Encompassing the communities of Port Salerno, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Indiantown, Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound and Hutchinson Island, Martin County offers numerous Atlantic beaches spanning nearly 22 miles along the coast, including 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 a variety of beaches along the Indian River Lagoon such as the beach at Indian RiverSide Park, in addition to 77+ parks located throughout the area. Martin County is also home to the most bio-diverse lagoon ecosystem in the Northern hemisphere, the St. Lucie Inlet, all within two hours or less driving time of four international airports: Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Orlando. Florida's hidden gem, this is a place for unwinding and reconnecting. Building restrictions have limited structures to four stories, preserving breathtaking views throughout the county, yielding Old Florida charm and accented with Key West style.

An eco-tourism haven, over 98, 000 acres of conservation land and parks are housed within the various communities that make up Martin County. Some trails, like those at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, shelter endangered species like the Florida scrub jay and gopher tortoise, while housing more common wildlife like bald eagles, deer, and turtles. Martin County also boasts great birding opportunities, especially during the winter migration. The St. Lucie Inlet ecosystem provides habitat for over 4,300 species of plants and animals, including more than 30 threatened and endangered species such as manatees, wood storks, sand hill cranes and peregrine falcons.

Important to note, running through Jonathan Dickinson State Park is the Loxahatchee River, one of Florida's two National Wild and Scenic Rivers.

You can also mountain bike in Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The trails in this park are designated as one of three levels of difficulty ranging from easy to extremely difficult. The trails are mostly single track, but there are also features like roots, jumps, wooden ladders, raised boardwalks and switchbacks. You can take it easy or make a day of exploring these trails. The park also contains a unique resource, the ancient sand dune system called the Atlantic Coastal Ridge, which contains the highest natural point south of the Lake Wales Ridge. Nelson said despite Florida not being known for mountains; you are still in for elevation changes here.

If you head out to western Martin County, there are additional natural, scenic options to explore. The Martin Grade, recently recognized as Florida's 25th Scenic Highway, is a tree-covered ride which leads to the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST). Situated high above the lake on the Herbert Hoover Dike, the trail provides a sweeping view of the lake and surrounding area. Since only some of the paths are paved, you will want to be riding a hybrid or mountain bike, and parts of the trail are closed at certain times for dike maintenance. You never know what you'll see on a nature ride around “Lake O.”

While in Martin County, check out these other points of interest:

 Allapattah Flats: This vast area of marshes and flatwoods provides abundant recreational opportunities while protecting habitat for rare animals, particularly sandhill cranes, wood storks and crested caracaras, as well as game animals such as white-tailed deer and wild turkey. Enjoy a relaxing hike or bike ride on the five-mile long trail system. Please keep in mind that season hunting is allowed and refer to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations for hunt dates and area rules.

Blowing Rocks Preserve: Visitors can get a glimpse of one of Florida's rarest surviving landscapes – an intact Florida dune habitat featuring beach sunflower, bay cedar, sea grape and sea oats. Three hiking trails and boardwalks, each up to 1/3 mile long, feature interpretative signs to guide you on your journey. A photo-worthy sea grape path winds from hardwood hammock, through coastal strands, and into the beach dune before arriving at the “Blowing Rocks.” Swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving are allowed from the beach during listed hours. The Hawley Education Center provides tourists and the local community an opportunity to learn about efforts to protect native habitats, plants and animals in Florida and around the world.

DuPuis Management Area: A 21,875-acre multi-use natural area located in southwestern Martin County, this property is interspersed with numerous ponds, wet prairies, cypress domes, pine flatwoods and remnant Everglades marsh. The area provides miles of hiking and horseback trails, an equestrian center, graded vehicle roads, backpack and group campsites and seasonal hunting. DuPuis is far from urban areas where the dark night sky lends itself to excellent stargazing. At this site, you can explore the visitors' center with interpretive displays, walk the nature trail and butterfly garden, fish from the partially covered pier, take a 15-mile, self-guided auto tour, enjoy a picnic or experience primitive group and family camping. There are 22 miles of hiking trails, including a segment of the Ocean to Lake Trail (part of the Florida National Scenic Trail) and an equestrian campground with 40 miles of horseback riding trails.

Halpatiokee Park: The largest park in Martin County, Halpatiokee features 65 acres of active park land surrounded by 470 acres of wetland preserves. Sporting opportunities are abundant on the soccer/football fields, tennis courts, softball/baseball fields and at the open air roller-hockey rink. Bring your camera to catch wildlife along the many walking/hiking trails and 7.5 miles of mountain biking trails. You can also bring your own kayak or canoe and explore the South Fork of the St. Lucie River (you may also rent them here too). As a side note, Halpatiokee is the Seminole Indian word meaning “Alligator Water.”

Hawks Hammock: This 432-acre natural area is a favorite for hiking,wildlife viewing and horseback riding, with 4.5 miles of equestrian trails. As you enjoy the trails, look for the scenic marsh and wet prairie vistas, and keep a sharp eye out for hawks perching on pine trees along the trail loops.

Jonathan Dickinson Park: Three scenic nature trails wind through the park, allowing visitors to explore various native habitats. The Kitching Creek-Wilson Creek Trails start in the picnic area parking lot and lead the visitor through pine flatwoods and along the creeks. The Kitching Creek portion is a self-guided trail with a brochure available. The Hobe Mountain Trail is a short, beautiful boardwalk that climbs up through the sand pine scrub to the observation tower, from which commanding views of the entire park and surrounding area may be had. The Camp Murphy Off-road Bicycle Trail System is a nine-mile network of mountain bike trails with loops rated for beginners all the way to “black diamond, experts, only.” Bicycles may be rented at the River Store.

Kiplinger Nature Preserve: The 150 acre Kiplinger Nature Preserve is located in Stuart, off of Kanner Highway and just south of SE Indian Street. A trail and boardwalk system within the preserve leads you to an overlook at the South Fork of the St. Lucie River. Here you may see manatees, wading birds, osprey and bald eagles. This is a great spot for bird watching.

Maggy's Hammock Park: Formerly named “Rocky Point Hammock Park,” Maggy's Hammock has been called “an oasis of tropical hammock in a sea of suburbia.” Take a hike along the mile-long nature trail to view the different plants and wildlife. The trails located within the park are a part of the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail.

Peck Lake Park: Have a BBQ with family and friends at one of the pavilions in the front of the park, or take a stroll on the 1/2-mile boardwalk that leads you to the edge of the Indian River and Peck Lake. A large pavilion will greet you on the deck overlooking the water where you can enjoy panoramas or hide from the sun while fishing or spotting wildlife. Wildlife you may see at the park includes many species of birds, bobcats, snakes, rabbits, manatee and dolphins.

Phipps Park: Relax and get away from it all at Phipps Park. Located along the Okeechobee Waterway, this 55-acre conservation park is easily accessible from the Florida Turnpike and Interstate 95. The park offers fishing, nature trails, a boat ramp and camping. There are campsites that offer “hook-ups” for RVs and for those who like to rough it a little more, there are primitive sites for tents. Visitors have spotted rare wildlife including burrowing owls, coyotes, otters and bobcats among other interesting flora and fauna.

Timer Powers Park: Beautiful Timer Powers Park is located in Western Martin County on Citrus Boulevard in Indiantown. The park encompasses 37 rural acres, with the scenic Okeechobee Waterway bordering the east side of the park. The park is graced by majestic oak trees and is listed as part of the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail.