Location
Port St Lucie and the surrounding area
St Lucie County and Port St Lucie sit on the southeastern coast of Florida, known as the Treasure Coast. The area earned this name due to the large amount of treasure found on and off the local coastlines, much of it stemming from Spanish ships caught in storms and beached on reefs and sandbanks. These vessels carried gold and other wares, much of which remains undiscovered.
Port St Lucie is the 6th largest city in Florida and has become a popular destination for short-term rentals, attracting visitors from the north seeking to escape winters permanently or seasonally. The area offers a wealth of attractions, from the St Lucie River with ocean access to the St Lucie Mets stadium, a minor league baseball team that hosts New York Mets spring training.
Attractions and Recreation
St Lucie Botanical Gardens sits beside the St Lucie River just off Port St Lucie Boulevard. The gardens feature a wide range of plants and wildlife, including birds and reptiles such as tortoises, turtles, and alligators.
Port Pioneer Park, a new development that opened in 2024, is located on the banks of the St Lucie River and is suitable for families. For more information, visit the city webpage about the facility.
Boat Ramps provide access to the St Lucie River:
- Veterans Memorial Parkway ramp, located near Lullaby Terrace and Bordeaux
- C24 Canal boat ramp, a larger newer facility near Kern Road
Nearby Areas
Fort Pierce to the north features an excellent farmers market, a wonderful inlet with great fishing, and more.
Jensen Beach and Stuart to the east and south offer great restaurants, entertainment options, and historic buildings.
Indian River Lagoon and Beaches lie east of Port St Lucie. The intercoastal waterway can be accessed via A1A on Hutchinson Island, or for a better coastal view, take S Indian River Road from Fort Pierce to Jensen Beach. The Jensen Beach Causeway leads to the Atlantic beaches, with Jensen Beach Park as a personal favorite at the end of the causeway. Walton Rocks, located about 10 minutes north of Jensen Beach Park, is a dog beach for travelers with pets.
