Palm City Travel Guide

Read on for a comprehensive guide to Palm City, Florida, including top attractions, things to do, where to eat and stay, and more.


Introduction to Palm City

Located in Treasure Coast, Florida and part of Martin County, Palm City is a quiet and quaint town known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and unspoiled beaches. With a population of just over 25,000, visitors can enjoy a relaxing getaway with plenty of things to do and see.

List of Places to Visit in Palm City

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The House of Refuge Museum - This museum is housed in the last remaining House of Refuge along Florida’s Atlantic coast and features exhibits on local maritime history.
  • The Elliott Museum - Visitors can explore collections of antique cars, art, and Americana at this interactive museum.
  • The Stuart Heritage Museum - Learn about the history of Stuart, the county seat of Martin County, and its pioneer settlers at this museum.

Natural Attractions of Palm City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Jonathan Dickinson State Park - Discover lush landscapes, waterways, and wildlife while hiking, biking, kayaking, or camping in this state park.
  • Sandsprit Park - This park is a hub for boating and fishing enthusiasts, with a boat ramp and fishing pier.
  • Hobe Sound Nature Center - Visitors can learn about local ecosystems and the center’s rehabilitation and education efforts for sick and injured sea turtles.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Palm City

  • Riverwalk Park - Enjoy scenic views of the St. Lucie River while walking, jogging, or biking the trails at this park.
  • Ross Witham Trail - This 11-mile looped trail connects Palm City to neighboring Stuart and is popular for biking and birdwatching.
  • Allapattah Flats Trail - Part of the Savannas Preserve State Park, this trail features a mix of habitats and diverse wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Palm City: Activities and Tours

  • Champion Turf Club at St. James - Golf enthusiasts can tee off at this high-end course, designed by golf legends Tom Fazio and Nicklaus Design.
  • Off the Chain Fishing Charters - Venture out on the water for a day of deep-sea fishing and sightseeing with an experienced captain.
  • Treasure Coast Sailing Adventures - Sail along the scenic St. Lucie River and enjoy sunset views on this guided sailing tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Palm City

Day Itinerary
1 Arrive, check-in at hotel, and explore downtown Stuart
2 Visit Jonathan Dickinson State Park for hiking and kayaking
3 Stroll Riverwalk Park and enjoy the sunset on a sailing tour
4 Take a day trip to nearby Jupiter Island for beachcombing
5 Learn about local history at The Elliott Museum and The House of Refuge Museum
6 Go fishing or boating at Sandsprit Park
7 Enjoy a round of golf at Champion Turf Club and depart

Food and Drink Scene of Palm City

Must-Try Dishes

  • Florida Stone Crab - This local delicacy is best enjoyed in season (October 15 to May 15) and served with mustard sauce.
  • Conch Fritters - A popular appetizer made with locally sourced conch meat.
  • Key Lime Pie - A classic dessert made with tangy key limes and graham cracker crust.

Local Beverages

  • Orange Juice - Florida is known for its citrus production, and visitors can enjoy freshly squeezed orange juice at local juice bars and restaurants.
  • Craft Beer - Martin County boasts several microbreweries and brewpubs, including Walking Tree Brewery and HopCat Stuart.
  • Wine - Visitors can enjoy locally made wines at several vineyards and wineries in the area, such as Summer Crush Vineyard and Winery and Endless Summer Vineyard and Winery.

Where to Stay in Palm City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Courtyard by Marriott Stuart - A modern hotel near downtown Stuart with an outdoor pool and fitness center.
  • Old Colorado Inn - A historic inn in a restored 1920s building with individually decorated rooms.
  • Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort & Marina - A beachfront resort with four restaurants, a spa, and marina.

What to Buy in Palm City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Citrus Fruits - Visitors can bring home locally grown oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits as a tasty souvenir.
  • Artisanal Goods - Palm City is home to several craft fairs and markets where visitors can find handmade jewelry, pottery, and other unique finds.
  • Seashells - Collect shells from nearby beaches like Hobe Sound Beach or Bathtub Beach.

Local Culture and Customs of Palm City

Palm City has a laid-back, friendly vibe, and visitors should expect a warm welcome from locals. Dress is typically casual, and beachwear is common in most public places. The town is known for its appreciation of the arts, with several galleries and art events held throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit Palm City

The best time to visit Palm City is from November to May when the weather is warm, and humidity levels are low. During the summer months, the weather can be hot and humid, with occasional thunderstorms.

Do’s and Don’ts of Palm City

Do:

  • Do respect the environment. Palm City is known for its natural beauty, and visitors should take care to protect it.
  • Do take advantage of the outdoor activities. Palm City’s natural attractions are a major draw, and visitors should take the opportunity to explore them.
  • Do try local dishes and beverages. Palm City is home to several locally sourced and crafted foods and drinks, making it a foodie’s paradise.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter. Visitors should dispose of trash properly and help keep the environment clean.
  • Don’t feed the wildlife. Feeding wild animals can disrupt their natural habitat, and may even be dangerous.
  • Don’t forget to wear sunscreen. The Florida sun can be intense, and visitors should take steps to protect their skin while outdoors.

Safety and Health

Safety in Palm City

Palm City is generally a safe destination, with low levels of crime. However, visitors should always exercise common sense, such as locking their car doors and avoiding unlit areas at night.

Health in Palm City

Visitors to Palm City should be aware of the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika, West Nile, and Dengue fever. To avoid mosquito bites, visitors should wear long sleeves and pants, use mosquito repellent, and avoid standing water.

Getting to Palm City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Palm City

  • Palm Beach International Airport (PBI): 38 miles south of Palm City
  • Orlando International Airport (MCO): 130 miles northwest of Palm City
  • Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): 106 miles south of Palm City

Bus Stations Near Palm City

  • Greyhound Bus Terminal in Stuart, FL: 6 miles from Palm City
  • Megabus Stop in Fort Pierce, FL: 15 miles from Palm City

Other Options

Car rentals and taxis are available at all major airports and in downtown Palm City. Visitors can also use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.

How to Get Around in Palm City

The best way to get around Palm City is by car, as public transportation options are limited. Visitors can rent a car at the airport or in downtown Palm City, or use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.

Where to Go Next from Palm City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Fort Pierce - A historic small town with a lively arts scene and beaches.
  • Jupiter Island - Known for its luxurious homes and unspoiled beaches.
  • Port St. Lucie - A sprawling city with plenty of parks and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Conclusion

Palm City may be a small town, but it offers visitors plenty of things to do and see, from natural attractions and outdoor activities to museums and historic sites. Whether you’re looking for a golf getaway, a beach vacation, or a nature retreat, Palm City has something to offer.