St. Lucie County

St. Lucie County offers over 20 miles of white sandy beaches along the Atlantic coast.

History enthusiasts will enjoy learning about the coast’s background as the training site of the Frogmen during World War II at the National Navy SEAL Museum on the barrier island.

Also on the barrier island, is Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. Its half-mile of white sand beach is favored by swimmers, snorkelers, and beachcombers. Bluefish, snook, flounder and trout draw anglers to its shores while the Coastal Hammock Trail attracts hikers to explore gumbo limbo, redbay and oak trees.

Horseback riding, biking and hiking are popular along the trails in Savannas Preserve State Park, while fishing, kayaking and canoeing are popular in the wetlands. The park, once known for its large pineapple farm, now protects over 10 miles of freshwater basin marsh and sand pine scrub ridge.

Aquatic Preserves Vero Beach to Ft. Pierce and Jensen Beach to Jupiter Inlet extend down the Indian River along St. Lucie County’s shoreline. The St. Lucie Aquarium and its Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit allows visitors to learn more about the marine life and ecosystems of the lagoon through living models, displays and touch tanks.

Spoil Islands, or artificial islands created as a product of dredging, are dispersed throughout the lagoon providing recreational opportunities and ecological preservation.

Adventurers using shallow draft power boats, canoes or sail boats will enjoy voyaging out to camp at the recreational islands, many of which are equipped with picnic tables, pedestal grills and a fire ring. Spoil Island SL 3’s matting and other amenities make it compatible for those with limited mobility.

The coastal city of Fort Pierce is known for the old Florida charm of its historic waterfront downtown and main street. It is also renowned for seasonal game fishing, holding the world record for spotted sea trout at 17 pounds and 7 ounces. Throughout the city, visitors can find trail markers along the Zora Neale Hurston Dust Tracks Heritage Trail commemorating the distinguished author’s life and her time living in Fort Pierce.

Avalon State Park is another great location for beach recreation with over a mile of pristine beachfront. In addition to activities such as hiking, paddling, swimming and sunbathing, visitors are welcome to participate in the outdoor adventure of geocaching to find trinkets, treasures and information using GPS.