Port St. Lucie Travel Guide

Discover the culturally important attractions, natural wonders, outdoor adventures, and scenic views that this North American city has to offer along with where to stay, what to eat, and transportation options. Find out the best time to visit and safety tips to make your journey safe and sound.


Introduction to Port St. Lucie

Port St. Lucie is a popular vacation destination in the Treasure Coast region of Florida, which is located in the southeastern part of the United States of America. The city is renowned for its eco-tourism, various outdoor activities, natural attractions, cultural landmarks, and historic sites.

Generally speaking, it’s a quiet place with just over 195,000 residents, and it offers an engaging lifestyle for visitors looking for a tranquil atmosphere and peaceful scenery. If you’re a fan of natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities, this is the place to be.

List of Places to Visit in Port St. Lucie

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, Port St. Lucie offers a splendid range of must-visit landmarks worth checking out:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Heathcote Botanical Gardens – A 5-acre living exhibit that features over 10 themed gardens such as an herb garden, Zen, and a palm & cycad walk, and a rainforest display.
  • A.E. Backus Gallery & Museum – This museum is a tribute to a Florida artist A.E. Backus, who was a pioneer in Florida landscapes’ painting. There is a collection of over 300 paintings to see.
  • Navy SEAL Museum – This museum exhibits the history of the Navy SEALs and their accomplishments.
  • Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge Museum – A building that was once a home for shipwrecked sailors, today it operates as a museum and showcases the life and times of those who have resided there.
  • Elliott Museum – This museum boasts inventions, classic automobiles, and artwork.

Natural Attractions of Port St. Lucie: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Port St. Lucie Civic Center – It’s a 200-acre park that provides visitors with various activities such as fishing, boating, playgrounds, and a dog park.
  • Savannas Preserve State Park – An 8-mile trail that meanders through a Florida wetland, providing an excellent opportunity for bird watching.
  • Port Saint Lucie Botanical Gardens – This garden has one of the largest collections of bromeliads in the East Coast. There are tropical and subtropical plants that visitors can enjoy.
  • Top Notch Fishing Charters – A destination for fishing enthusiasts, with some fishing styles like bass and inshore charters.
  • The St. Lucie River – The River delivers a perfect stretch of water to relax alongside boats, enjoy fishing charters, or paddleboard.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Port St. Lucie

Port St. Lucie abounds in a wide range of hiking and biking trails that cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the most sought-after routes:

  • St. Lucie River Greenway – A 10-stretch mile trail that spans along the St. Lucie River.
  • Southbend Bike Trail – A 1200 ft route that connects to The Saints Golf Course and Jessica Clinton Park.
  • Westmoreland Bike Trail – A 5-mile trail with a paved path that connects to the Savannas Preserve State Park.

Best Things to Do in Port St. Lucie: Activities and Tours

Whether you are a nature lover or thrill-seeker, Port St. Lucie has something to offer everyone. Here are some of the popular activities and tours:

  • Kayaking or Fishing on the St. Lucie River – Experience tranquility and excitement while fishing or kayaking.
  • PGA Golf Club – Play world-class golf at PGA Golf Club.
  • Jetskiing or Parasailing – Get a once-in-a-lifetime view of the St. Lucie coastline.
  • Sunrise Theater – A performance venue that hosts plays, concerts.
  • Deep-Sea Fishing Charters – Take a deep-sea fishing charter and catch the largest fish you’ve ever seen.

Week-Long Itinerary for Port St. Lucie

Here is a week-long itinerary for your Port St. Lucie adventure:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Heathcote Botanical Gardens
Day 2 Explore the gorgeous St. Lucie River
Day 3 Go shopping and dining at the Treasure Coast Square Mall
Day 4 Head to the Navy SEAL Museum
Day 5 Learn about artifacts at the A.E. Backus Gallery & Museum
Day 6 Visit the St. Lucie County Aquarium
Day 7 Take a deep-sea fishing tour

Food and Drink Scene of Port St. Lucie

When it comes to food and drink, Port St. Lucie doesn’t disappoint. Here are some of the fantastic local dishes and drinks that you should try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish and Chips – A classic dish prepared with fresh fish and served with fries on the side.
  • Shrimp Scampi – A staple dish prepared with shrimp, garlic, butter, and white wine sauce served on a bed of pasta.
  • Key Lime Pie – A classic dessert cherished by Floridians, made with fresh Key Lime juice and Graham crust.

Local Beverages

  • Citrus Cucumber Cooler – A refreshing lemonade with cucumber and mint syrup.
  • Orchid Island Brewing – A local brewery that uses citrus juices to make their signature beers.
  • Liquor Specialities – A variety of drinks that include Hurricane, Mai Tai, Piña Colada, and Zombie.

Where to Stay in Port St. Lucie: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Here are some of the recommended options for accommodation in Port St. Lucie:

  • Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa – A beach resort where you can unwind in luxurious settings and enjoy stunning sea views.
  • Holiday Inn Port St. Lucie – A comfortable and affordable option for guests of the city.
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton – A dependable option close to many attractions and commanding excellent ratings.

What to Buy in Port St. Lucie: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Before you leave, make sure to grab some of the following souvenirs and local products:

  • Savannas Preserve State Park T-Shirts – Pick from a range of t-shirts available in subtle color palettes that illustrate the local natural beauty.
  • Saltwater Tackle & Supply – A one-stop-shop that has unique and essential fishing equipment and accessories.
  • Fisherman’s World – A high-quality fly fishing supply store that has attractively designed fishing tackle and gear.

Local Culture and Customs of Port St. Lucie

In Port St. Lucie, people show kindness and respect to each other, which embodies the city’s custom and culture. People living in the city are known to welcome new residents and make them feel at home.

Best Time to Visit Port St. Lucie

The best time to visit Port St. Lucie is from September to May as the weather remains warm and dry. This also serves as a shoulder season as visitors can avoid excessive crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Port St. Lucie

Do:

  • Respect nature and wildlife when you are out exploring natural attractions.
  • Drink water to stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
  • Behave respectfully and nicely towards locals and other tourists.

Don’t:

* Leave any litter behind when you are hiking or exploring the outdoors.

  • Damage the local ecosystems, wildlife, or flora.
  • Ignore safety rules during boating or water sports.

Safety and Health

Safety in Port St. Lucie

Port St. Lucie is a safe city, however, it’s always a good idea to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings, especially after dusk.

Health in Port St. Lucie

There are no specific immunizations required to visit the city. However, you should take the proper precautions such as mosquito repellent, sun protection, and hydration to avoid common ailments.

Getting to Port St. Lucie: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Port St. Lucie

  • Palm Beach International Airport – Located 55 miles from Port St. Lucie
  • Orlando Melbourne International Airport – Located 65 miles from Port St. Lucie.
  • Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport – Located 110 miles from Port St. Lucie.

Bus Stations Near Port St. Lucie

  • Greyhound Bus Lines – Located at 710 NW Federal Hwy

Other Options

Car rentals, limousines, cabs, and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are also available.

How to Get Around in Port St. Lucie

Getting around Port St. Lucie is easy with several transportation options such as car rentals, rideshare services, or even public buses.

Where to Go Next from Port St. Lucie: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Take a one-day trip from Port St. Lucie to:

  • Cape Canaveral – It’s known for its NASA space center and Kennedy Space Center. It is located 80 miles from the city.
  • West Palm Beach – Known for sightseeing and luxury shopping, a city located 45 miles from the city.
  • Miami – Florida’s most iconic city is located 120 miles from the city.

Conclusion

Port St. Lucie offers visitors with unique experiences that combine natural wonders, history, and culture. With so many exciting and memorable activities to experience and places to visit, it is a must-add destination for your travel bucket-list. With adequate precautions in mind, you can enjoy your stay in Port St. Lucie comfortably.

PGA Village, in St. Lucie West PGA Village, in St. Lucie West Tradition, the in-city suburb of Port St. Lucie Tradition, the in-city suburb of Port St. Lucie Panoramic view of Tradition Field Panoramic view of Tradition Field