Martin County: Florida Unfiltered
Jensen Beach
Martin County is located on the east coast of Florida, and this easy-to-get-to-area encompasses the communities of Port Salerno, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Indiantown, Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound and Hutchinson Island.
Here you can explore almost 22 miles of beaches (no charge for parking on any of the beaches), 77 parks, over 100,000 acres of parks and conservation land, which lead to plenty of affordable outdoor adventure, golf and a region overflowing with culture to welcome visitors.
Located just off A1A and accessible by a plethora of scenic avenues, Martin County is 45 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport, an hour from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, 90 minutes from Miami International Airport and two hours from Orlando International Airport.
Blending an educational experience with a fun family vacation, Martin County, FL enjoys an international reputation for its natural beauty and environmental stewardship. Here you will find miles of beaches, breathtaking outdoor venues, world-class fishing, water sports and eco-adventure. Home to the most biodiverse lagoon ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere, the St. Lucie Inlet is the conduit between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. This ecosystem provides habitat for over 4,300 species of plants and animals, including more than 30 threatened and endangered species.
In Martin County, you’ll find every kind of family activity to tickle your fancy, from rodeos to high-end shopping, art galleries and one-of-a-kind museums to eco-friendly sea turtle adventures and world-class fishing. Building restrictions have limited structures to four stories, preserving breathtaking views throughout the county. The natural beauty and attractions here offer up a treasure trove of activities — minus the crowds of our popular next-door neighbors.
Stuart Beach
Families can visit the Hobe Sound Nature Center located at the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. The national wildlife refuge is a place for families to experience undeveloped coastline and walk through protected wildlife habitat observing the organisms that live there.
Neighboring the refuge is Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which provides more educational programs, including canoe rentals and boat tours of the Loxahatchee River. Children can interact with the sea creatures at Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center ($12 for adults and $6 for ages 3-12), feed the stingrays, check out the touch-tank, stroll the trails and more on the 57-acre campus.
The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast ($8.50) is another must-visit. This family-friendly place features bright, creative and hands-on exhibits designed to spark discovery and creative thinking.
As the sun sets, relax at one of Martin County’s host of lodging options, from the newly-opened Hutchinson Shores Resort and Spa to brand name hotels to one-of-a-kind bed and breakfasts. Rest easy at familiar chains like Courtyard by Marriott, Best Western and Hampton Inn — even the Hutchinson Island Marriott, which offers a resort-style setting. Or choose from one-of-a-kind boutique properties such as the Old Colorado Inn, the Historic Seminole Inn and Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina. Unique old Florida properties such as the Driftwood Motel and River Palm Cottages both located in family-friendly downtown Jensen Beach are offering amazing summer rates. Special offers for the summer are being added daily here on the website.
Need more convincing? Check out their For Kids, By Kids series. This video series features local kids experiencing, exploring and showcasing their favorite things to do in the area. In Martin County, there is a multitude of activities to keep the kiddos occupied, from water sports on the beach to inland entertainment focusing on culture, arts, nature and horseback riding.
