Travel Guide To St Lucie, Florida

If you are looking for a destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, history, and culture, then St Lucie, Florida is the place to be. This hidden gem on Florida’s east coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, mountains, and natural wonders that will take your breath away. Whether you are a history buff, foodie, beach bum, or adventure seeker, St Lucie has something for everyone.

Top Attractions

St Lucie offers a wide range of attractions that cater to different interests. If you are a nature lover, you must visit the St Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park also offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas.

If you are an art enthusiast, you should check out the A.E. Backus Museum and Gallery, which features the works of some of the most renowned artists in Florida. The museum also offers art classes and workshops for kids and adults.

For a fun-filled day with your family, head to the Sailfish Splash Waterpark, which boasts of some of the most exciting water slides and pools in the region. The park also has a lazy river and a toddler play area.

Food Scene

St Lucie is known for its diverse and vibrant food scene, with something for everyone. For a taste of the local cuisine, head to the Tin Fish Restaurant, which is famous for its seafood dishes. The restaurant also offers stunning views of the St Lucie River.

If you are in the mood for some Mexican cuisine, you should check out the Tako Tiki Restaurant, which offers a wide range of tacos, burritos, and other Mexican delicacies. The restaurant also has a lively ambiance and outdoor seating.

Budget-Friendly Tips

St Lucie offers several budget-friendly options for travelers. To save on accommodation costs, you can opt for camping at the St Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park, which offers several campsites and cabins at reasonable rates.

For a cheap and delicious meal, head to the Sunrise City Cafe, which is famous for its breakfast dishes. The cafe also offers lunch and dinner options at affordable prices.

Outdoor Adventures

St Lucie is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with a range of activities to choose from. If you are a water sports lover, you can go kayaking or paddleboarding on the St Lucie River or the Indian River Lagoon.

For a challenging hike, head to the Savannas Preserve State Park, which offers several trails of different difficulty levels. The park is also home to several species of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and birds.

Historical Landmarks

St Lucie has a rich history, and there are several landmarks that showcase its past. The Fort Pierce City Hall, which was built in 1925, is a beautiful example of Mediterranean Revival architecture. The building also has a clock tower and a bell that rings every hour.

The Sunrise Theatre, which was built in 1923, is another historical landmark that has been restored to its former glory. The theater hosts a range of events, including plays, concerts, and movies.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

For a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience, you can visit the Treasure Coast Wildlife Center, which is a rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned wildlife. The center also offers educational programs and guided tours.

If you are a history buff, you can visit the Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge, which was built in 1876 to provide shelter to shipwrecked sailors. The house has been restored and turned into a museum that showcases the history of the region.

Natural Wonders

St Lucie is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in Florida. The Bathtub Reef Beach is a must-visit destination, with crystal-clear water and a vibrant coral reef that is home to a range of marine life.

The Heathcote Botanical Gardens is another natural wonder that is worth a visit. The garden features several themed areas, including a Japanese garden, a rainforest display, and a butterfly garden.

Vibrant Nightlife

If you are looking for a vibrant nightlife scene, St Lucie has several options to choose from. The Sailfish Brewing Company is a popular destination for craft beer lovers, with several locally brewed beers on tap.

The Black Box VR Lounge is another popular destination, with a range of virtual reality games and experiences. The lounge also has a bar and a restaurant that serves delicious food and drinks.

Local Markets

For a taste of the local culture and cuisine, head to the Downtown Fort Pierce Farmers Market, which is held every Saturday. The market offers a range of fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.

The Stuart Green Market is another popular market that is held every Sunday. The market offers a range of organic produce, artisanal cheeses, and other local products.

Beaches and Mountains

St Lucie offers a perfect blend of beaches and mountains, with something for everyone. The Hutchinson Island is a popular destination for beach lovers, with several miles of unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear water.

The Blowing Rocks Preserve is another must-visit destination, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and a range of hiking trails. The preserve also has a unique geological formation, with limestone rocks that blow water up to 50 feet high.

Cultural Immersion

St Lucie has a rich cultural heritage, and there are several opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture. The Navy UDT-SEAL Museum is a must-visit destination for military history buffs, with several exhibits that showcase the history of the Navy SEALs.

The St Lucie County Regional History Center is another popular destination, with several exhibits that showcase the history of the region, including the Seminole Wars, the citrus industry, and the pineapple industry.

Art and Music Scene

St Lucie has a vibrant art and music scene, with several events and festivals throughout the year. The Pineapple Festival, which is held every November, is a popular event that celebrates the region’s pineapple heritage with live music, food, and crafts.

The Art Mundo Gallery is another popular destination for art lovers, with several exhibits that showcase the works of local artists. The gallery also offers art classes and workshops for kids and adults.

Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great way to explore St Lucie’s rich history and culture. The Fort Pierce Walking Tours offer several options, including a historic downtown tour, a ghost tour, and a public art tour.

The Stuart Heritage Museum offers several walking tours that showcase the history of the region, including the Stuart Heritage Riverwalk Tour and the Stuart Historic Downtown Walking Tour.

Architectural Marvels

St Lucie is home to several architectural marvels that are worth a visit. The House of Refuge, which was built in 1876, is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. The building has been restored and turned into a museum that showcases the history of the region.

The P.P. Cobb Building, which was built in 1915, is another architectural marvel that is worth a visit. The building features a beautiful facade and an elegant interior, with several shops and restaurants.

Historical Sites

St Lucie has a rich history, and there are several historical sites that are worth a visit. The Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge, which was built in 1876, is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture. The building has been restored and turned into a museum that showcases the history of the region.

The Fort Pierce City Hall, which was built in 1925, is another historical site that is worth a visit. The building features Mediterranean Revival architecture and a clock tower.

Biking Routes

St Lucie offers several biking routes that showcase the region’s natural beauty and history. The Hutchinson Island Loop is a popular route that is perfect for beginners, with stunning views of the ocean and several beach access points.

The Savannas Preserve State Park Loop is another popular route that is perfect for intermediate bikers. The trail offers stunning views of the savannas and several species of wildlife.

Wellness Retreats

St Lucie offers several wellness retreats that cater to different interests. The Yoga Fish Studio is a popular destination for yoga lovers, with several classes and workshops throughout the week.

The Life Extension Institute is another popular destination for wellness enthusiasts, with several programs that focus on nutrition, fitness, and stress management.

In conclusion, St Lucie, Florida is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a history buff, foodie, beach bum, or adventure seeker, St Lucie has several attractions and activities that will make your trip unforgettable. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore this hidden gem on Florida’s east coast.