07 Dec 2016
Disconnect to reconnect in Martin County, where seemingly endless Atlantic beaches span nearly 22 miles along the coast and include individual access strips that allow for more private spots to enjoy the surf and sand or larger, guard-protected areas like Stuart Beach, Hobe Sound Beach and Sea Turtle / Jensen Beach. There are also numerous beaches along the Indian River Lagoon to explore such as the beach at Indian RiverSide Park.
In Martin County, you'll find every kind of activity to tickle your fancy, from rodeos to high-end shopping, art galleries and one-of-a-kind museums to eco-friendly sea turtle adventures and world-class fishing. Building restrictions have limited structures to four stories, preserving breathtaking views throughout the county. The natural beauty and attractions here offer up a treasure trove of activities—minus the crowds of our popular next-door neighbors.
The easy-to-get-to-area encompasses the communities of Port Salerno, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Indiantown, Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound and Hutchinson Island, offering over 77 parks ready for exploration, unlimited outdoor adventure, golf and a region overflowing with culture to welcome visitors. Located just off A1A and accessible by a plethora of scenic avenues, Martin County is 45 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport, an hour from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, 90 minutes from Miami International Airport and two hours from Orlando International Airport.
The word fresh takes on new meaning with most Martin County restaurants utilizing locally-sourced produce and freshly caught fish, served alongside ingredients from several local and organic farms, to please one and all. As the sun sets, relax at one of Martin County's host of lodging options, from the newly-opened Hutchinson Shores Resort and Spa to brand name hotels to one-of-a-kind bed and breakfasts. Rest easy at familiar chains like Courtyard by Marriott, Best Western and Hampton Inn — even the Hutchinson Island Marriott which offers a resort-style setting. Or, choose from one-of-a-kind boutique properties such as the Old Colorado Inn, the Historic Seminole Inn and Pirate's Cove Resort and Marina. Smaller bed and breakfast properties and independently rented villages and cottages set the scene for romance, while RV and camping facilities – even timeshares – spell family fun.
Surf, boat, sail, kite-surf, dive and snorkel on Hutchinson Island. Cast a line in Port Salerno, a fishing village where award-winning seafood tempts the pickiest of palates. Stuart is known as the Sailfish Capital of the World and is also the first Florida town to be named “America's Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine. Here you can catch a show at the landmark Lyric Theatre, built in 1926 as a silent movie house, shop in eclectic, locally-owned boutiques or simply stroll along the beautiful River Walk. Every Sunday you can enjoy the thriving Stuart Green Market and enjoy a free outdoor concert. Visit Jensen Beach, formerly the Pineapple Capital of the World, where the pineapple influence is still evident and every Thursday features the free Jammin' Jensen outdoor gathering. Explore the rich, agricultural legacy of Indiantown, an area that welcomes the inner cowboy in everyone with cattle ranches, rodeos and thriving farms. Connect with nature at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on Hobe Sound. Step back in time on Jupiter Island with a visit to the famous Blowing Rocks Preserve, named the #3 beach in Florida by Conde Nast Traveler.
Make plans to visit during a Season for the Arts which runs from January through March and includes the award-winning ArtsFest. You can also pack your calendar with larger, annual events such as the Stuart Boat Show, Jensen Beach Fine Art and Craft Show and the Port Salerno Seafood Festival in January; the Annual Classics at the Beach Car Show in April; and the Sailfish Regatta in May. Dancin' in the Streets, a large, outdoor music festival, brings downtown Stuart to life in August. You can also plan a trip in the fall for the Stuart Airshow, the Pineapple Festival in Jensen Beach and the annual Indiantown Rodeo.
From flip-flops to cowboy boots, Martin County truly has it all. This is the perfect place for escaping and making memories that last longer than tan lines.