Weekend on Florida's Treasure Coast

Florida's vast coastline presents abundant opportunities for boating adventures. You can choose a port as your base for a few days and explore the area with short hops to surrounding destinations. Many communities have unique personalities and first-class marina accommodations.  The charming city of Stuart is an excellent case in point. It has been a favorite stop for cruisers for years. Serving as a hub of the Intracoastal Waterway, St. Lucie Inlet and Lake Okeechobee, Stuart features marinas and anchorages that are easy to reach from the center of town.

The charming local shops and funky atmosphere make Stuart a great place to unwind before setting out for nearby ports.

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Day 1 - Hutchinson Island

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Hutchinson Island lies a short distance from Stuart, just off the coast of Martin and St. Lucie counties.The barrier island has 21 miles of unspoiled beaches that are a natural habitat for marine life and a low-key, unhurried pace. Visitors can go horseback riding, bike or walk along the pristine strands of sand. Fishermen can embark on offshore excursions into bountiful waters. The Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort & Marina is the place to dock. The 77-slip marina is part of a manicured 200-acre resort that includes an 18-hole golf course. Marina guests have access to all the resort's facilities, including the spa, fitness center, pool and restaurants.

The resort has a relaxed vibe, and the marina offers free dock-and-dine slips for day-trippers who want to cruise over for lunch or dinner.

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Day 2 - Jupiter

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From Hutchinson Island you can cruise south to the quiet town of Jupiter, which remained largely undeveloped farmland until the 1940s. The many elegant, upscale homes give Jupiter a residential feel, a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle of many Florida resorts. Jupiter's Riverwalk is a beautifully landscaped pathway that winds along the waterfront past marinas, parks, restaurants and watering holes such as Jetty's and the famous Square Grouper. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, built in 1860, is open for tours seven days a week. Tranquil Dubois Park is a favorite spot for families. The lagoon's clear, calm, shallow waters make for perfect swimming for kids. And don't miss the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, right in the center of town. Dock at The Club at Admiral's Cove.

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Day 3 - Fort Pierce

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Head north from Stuart to Fort Pierce, known as the Sunrise City. This is one of the oldest communities in Florida. It was established in 1837 as headquarters for the U.S. Army during the Seminole Indian War. Fort Pierce has become the economic hub of the Treasure Coast because of its easy water and rail transport. The port's protected inlet has long made it a favorite for cruisers looking for dockage and services. Historic Fort Pierce offers attractions on both sides of its bridges, downtown as well as along the beaches. The revitalized waterfront district is home to many restaurants, shops and galleries. Every Saturday morning, the Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society hosts a jazz market featuring great music, arts and crafts. Directly across the parking lot is one of the largest farmers' markets on the coast. Visit the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, just north of the inlet. Dock at the Fort Pierce City Marina, located right in the middle of town, the marina has a recently completed entrance channel, is close to the inlet and easy to access. Amenities include new slips, high-speed fueling and WiFi. The Tiki and Cobbs Landing restaurants draw locals, and the public library, various banks and a variety of shops are all close by.