Places to Visit on Hutchinson Island

Hutchinson Island, Florida offers something for everyone!
If your in to wildlife, arts, culture, history, or just laying on a secluded sunny beach, Hutchinson Island has it! From our beautiful state parks to the historic downtowns of Jensen Beach, Stuart, and Fort Pierce there is plenty to see and experience.

Florida Cracker Airboat Tours Just 8 Miles off of I95 at the Blue Cypress recreation area Vero Beach FL. 772-563-0001 Climb aboard a state-of-the-art, real airplane engine powered airboat for an unforgettable airboat ride experience as Florida Cracker Airboat Tours take you through the marsh and wetlands ecosystem of St. Johns River in Florida where you'll see an abundance of wildlife including alligators and beautiful South Florida birds. You'll enjoy a guided tour complete with headsets. You'll not only hear your guide, Lawrence Kyzer, tell you all about the Florida wetlands while pointing out the gators and birds along the way, you'll actually be able to speak with anyone on the tour via the talk around headsets and ask questions! Kids and adults alike will love it! Purchase Tickets by calling 772-563-0001 for reservations or visit www.floridacrackerairboatride.com
Indian River Lagoon and Swampland Boat Tours Located just off Hutchinson Island at the Fort Pierce City Marina, in the Fort Pierce FL. 772-464-4445 Experience Florida's wildlife at it's best with an exciting and education 90 minute Boat Tour of the Indian River Lagoon and Estuary. Learn about and experience Florida's dolphins, manatee, birds, turtles, and fish. As well as, the Indian River Lagoon and Estuary eco system, mangroves and more with Captain "Chop" as your guide. As a third generation Audubon Warden, Captain "Chop" is one of the most knowledgeable people on Florida's wildlife and eco system. Great for Kids and Adults alike! Purchase tickets at the Indian River Lagoon Boat Tour Ticket Booth located at Fort Pierce City Marina or call 772-464-4445 for more info. visit: http://indianriverlagoonandswamplandboattours.com
Avalon State Park Located along A1A on North Hutchinson Island in St. Lucie County, four miles north of Ft. Pierce Inlet State Park is one of the state's newest seaside parks, Avalon has more than a mile of increasingly rare undeveloped beachfront. The park provides habitat for many species of wildlife. Threatened and endangered sea turtles, like the loggerhead, Atlantic green, and leatherback, nest on the beach during the spring and summer. Swimmers and snorkelers are advised to be cautious of underwater obstacles left behind by amphibious warfare exercises during World War II. Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year. Currently, there is no entrance fee for this park.
Elliott Museum 772-225-1961 825 NE Ocean Blvd, Hutchinson Island The Elliott Museum was founded in 1960 by Harmon Elliott in memory of his father, turn-of-the-century inventor Sterling Elliott. Created to showcase the inventive genius of Elliott and the 'American spirit.' The museum, a 53-year-old Martin County institution, has undergone a major re-visioning as well. Focusing on art, history and technology, the new Elliott Museum aims to tell the rich story of our region, capture the spirit of innovation that has left an indelible mark on the American psyche, and celebrate the power of originality. Admission: Adults - $ 12, Children (2 to 12 years) - $6, Under 2 years of age - Free visit: www.elliottmuseum.org
Florida Dolphin Watch Tours 772-466-4660 125 Fisherman's Wharf Fort Pierce, FL Unique year-round dolphin watching boat tour for groups of six passengers at a time. The sightseeing tour lasts two hours. Adult tickets are $35 and tickets for children under 13 are $17.50. The tour leaves at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. every day. Advance reservations are required.
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park 905 Shorewinds Drive, Fort Pierce, Fl Phone: 772-468-3985 The shores and coastal waters at this park provide an abundance of recreational opportunities. Dynamite Point was once the training site for WWII Navy Frogmen, but is now a haven for birdwatchers. Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
Florida Oceanographic Society Coastal Science Center 772-225-0505 89C NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River lagoon, the 40 acre parcel houses the Coastal Science Center's headquarters, library, nature trails and its newly completed visitor center. With its coastal hardwood hammocks and mangrove forest communities, the site provides excellent opportunities for education and research. Admissions: Adults $8.00, Children 3 to 12 $4.00, Children under 3, Free! Society Members Free!
FP&L Energy Encounter 6501 South Ocean Drive, Highway A1A, Gate B Jensen Beach, FL (772) 468-4111, 1-877-FPL-4FUN (toll-free), 1-877-375-4386 (toll-free) A1A on Hutchinson Island at the St. Lucie Nuclear Plant See how energy powers the world with hands-on displays and exhibits, intriguing games and demonstrations. Discover the secrets of the atom and get a first hand look at nuclear power. FPL Turtle Walks are conducted Friday and Saturday nights in June and July. Admission to the center is free, but reservations are requested for groups of 10 or more
Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum 772-225-1875 301 SE MacArthur Blvd, Hutchinson Island Gilbert's Bar Station is the oldest building on the Treasure Coast and the only fully restored House of Refuge in Florida. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the House (circa 1876) is a museum displaying historical maritime artifacts, personal items and furnishings belonging to the House's 'Keeper' and family, and a model ship collection. A handcrafted reproduction of a 150-yr-old surf boat is on display outside. Shipwreck artifacts and much more! The House of Refuge is also a shipwreck dive site. Dive the shipwreck of George's Valentine. Free of charge. Admission: Adults - $8, Children (2 to 12 years) - $3 Under 6 years of age - Free visit: www.houseofrefugefl.org
Historic Downtown Fort Pierce, Florida One of the oldest communities on the east coast of Florida, Fort Pierce has borne witness to the changing tides of history, as well as the changing tides of the Atlantic Ocean for over 104 years.
Historic Downtown Jensen Beach, Florida
Historic Downtown Stuart, Florida This quaint little town offers exceptional shopping with variety of unique boutiques, and a wide array of dining options, from casual sidewalk restaurants to gourmet cafes.
Heathcote Botanical Gardens 210 Savannah Road, Fort Pierce, Fl 772-464-4672 Heathcote Botanical Gardens consists of an assortment of specialty gardens including a Japanese Garden, Reflection Garden, Herb Garden, Rainforest Display, Native Plants Garden and a Palm & Cycad Walk. $6.00 Adults, $5.00 Seniors, $2.00 Children 6-12, Children under 6 are free
Jungle Eco-Cruise North Fork of the St Lucie River Aquatic Preserve, River Park Marina 500 SE Prima Vista Blvd, Port St Lucie, FL Offering the only cruise for exploring the jungle-like backwaters of the Real Florida. Common sightings are alligators, turtles and native birds. See Florida's Wildlife at its best! 1 1/2 hour Cruise $18.78 + tax (reservations required). Reservations Required 772.489.8344
Nature Cruise To Bird Island 772-489-8344 Veterans Memorial Park at Rivergate 2200 SE Veterans Memorial Parkway, Port St Lucie, FL See nesting birds on the bird watching cruise, which departs at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays. Private charters are available, and reservations are required. Reservations Required
The Manatee Observation and Education Center 480 North Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL Phone (772) 466-1600 ext. 3333 Manatees can be viewed at the Center year-round. Stand along the covered observation walkway or climb the second story observation tower to see these are wild, not captive manatees. Outside the Center, you will see a variety of wildlife including Bottlenose Dolphin, Mullet, Brown Pelicans, and Terns. Admission: $ 1.00 per person, Children under 6 free with Adult, Members free
Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit 420 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 772-462-FISH (3474) - Group bookings: 772-465-3271 At the Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, visitors can explore six different Florida marine habitats and learn about the complexity and importance of marine ecosystems. Adults: $3.00, Children: $2.00, Seniors: $2.00. First Tuesday of every month is FREE! Group rates available with advanced notice.
St. Lucie Historical Museum 772-462-1795 414 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL Enter the St. Lucie County Historical Museum through a replica of our early F.E.C. train station where volunteers will greet you. Then depart on a journey to discover the rich heritage of the Treasure Coast. Begin with a view of the first known inhabitants, the Ais Indians. Archaeological finds and DeBry sketches show their culture. Admission: Adult $4.00; Seniors $3.50; Children 6-17 $1.50; Children under 6 are free (Ask about special rates for County residents and group rates)
St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park 4810 S.E. Cove Road, Stuart, FL Phone: 772-219-1880 This classic Florida barrier island is accessible only by boat, but it is worth the ride. A boardwalk takes visitors across mangrove forests and hammocks of live oaks, cabbage palms, paradise trees, and wild limes to a neatly preserved Atlantic beach. Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year. Park Fees: $2.00 per boat; $1.00 per canoe/kayak.
Sunrise Theatre 117 S 2nd St, Fort Pierce, FL 34950 772-461-4884 The Sunrise Theatre is located in the heart of historic downtown Fort Pierce , within sight of the picturesque waters of the Indian River Lagoon. The state of the arts facility offers unobstructed views of the stage from all 1,200 seats for the presentation of local and national touring musical acts, dance troupes, orchestras, etc.
The Courthouse Cultural Museum 772-288-2542 80 East Ocean Blvd., Stuart The old Martin County Courthouse has been restored to its original 1937 architectural design and now houses two galleries. Displays include historical photographs of early Martin County works by local artists and other changing exhibitions. Seasonal hours, admission by donation.
The Lyric Theatre 59 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart 772-220-1942 This Mediterranean Revival style theatre was built in 1925 and is listed on the National Historic Register it is presently being restored to its original Art Deco decor and being used for concerts, plays and other events.
UDT/Seal Museum 772-595-1570 3300 North A1A, Pepper Park, Fort Pierce This memorial museum, located on the exact site where the World War II Navy frogmen trained, provides modern day visitors with a closer look at the practical aspects and historical significance of those who served on the Navy's SEAL and Underwater Demolition Teams. Adults (ages 13 and over) $6.00, Children (ages 6 - 12) $3.00,Children (5 and under) Free, Entry fee included with membership