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Stuart
Named “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine, Stuart charms with a historic downtown that’s just steps from the St. Lucie River, on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
Incorporated in 1914, Stuart was was originally called Potsdam by the successful pineapple merchants who owned the land. The name was later changed to Stuart with the arrival of the railroad; the city is named after industrialist Homer Hine Stuart Jr.
Stroll the historic downtown area to discover more than 50 locally owned shops, restaurants and galleries, and learn more about the area at the Stuart Heritage Museum. Then, take the boardwalk from the docks of the Sunset Bay Marina to view the historic homes on Seminole Street. You can also connect to public parks from the Riverwalk and access a stage that regularly puts on outdoor concerts.
©Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing
Stuart is famous for its sail fishing and other types of sport fishing; if you’re so inclined, you’ll want to take an angling excursion. Catching a sailfish is exciting, as the fish are generally large—between four and eight feet—and when a fish is hooked, it can sail high in the air without tiring easily. Returning the fish to the sea is important here; taxidermists can make a mount of your fish through photos and measurements so it can be released.
©Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing
You can also view the Stuart Sailfish Monument, a 19-foot bronze, set in a fountain on SW Joan Jefferson Way.
Take advantage of the sun and surf at Stuart Beach, where you can play beach volleyball, go surfing, scuba diving or parasailing. When you’re hungry, the Seaside Café is just steps away.
Part of Stuart’s ongoing beautification process is a collection of vibrant murals and mosaics that can be found throughout the downtown area. Be on the lookout as you walk past buildings, through corridors and pop into businesses.
