amenities, and comfortable guest rooms, The Lucie is your boutique haven to rest and rejuvenate between adventures.

Airbnb Stuart FL

As mentioned, we visited for a collaboration I had, so we stayed in an Airbnb Stuart Florida, and absolutely loved it! The Boho Beach Family Cottage is a brand new, fully renovated beach cottage within walking distance to Downtown Stuart and only minutes to Stuart Beach Florida.

It has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, including a bunk room for the kids, making it the perfect family-friendly place to stay! It also comes equipped with a fully stocked kitchen and coffee bar and has a lot of personal touches to make you feel right at home.

Additionally, it’s pet friendly and has a spacious private fenced-in backyard with a grill and fire pit. It truly was the perfect place to stay!

Click here to book your stay today!

Things to do in Stuart Florida

Whether you’re seeking relaxation on the beach, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, this hidden gem has a wide range of activities and attractions for everyone! Below are some of the best Stuart Florida things to do.

Relax and soak up the sun at the beach! Whether you prefer a lively beach atmosphere or a secluded spot to unwind, Stuart is home to several beautiful beaches. Some popular Stuart Florida beaches include Stuart Beach and Bathtub Beach located on Hutchinson Island, Jensen Beach, and Hobe Sound Beach. You can check out the full list of Martin County beaches here.

Wander through Downtown Stuart FL, a vibrant hub of culture, history, and small-town charm. It features a well-preserved historic district with beautiful architecture, quaint streets, and a variety of local businesses. The downtown offers an array of boutique shops, art galleries, and unique eateries, allowing visitors to experience the city’s artistic and culinary delights.

Stroll Stuart Riverwalk, a scenic waterfront pathway that stretches along the St. Lucie River in Downtown Stuart. The Riverwalk is a well-maintained paved pathway that offers a picturesque setting for walking, jogging, biking, or simply enjoying the view. It’s also steps away from a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. See below for some of my fave spots!

Take a hike! While Stuart is known for its beautiful beaches, there are also some scenic hiking trails in the area that allow visitors to explore the natural landscapes. Some hiking trails near Stuart include Jonathon Dickinson State Park, Halpatiokee Regional Park, and Blowing Rocks Preserve.

Go fishing! Stuart proudly holds the title of the “Sailfish Capital of the World.” Its proximity to the Gulf Stream creates an ideal environment for numerous fish species, making it a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. The area is renowned for its sport fishing charters, where anglers can try their luck at catching sailfish, marlin, wahoo, and other prized game fish.

Enjoy water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet skiing. If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, Beach Water Sports has everything from boat rentals to kayak and SUP rentals in both Jupiter and Stuart. Looking for something more challenging? Next Level Watersports offers kiteboarding, winging, wakeboarding, and more.

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Go golfing. Stuart is home to several excellent golf courses that cater to golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. Tee off at courses like Willoughby Golf Club, Sailfish Point Golf Club, or Martin County Golf Course, and enjoy a round of golf in beautiful surroundings.

Check out a museum. Stuart may be a smaller town, but it offers a few interesting museums where visitors can explore local history, art, and culture. Some museums in Stuart to check out are the Elliott Museum, Stuart Heritage Museum, and the House of Refuge. This is also a great place to go to watch the sunrise!

Visit the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center and learn about the local marine life and ecosystem in Stuart. The center features interactive exhibits, nature trails, and a touch tank where visitors can get up close to sea creatures.

Take a scenic boat tour and experience the beauty of the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. Enjoy narrated tours that provide insight into the local ecosystem, wildlife, and history while you relax and enjoy the picturesque views.

Drive through the tunnel of trees, a hidden gem along Bridge Road in Hobe Sound. This may not sound very exciting, but this canopy of Banyan trees is truly a majestic pocket of nature that you HAVE to see if you visit Stuart! Would definitely recommend rolling the windows down and driving slowly to take in all of its beauty.

Favorite Stuart Florida restaurants & bars

Stuart, Florida has a vibrant dining scene and is home to many excellent restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, American classics, or international cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every palate! There’s also a plethora of happy hour spots in Stuart (some we’re still talking about, haha), which makes for a fun night of bar hopping. Below are a couple of our favorite restaurants Stuart FL.

For coffee, Gilbert’s Coffee Bar was the perfect spot! I mean, who wouldn’t want to enjoy an espresso with a view?! It’s located in Sunset Bay Marina overlooking the South fork of the St. Lucie River and has various organic coffee options and light breakfast eats. They also have happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6 pm!

For breakfast, Bagel Break is an absolute must! Our Airbnb host recommended this spot, and it did not disappoint. Bagel Break is the ONLY bagel shop in Stuart with authentic New York-style bagels (over 25 kinds) and has the most delicious breakfast sandwich you will ever eat. They also have a variety of omelets, wraps, and more!

For lunch, Hudson’s on the River is your go-to for fresh food, great vibes, and creative mixed drinks. It’s also located right on the St. Lucie River, making it the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Roosevelt Bridge. Additionally, I should probably mention that the aesthetic of Hudson’s on the River is ON POINT, so if you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy spot in Stuart, THIS IS IT!

For happy hour, Spritz City Bistro is a no-brainer! My husband and I are still talking about how much we loved it! For happy hour, they have discounted apps (make sure to try the truffle mac & cheese) and half-off most drinks. Additionally, the service was impeccable, and the bar staff kept us laughing (and drinking, haha) the whole night.

For a casual dinner, The Gafford is a great option with a warm and inviting atmosphere! Their menu features a fusion of flavors and Southern-inspired dishes like shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, buttermilk fried chicken, and more! They also have a daily happy hour with select drinks and eats from 4-6 pm in the bar.

For a fancy dinner, Kyle G’s Prime Seafood is worth the splurge! They specialize in high-quality seafood dishes, including fresh catches to seasonal seafood delicacies, and have an extensive wine list to complement your meal. It’s also located on South Ocean Drive, overlooking Hutchinson Island’s beautiful beach, so if you’re looking for a great place to grab a delicious meal with a view, THIS IS IT!