Stuart Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gems of Stuart, Florida with our comprehensive travel guide. Find the best places to visit, eat, stay, and what to do in this beautiful city.


Introduction to Stuart

Stuart is a charming coastal city located in Treasure Coast, Florida, United States. Often referred to as the “Sailfish Capital of the World”, Stuart boasts pristine beaches, world-class fishing, and a vibrant downtown. The city’s unique blend of outdoor attractions, cultural landmarks, and local cuisine make it a must-visit destination for any traveler. This comprehensive guide offers an in-depth look at the top places to visit, eat, stay, and what to do in Stuart.

List of Places to Visit in Stuart

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Stuart is home to several museums and historical sites that reflect the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Here are some must-visit attractions:

  • Elliott Museum: A unique museum that features a vast collection of vintage cars, art, and technology exhibits.
  • Stuart Heritage Museum: Located in the heart of Stuart, this museum showcases the region’s history and is known for its lively exhibits, dioramas, and interactive experiences.
  • Jonathan Dickinson State Park: This state park offers an opportunity to learn about the rich cultural and natural history of the region. You can also enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and camping.

Natural Attractions of Stuart: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Stuart is surrounded by beautiful landscapes of beaches, parks, and wildlife refuges. Here are some of the best natural attractions to visit in Stuart:

  • Bathtub Beach: This stunning beach on the South Hutchinson Island is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
  • Halpatiokee Regional Park: This park offers a wide range of outdoor activities that include fishing, kayaking, and hiking.
  • Savannas Preserve State Park: This park is home to diverse wildlife, ranging from wading birds to alligators, and is perfect for nature lovers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Stuart

Stuart has several beautiful hiking and biking trails that visitors can enjoy. Here are some of the top places to explore:

  • Riverwalk: This lovely path runs alongside the St. Lucie River and offers stunning views of the waterfront.
  • Halpatiokee Regional Park: This park has more than 10 miles of trails that pass through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region.
  • Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center: This center offers three miles of nature trails that run through mangroves, coastal hammocks, and estuarine lagoons.

Best Things to Do in Stuart: Activities and Tours

Stuart has plenty of activities and tours that cater to travelers of all interests and ages. Here are some of the top things to do in Stuart:

  • Stuart Downtown Trolley Tour: A guided tour of historic downtown Stuart in a charming old-style trolley.
  • Deep Sea Fishing Tours: Experience world-class fishing with professional deep sea fishing guides.
  • Bathtub Beach Surf School: Learn to surf with experienced instructors and enjoy some of Florida’s best waves.

Week-Long Itinerary for Stuart

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long visit to Stuart:

Day Activity
Day 1 Morning: Explore historic downtown Stuart. Afternoon: Visit the Elliott Museum.
Day 2 Spend the day at the Bathtub Beach.
Day 3 Take a riverboat tour of the St. Lucie River.
Day 4 Rent a kayak and paddle through the Halpatiokee Regional Park.
Day 5 Visit the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center.
Day 6 Deep sea fishing tour.
Day 7 Visit the Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

Food and Drink Scene of Stuart

Must-Try Dishes

Stuart has a rich culinary scene that offers a variety of delicious dishes that reflect the city’s cultural heritage. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

  • Conch Fritters: A deep-fried Bahamian delicacy made from minced conch, flour, and seasonings.
  • Grouper Sandwich: A fresh fish sandwich made with blackened or fried grouper fillets.
  • Key Lime Pie: A tart and refreshing dessert made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust.

Local Beverages

Stuart has several local beverages that visitors should try, including:

  • Duffy’s Love Shack: A tropical bar that offers an extensive selection of exotic drinks, including its signature cocktail, “Painkiller”.
  • Stuart Brewing Company: A local brewery that offers a range of craft beers made with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Sailfish Brewing Company: A popular brewery that serves a variety of styles of beer and has a great tasting room.

Where to Stay in Stuart: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Stuart has a variety of options for accommodations, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some of the top places to stay in Stuart:

  • Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort & Marina: A luxurious beachfront resort with a range of amenities, including multiple pools, spa, and restaurants.
  • Pirate’s Cove Resort & Marina: A laidback resort that offers waterfront cottages and dockage for boats with a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Clarion Inn: A budget-friendly hotel with a range of amenities, including a pool and fitness center, located near the city center.

What to Buy in Stuart: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the top souvenirs and local products you can bring home from Stuart:

  • Coastal-inspired artwork: Stuart has a thriving arts and crafts scene, and local artists create a range of sea-inspired paintings, sculptures, and prints.
  • Surf gear: Stuart is a popular destination for surfers, and visitors can pick up surfboards, wetsuits, and other gear at local surf shops.
  • Citrus products: Stuart is located in the heart of Florida’s citrus country, and visitors can bring home locally produced orange juice, citrus candles, and more.

Local Culture and Customs of Stuart

Stuart is known for its friendly locals, laid-back lifestyle, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors should be mindful of local customs and not litter, respect the environment, and be polite to others.

Best Time to Visit Stuart

The best time to visit Stuart is from December to April when the weather is warm and dry, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Stuart

Do:

  • Do take a riverboat tour of the St. Lucie River.
  • Do try the local seafood.
  • Do explore the nature trails in the state parks.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter on the beaches or parks.
  • Don’t forget to follow fishing regulation and catch limits.
  • Don’t park illegally in downtown Stuart.

Safety and Health

Safety in Stuart

Stuart is generally a safe and friendly city, but visitors should take basic precautions, such as locking their car, not carrying large sums of money, and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Stuart

Stuart has a range of medical facilities and hospitals that visitors can access if they need medical attention.

Getting to Stuart: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Stuart

The nearest major airports to Stuart are Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), which is about a one-hour drive, and Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is about a two-hour drive.

Bus Stations Near Stuart

Stuart is served by Greyhound and other bus lines, which connect the city with Miami and other major destinations in Florida.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car from any of the major car rental agencies or take a taxi to get to Stuart.

How to Get Around in Stuart

The best way to get around in Stuart is by car, but visitors can also use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft or public transport, such as the bus system, to explore the city and its surrounding regions.

Where to Go Next from Stuart: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Stuart is ideally located for day trips and excursions to other destinations, such as:

  • West Palm Beach: A vibrant city that has plenty of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
  • Port St. Lucie: A city known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and outdoor recreation activities.
  • Okeechobee: A small town that offers excellent fishing, birdwatching, and boating opportunities.

Conclusion

Stuart is a hidden gem of Florida that offers visitors a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural landmarks, and local cuisine. This comprehensive guide offers an in-depth look at the top places to visit, eat, stay, and what to do in Stuart, making it a must-read for any traveler planning a trip to this beautiful coastal city.