It’s a Dog’s Life on the Treasure Coast!

April 26, 2023 | Read Time: 3 minutes

two dogs laying on Floridas Treasure Coast beach with a ball

With year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, and plenty of water to splash in, the Treasure Coast is a beloved destination for furry friends from around the globe. Fortunately for their owners, this section along Florida’s Atlantic coastline is just as welcoming to two-legged companions. From ample dog-friendly parks and restaurants to natural water parks and beaches, the Treasure Coast welcomes every Member of the family. See which local hot spots are fan favorites on the Treasure Coast, achieving “Top Dog” status.

Walton Rocks Off-Leash Public Beach

Walton Rocks Off-Leash Public Beach

Located on Hutchinson Island just north of Jensen Beach, Walton Rocks Beach is not only a great surf spot but also a favored destination for dog owners. This off-leash beach access spans 24 acres, giving pets plenty of room to enjoy the sand or splash in the waves. The beach is open from sunrise to sunset, ensuring ample time for dogs to socialize and make new friends.

Woof-Worthy Halpatiokee Regional Park Trails

Dog exploring Halpatiokee Regional Park Trails

Halpatiokee Regional Park in Stuart is the largest park in Martin County, offering plenty of natural green space for fur babies and puppers to roam and play. Owners and their dogs can embark on an adventure through the park’s many hiking trails, which wind through pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, scrub, and river land. A public dog park area features designated separate sections for small and large dogs, complete with an agility course.

Area Beaches – Pooch Paradise

Dog on the beach along the Treasure Coast

Stuart Beach is a top choice for dog owners in search of some fun in the sun, sand, and surf. Dogs on leashes are welcome at any unguarded beach access, including popular spots like Santa Lucea Beach, Tiger Shores, Ross Witham Beach, and Bob Graham Park. The beaches along this section of Atlantic coastline are open from sunrise to sunset, with crystal-clear waters and gentle waves ideal for dogs to cool off on a hot summer day. Waste stations and bags are provided to help keep the beach clean and enjoyable for everyone.

Content courtesy of Harbour Ridge.

Treasure Coast Natural Attractions to Explore This Spring

April 25, 2023 | Read Time: 3 minutes

people kayaking along Florida's Treasure Coast

From state parks and beaches to peaceful gardens and waterways, Florida’s Treasure Coast is a natural wonderland that both residents and visitors love to explore year-round. The spring season, however, is the most special, with more sunshine, breezy afternoons, and mild temperatures that inspire every age to get outside.

Savannas Preserve State Park

Spanning from Ft. Pierce to Jensen Beach, Savannas Preserve State Park is the largest and most intact remnant of Florida’s east coast savannas. On land, visitors can explore the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife via 17 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. With the St. Lucie River, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere, winding through the park, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing in the wetlands are also popular activities.

SAVANNAS PRESERVE STATE PARK lake

Oxbow Eco-Center

girl at OXBOW ECO-CENTER with butterfly

Situated on 225 acres along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, the Oxbow Eco-Center’s nature preserves and environmental learning center inspire stewardship for the natural world. Visitors are welcome to learn about the local ecosystem and the importance of conservation through educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and more. The center’s 3.5-mile hiking trail features an observation tower and a boardwalk that meanders through the wetlands and along the river. Make sure to keep an eye out for gopher tortoises, otters, birds, and more as you stroll along!

Treasure Coast Botanical Gardens

The Treasure Coast is home to two unique botanical gardens perfect for watching spring flowers bloom. The Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens is a welcome oasis of greenery in the heart of the city, with a butterfly garden, an orchid room, a rose garden, and more perfect for a leisurely stroll. These gardens are also popular for birdwatching, with great blue herons, red-bellied woodpeckers, ospreys, and more. In Fort Pierce, Heathcote Botanical Gardens is home to an assortment of native flora and exotic plants to peruse. The five-acre gardens include a Japanese garden, rainforest display, native palms collection, herb garden, and more.

TREASURE COAST BOTANICAL GARDENS pathway

Georges Valentine Shipwreck

GEORGES VALENTINE SHIPWRECK kids exploring in the water

While many of the Treasure Coast’s natural attractions are on land, the area’s bountiful waterways are also thriving with activity. For a snorkeling adventure, the shipwreck of Georges Valentine on Hutchinson Island is one of only 12 underwater archeological preserves within the state of Florida. Its location just 100 yards offshore makes it easy for guests of all ages to snorkel or dive through the wreckage and take in the abundance of marine life in the area.

Original Article Published By Live Wylder

Spend a Sunday on the Treasure Coast

April 19, 2023 | Read Time: 4 minutes

When you have a busy schedule filled with routine, nothing feels more freeing than a Sunday with absolutely no plans. It’s a blank slate waiting to be filled with fun adventures. Luckily for those who live along Florida’s Treasure Coast, there’s never a shortage of exciting activities to make your day unforgettable. Let’s dive in and explore some of the local’s favorite ways to spend the day.

morning sunrise fishing on the Treasure Coast

Ships Ahoy!

Between the Atlantic Ocean, St. Lucie River, and Lake Okeechobee, the Treasure Coast is filled with ways to explore the water. Take to the seas with a guided tour on a comfortable pontoon boat through Treasure Coast River Cruises. If you prefer to take the helm, rent a boat from one of two area outposts of Feet Wet Adventures and explore the area by water. At the Riverwatch location, paddle around the mangroves and through nature preserves. The Hutchinson Island location offers deep channels for boating and miles of pristine beaches. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for manatees or dolphins on your adventure!

To The Market

Don’t sleep in next Sunday! Instead, grab your reusable shopping bag and a good appetite and head to Market on Main in Downtown Stuart. Open from 9 am to 1 pm, you can fill your fridge with tasty treats ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to baked goods and sauces. Then, pick up some crafts made by local artisans to decorate your home. After the market, follow the sounds of music to Rock ‘N Riverwalk, a weekly waterfront concert series featuring the best local musicians.
Photo Credit: Stuart Main Street

Travel Back In Time

Take a fascinating look at the area’s eclectic past at the Elliott Museum. The two-story museum on Hutchinson Island is filled with something for every age and interest to enjoy, including a comprehensive assemblage of Model A trucks, an extensive collection of signed baseball cards, the history of local smugglers the Ashley Gang, classic artwork, and more.

The Elliot Museum in Stuart Florida

Enjoy The Sun, Surf, And Sand

For many Florida residents, the beach is a natural choice on a sunny Sunday. With 21 miles of pristine white sand and beautiful azure waters, the Treasure Coast is lined with spectacular options to choose from. Stuart and Jensen Beaches are favored choices, with picnic areas, sand volleyball courts, and beachside dining. Families can enjoy walking along the beach and picking up seashells, or a relaxing dip in the ocean to cool off and float away any worries. Or just bring a beach towel and a good book for a peaceful day in the sand.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

Enjoy a ballpark hot dog and the roar of the crowd at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Located in nearby Jupiter, this modern ballpark hosts spring training games for both the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals. When these major league teams leave Roger Dean to head to their home stadiums, the minors arrive. In fact, it’s the only stadium in the country to host four minor league teams. So, get some peanuts and Cracker Jacks and cheer on your favorite sports team!

Original Article Published By Storie FL

Roger Dean Stadium Aerial

Local Favorite Holiday Events on Florida’s Treasure Coast

December 5, 2022 | Read Time: 4 minutes

From boat parades and light shows to concerts and carnivals, Florida’s Treasure Coast hosts an abundance of events year-round to entertain residents of all lifestyles. The holiday season, however, is the most special, with events that have become traditions residents enjoy year after year. Discover all the exciting Treasure Coast holiday events.
The Port St. Lucie Community Center is taking the lights to the streets for this year’s Winter Wonderland Light Show. Synchronized to holiday music, six leaping arches provide a kaleidoscope of color, while trees are adorned with festive lights.
Explore Fort Pierce’s Heathcote Botanical Gardens in a whole new light this holiday season at their Garden of Lights event. For the entire month of December, Heathcote’s five acres of gardens will be illuminated with thousands of lights handcrafted into colorful seasonal and whimsical garden displays.
santa on a firetruck at Stuart Christmas Parade Treasure Coast Holiday EventsStuart Christmas Parade has been surprising and delighting visitors and locals alike for over 50 years. Head downtown on December 2 to soak in the holiday spirit, with floats designed around this year’s theme, “A Storybook Christmas.”
A holiday tradition for the whole family, over 50 local non-profits have created lighted Christmas displays for this year’s Carnival of Lights. Taking place at the Martin County Fair, guests can enjoy Christmas crafts, food trucks, carnival rides, and festive holiday music provided by local schools and musicians.
Boats decorated with lights for the St. Lucie County Holiday Boat Parade Treasure Coast Holiday Events Mariners are invited to decorate their boats both big and small with fun holiday decorations to show off in the St. Lucie County Holiday Boat Parade. The parade begins just north of the South Causeway Bridge, travels through the Fort Pierce Inlet, and ends at the Fort Pierce City Marina. Guests can enjoy viewing the boat parade from waterfront restaurants, parks, and other locations along the St. Lucie River route.
christmas lights at Festival of Lights in st lucie county Treasure Coast Holiday Events Start the holiday season in style at the Mid Florida Credit Union Event Center with their annual Festival of Lights. The event includes a holiday parade, a tree lighting ceremony, live holiday music, fireworks, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and much more.
While Downtown Fort Pierce is already recognized as one of the most beautiful Main Streets in America, the holiday season brings a new type of beauty to the region. The annual Sights & Sounds on Second Parade kicks off a night of holiday celebrations, with floats from local vendors under the theme “Country Christmas.” After the parade, stay downtown to witness the official lighting of Main Street.
Downtown Fort Pierce is also home to the Holiday Lights Spectacular, a dazzling light show that sparkles in the night sky during the holiday season. Over 100,000 lights are synchronized to holiday music, creating a must-see spectacle for both locals and out-of-town guests.
Grab a comfy blanket, a lawn chair, and bring the whole family together to watch the holiday classic The Polar Express at the Mid Florida Event Center. Taking place on the expansive outdoor lawn, guests can enjoy the Florida weather while enjoying free popcorn. Kona Ice will also be at the event with shaved ice cups.
Celebrate Hispanic culture at Veterans Park’s annual Noche Buena festivities. Celebrating the Hispanic version of Christmas Eve, residents are invited to enjoy a night filled with live music by four-time Grammy award-winning musician Tomasito Cruz, dancing, and delicious food.